The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

Mixerfistit

Member

Registered: 2023-02-28

Posts: 56

Alternative key fobs

Pretty trivial query this one but I'm curious.

I don't particularly like the side button key fobs on the Dispatch. Aside from not being the best aesthetic (IMHO), the side buttons seem like they'd be easily snapped off the board.

So with that, has anyone tried pairing a fob from another model of the same marque.
For a Dispatch, maybe a xsara picasso or even a slightly newer C3/C4 etc

Is it even possible? Maybe even if the frequency is fine, perhaps the rolling codes are forever incompatible?

I know very little about how the handshaking works, but I know how to use lexia to pair fobs and transponders. I was just thinking before replacing rubber buttons on a fob is it worth paying a few quid more and moving the blade onto a second hand fob of a different shape.

For the avoidance of doubt this is just regarding the remote central locking not the immobiliser transponder - they can be moved.

@JohnDragonMan if anyone likes to fiddle with things that ought not to be fiddled with it's you so here's hoping..

AlvyLad

Member

Registered: 2021-06-11

Posts: 479

Re: Alternative key fobs

Best people to answer it is the local to you keycoding specialists.
I got Peugeot key and cheap eBay knock off with non existent CL (but with buttons)
1'st obstacle was a near impossible to fing key cutters, to cut them in to correct shape, so finally found out about recoding etc, and the people that deal with them. Basically the one of eBay is useless, the one for Peugeot came to just recode £75, but with to have it cut £120,
And the lad just explained, that regardless of remote buttons on the key, its not feature installed/build in my van.
So, in accordance to the make, year, style of the key, only specialised set-ups can code passive chip inside, the same with the remote.
Best option (cheapest) still ended up to go to dealers, to order from them (with V5) at a £ 85, but still without remote function. If I lose my single key i got, that'll be a massive disaster.

JohnDragonMan

Member

From: Derby, East Midlands, UK

Registered: 2020-06-02

Posts: 456

Website

Re: Alternative key fobs

i got my original key fob/plip working once after a mass soldering session. once. it worked one time and then never did again. they operate on 433.925 mhz. if you get one of those cheap chinese UHF hand held radios they can detect the signal and tell you if the keyfob is working.

i pretty much just wired in an after market Toad (ai606) alarm, wiring it into the loom going to the original "body control module"/original central locking module wiring.

much more neat and an alarm over just central locking.

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- JohnDragonMan
Notice: I have the tendency to void warranties, blow fuses, cause fires, and other fun stuff.
Words of wisdom: Internally rust proof the sills and subframe! both skins!!. There's always user serviceable parts inside. "Oh that shouldn't have happened".
My 2005 Dispatch Camper Project

Mixerfistit

Member

Registered: 2023-02-28

Posts: 56

Re: Alternative key fobs

Yeah key fob was believed to be working as I could see a few tenths of a volt dropping on a button press (new battery ordered), and as of now I've successfully programmed the fob with lexia and have the locking back.

Alvylad I've got my new transponder ordered so will program that so I have a backup. For £85 you'd be better off buying a lexia/diagbox should you need to lol
As for blades, the previous owner had the antenna and the key wrapped up behind the dash and aftermarket barrel fitted. I retrieved it then using heat on the key blades swapped them and it's solid. I have to order a new set though as all door barrels are siezed and the driver's door opens with anything (which is why I was so keen to restore the immobiliser!)

£70 for 5 barrels and an ignition though.. - on that note why the hell are there locks on the side doors. They're about 6 inches from the front doors!