Citreon Key Replacement

Short answer: Not really (or at least, not fully).

Details / context:

• Halfords do advertise “How and where to find replacement keys” on their support pages, and indicate that in “some instances” they can source a key from its original key number or source a replacement barrel + keys. Halfords+2Halfords+2

• However, several third-party sources assert that Halfords does not offer a full car-key replacement service in its stores. AAKeys+1

• What they do reliably offer is key fob battery replacement (i.e. replacing the battery inside your existing remote key) — for example, Halfords charges £7 (excluding the battery itself) for key fob battery replacement across many of their stores. Halfords

• So in summary: Halfords might assist in sourcing blanks or parts, but they are not generally a full-service provider for cutting + programming a replacement car key (especially for modern keys with transponders or remotes).

If you like, I can check whether there is any Halfords branch near Horsham that does provide full key replacement services (cut + program) as a special case.

Yes — Timpson does offer car key programming (as well as cutting/replacement) services.

Details:

• According to Timpson’s own site: they can replace, repair or reprogram keys for many vehicles. Timpson+1

• Their “Car Key Replacement” service states: “Most car keys can be cut and then collected in-store on the same day,” and “remote car keys – we cut and programme all vehicle keys with remote control.” Timpson

• They also run a tool called Car Key Finder, which gives you prices and types of keys (branded, non-branded, universal) for your vehicle. timpsonsecurity.co.uk

• However—not all Timpson branches may offer full programming for all vehicles or advanced keys (rolling codes, smart keys, etc.). Some reports from forums say that certain branches were unable to programme some models. Honest John

• As a rough guide, people quote that a “standard key” (non-remote) might cost ~£25, and a full remote fob key maybe ~£140 at Timpson depending on the car. leicesterautolocksmith.co.uk

So yes, Timpson does provide programming services, but whether your specific car / key type is supported depends on the branch and the technology involved.

There is a wide range of costs. It depends heavily on:

• Whether the key is a simple mechanical key (no electronics / no immobiliser chip)

• Whether it’s a transponder / immobiliser chip key

• Whether it has remote / keyless / “smart key” / push-button starts

• Labour/programming time and whether a mobile service is used

• Whether you go through manufacturer / dealership vs independent locksmith

Here are some ballpark figures (UK & general) from sources:

Some concrete examples:

• AutoZone (US context) suggests traditional keys $25–$100, transponder keys $100–$250, smart keys $200–$500+ AutoZone.com

• In the UK, some auto locksmiths show base programming fees of £30–£50, hourly labour £40–80, call-out charges £30–£50 (for mobile) dbcarkeys.co.uk

• For Citroen models, Car Keys Solutions quotes spare keyless keys as:
   • Citroen C3: ~£140 Car Keys Solutions
   • Citroen C4: ~£218 Car Keys Solutions
   • Citroen C5: ~£174 Car Keys Solutions

• UK Car Locksmiths list: lost Citroen key replacement starts from £149; lockout from ~£99 UK Auto Locksmith

• Reports from forums and anecdotal quotes: a programmed key might go for ~£59 in some independent shops, whereas dealers often quote £200+ for some cars. PistonHeads

• One car owner reported a dealer quoting £325 (including programme) for a Volkswagen key. Reddit

So overall: a simple key might cost £20–50 (if no electronics), but for modern remote / transponder keys, expect somewhere between perhaps £100 to £300+ depending on complexity and vehicle make.

Programming a Citroen key (or fob) can be moderately complex and often requires specialized diagnostic tools and access to security codes. The procedure depends on the model, year, and what kind of key (transponder, remote, smart) you’re dealing with.

Below is a general guide, with caveats. Always check your car’s manual or consult a professional, especially for newer or high-security models.

Key / fob programming principles (for Citroen / PSA vehicles)

Some general principles and constraints to understand:

• Citroen / PSA systems typically have a transponder chip in the key that must be “introduced” or “paired” to the car’s immobiliser / BSI (Body System Interface). Honest John+3French Car Forum+3nwkeys.co.uk+3

• A security (PIN) code is often required to allow programming of new keys. Some diagnostic tools / locksmiths can extract the PIN from the vehicle’s control units (if you have a working key), or in “lost key mode” (if no working keys remain). Honest John+3nwkeys.co.uk+3French Car Forum+3

• When programming, you typically must program all keys at once. If you miss an existing key during a session, it may be “forgotten” by the vehicle (stop working) until reintroduced. French Car Forum+2French Car Forum+2

• After setting up the transponder / immobiliser part, you often need to synchronise the remote / high-frequency functions (lock/unlock) via a specific procedure (e.g. via ignition + button presses). French Car Forum+2Honest John+2

• For some older Citroen models, there are “manual” / self-programming methods (without dealer tools) described in forums. askthemechanic.co.uk

• For newer ones (smart keys / proximity keys), you will almost certainly need a professional diagnostic tool (e.g. DiagBox / Lexia / PP2000) or locksmith’s setup. There are many YouTube demos of programming Citroen / Peugeot keys using those tools. YouTube

Example: programming a Citroen remote (simpler case)

One resource (Ask The Mechanic) gives steps for remotes / plip keys on Citroen models like Xsara, Picasso, etc. askthemechanic.co.uk Sample procedure:

1. Make sure all doors are unlocked (manually with the key).

2. Press & hold the remote button until its LED stops flashing.

3. After releasing, the LED should light constantly.

4. Press the remote button once — LED should go off.

5. Open a door; hold the remote near the ignition switch; press the remote button once.

6. Turn ignition ON, wait ~10 seconds, then turn ignition OFF.

7. After ~5 seconds, remote should now operate.

If the remote has two buttons (lock/unlock + deadlock), there’s a modified procedure: hold the main button while LED is flashing, press the smaller button, etc. (Detailed in the same source.) askthemechanic.co.uk

This kind of procedure is for the remote / lock/unlock function once the transponder is already valid.

Example: programming a “full key” using diagnostic tools

For adding a new key (or replacing a lost one) you typically:

1. Connect a diagnostic tool (e.g. Lexia / DiagBox / PP2000) to the car’s diagnostic port.

2. Use the tool to access immobiliser / key programming or “add new key” menu.

3. Input or confirm the car’s security PIN / code.

4. Use the software to write the key’s transponder ID into the car’s memory.

5. After that, synchronise the remote side (lock/unlock) via ignition/button steps.

Forums describe doing that for Citroen C4 / C5, etc. French Car Forum+1
For example, one forum post for a C4:

• First, “introduce” the transponder(s) via Lexia/diagnostic session.

• Then, to synchronise remote, put the key in ignition, turn ON, then within some time (e.g. 5 seconds) press lock button for ~5 seconds. Then turn off ignition. (Simplified) French Car Forum+1

Another user describes remote re-synchronisation:

“Switch off ignition, wait 1 min without pressing any remote buttons. Place the remote key in ignition “on” position, then within 10 seconds press lock for 5 seconds, switch off, etc.” French Car Forum