Is there a way to find my key number? Citroen C1

[mibaup]

Hello,

An online locksmith said he can cut a key more accurately if I provide a key number (not the security key code), which ranges between 40000 - 49999.

The car is Citroen C1 (and it's the same for Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108)

Is there a way I can find this key number to tell him?

He might be able to find the actual key number from a photo I send but I want to be sure that I have the actual number as well if possible

Thanks

[rapidlocksmiths]

There are 3 ways you can generally find out a key number

1) use a lishi Toy48 4 lifter 2in1 pick and decoder to pick and decode the lock
2) remove the lock , strip it down and read the numbers off of the wafers
3) buy the key code from the citroen main dealership

other options that exist that include

1) calling out a locksmith with the correct pick and decoder to pick and decode the lock
2) maybe post a clear photo of your key here and someone may site read the key for you

maybe look for another locksmith , if you have sent him a clear picture of the key a locksmith should be able to read the cuts on the key , after all theres only 3 cut heights and 10 positions , 5 on each track , if cutting keys to photo is his business he should have no trouble

[mibaup]

Thank you.

As you said - he had no trouble finding a key number of a random Citroen C1 key I found online - I sent him a photo just to ask him if he has something similar, and he replied that he does, and even said "The key number looks like XXXXX".

May I ask - when a locksmith has a photo of the key - does he first try to match it with a key number, and then download a drawing from some database to the cutting machine's computer and then it cuts it just as accurate as can be?

Or, he tries to manually draw lines using the photo which might not be as accurate?

I just wonder if the cutting quality will be perfect because it gets drawing from the database, or "meh" if he tries to do it manually

[rapidlocksmiths]

you are over thinking it a locksmith doesnt need drawings , shouldnt need to draw lines on this key , a competent locksmith will look at the clear picture of the key , and read the cuts on the top track and on the bottom track , they then have the correct cuts for the key , the code is pretty much irrelevent when site reading , some auto locksmiths will verify their site read by checking the cuts on code software to verify a genuine code.

a locksmith with a cut to code machine has 2 options when entering into the machine

1) they can enter the manufacturer code and cut the key
2) they can enter the direct cuts they have read by eye or by lishi pick and cut the correct key.

if the picture of your key is clear , the locksmith can get the correct cuts to enter into their machine and cut the correct key , the key will be properly cut and accurate .

when dealing with this key its far easier , as this key only uses 3 key heights , so all 10 positions can only be 1 of 3 cuts in each position , so a simpler key to read.

so if he site reads by eye cuts of

track A : 55531
track B : 11355

he will enter these cuts into his machine and cut the correct key. or he can enter code 40000 and cut same key.

so how accurate the key he cuts is depends on a few factors

1) how competent he is at reading by eye
2) how clear your photo is
3) how good his machine is.

if you doubt his competence then bite the bullet and buy the key code from citroen and give him the code .

[kemaster]

May I ask - when a locksmith has a photo of the key - does he first try to match it with a key number, and then download a drawing from some database to the cutting machine's computer and then it cuts it just as accurate as can be?

Rapid explained it in great detail.
If you send to this locksmith clear photo of the key(better more than 1) he will site read it and figure out the cuts of the key. Then he will put this numbers(bitting) in his electronic key cutting machine. The machine will cut the blade automatically.

[super jumbe]

Simple, if you are the owner and have all documents in your name go to dealer they will provide you with key code or if you pay more money they will provide original key.

[hollanda]

Thank you.

As you said - he had no trouble finding a key number of a random Citroen C1 key I found online - I sent him a photo just to ask him if he has something similar, and he replied that he does, and even said "The key number looks like XXXXX".

May I ask - when a locksmith has a photo of the key - does he first try to match it with a key number, and then download a drawing from some database to the cutting machine's computer and then it cuts it just as accurate as can be?

Or, he tries to manually draw lines using the photo which might not be as accurate?

I just wonder if the cutting quality will be perfect because it gets drawing from the database, or "meh" if he tries to do it manually


Sorry but maybe I don’t understand your question.
I think you will pay after he make a working key! So why are you investigating?

I’ve fix many old C1 and aygo’s and this all have Va2 keys. This keys are many times worn out that on picture you can make fault.
And lishi works if the locks are good and same like ignition lock (often changed or locksmith before have dismantled the lock)
and not damaged.

[rapidlocksmiths]

Sorry but maybe I don’t understand your question.
I think you will pay after he make a working key! So why are you investigating?

I’ve fix many old C1 and aygo’s and this all have Va2 keys. This keys are many times worn out that on picture you can make fault.
And lishi works if the locks are good and same like ignition lock (often changed or locksmith before have dismantled the lock)
and not damaged.

His is not the old C1 using va2 , his is the newer C1 using toy49 blade and toy48 cut series .

this one needs the toy48 lishi , the toy49 flip blade .

if he posted a clear picture of his key here im sure someone would tell him the cuts , he can buy the code from citroen or an online code broker , it seems alot of faff to save a few quid. a number of threads opened all to get a blade on a key and when advice given still searching for an answer he wants to hear .

[mibaup]

Rapid, thank you for the awesome answer and explanation.

I contacted the main dealer here and they said "no key code sorry, contact one of the authorized service centers for any other solution", and of course calling a few of the authorized centers around me, all said "no sorry we only order the entire key for 200+ euros, no key code".. very annoying

So regarding payment - I have to pay beforehand because I do not want to go to my local locksmiths because they are not willing to help, or can't help - so I am left with the only option to buy from the eBay locksmith - which by the way is also from the UK so seeing that you guys are from the UK here, I believe I can trust him because you are professional

As soon as I can I will upload photos of my keys as you said

[rapidlocksmiths]

just a few corrections ,

i may be from the uk , but the majority here are not , this forum is made up of locksmiths , vehicle technicians , auto electricians etc etc from all over the world , it has a huge skill set worldwide .

dont for a minute think every locksmith in the uk is professional or competent , they are not , in fact id say in todays market the incompetent and the scammers outweigh the competent locksmiths.

personally i would never advertise on ebay , though some good locksmiths may have listings on ebay , many will be new starts learning .

on the bright side , with this key it will be hard for them to get it wrong .

i understand paying upfront for such a service , but it isnt a large amount so not the end of the world , and if you pay by paypal and by credit card you have 2 levels of protection should the service not be correct , so have nothing to lose , i wouldnt be wasting time looking for alternatives , id send him the photo , pay the fee and get the key , had you done this last week the key would already be on its way i suspect. sometimes overthinking or penny pinching hampers the result and doesnt improve it.

[Manta1600]

Rapid please cut and send one blade to him as we all don't have more patience to read the next thread - "How to copy 8A chip for free as no one can do it in his country"

[rapidlocksmiths]

there must be someone here in or nearer to israel , ive also given him an email address for a good locksmith in israel , he really needs nothing else .

[mibaup]

Rapid please cut and send one blade to him as we all don't have more patience to read the next thread - "How to copy 8A chip for free as no one can do it in his country"

What? How did you know? I actually just opened a thread about it earlier, if you could help - here is a link to the thread (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ), thank you


(jk :laugh: I already have a programmed chip, this time the local locksmith was able to do it)


just a few corrections ,

i may be from the uk , but the majority here are not , this forum is made up of locksmiths , vehicle technicians , auto electricians etc etc from all over the world , it has a huge skill set worldwide .

dont for a minute think every locksmith in the uk is professional or competent , they are not , in fact id say in todays market the incompetent and the scammers outweigh the competent locksmiths.

personally i would never advertise on ebay , though some good locksmiths may have listings on ebay , many will be new starts learning .

on the bright side , with this key it will be hard for them to get it wrong .

i understand paying upfront for such a service , but it isnt a large amount so not the end of the world , and if you pay by paypal and by credit card you have 2 levels of protection should the service not be correct , so have nothing to lose , i wouldnt be wasting time looking for alternatives , id send him the photo , pay the fee and get the key , had you done this last week the key would already be on its way i suspect. sometimes overthinking or penny pinching hampers the result and doesnt improve it.

got it, and yeah you're right, I will just give it a try

[mibaup]

I finally got the key fob from eBay. I managed to program it to lock/unlock the doors

I even opened the case and replaced the transponder from the other key and the car started! Although it was a big pain in the butt, because the original transponder is glued, with some very strong glue, so I had to scrap it with tweezer for about an hour and even break little pieces of plastic around

(I used the other key to turn the ignition and held the key fob close to the ignition together)

Now I just need to cut the blade. As you said, here is a clear picture of my blade:


Are you able to extract the key code from this photo? Or should I upload more photos with better quality?

Thanks everyone for the help

[vageric]

I finally got the key fob from eBay. I managed to program it to lock/unlock the doors

I even opened the case and replaced the transponder from the other key and the car started! Although it was a big pain in the butt, because the original transponder is glued, with some very strong glue, so I had to scrap it with tweezer for about an hour and even break little pieces of plastic around

(I used the other key to turn the ignition and held the key fob close to the ignition together)

Now I just need to cut the blade. As you said, here is a clear picture of my blade:

1018980

Are you able to extract the key code from this photo? Or should I upload more photos with better quality?

Thanks everyone for the help

why not go to your local locksmit and let them cut the key for you?

[mibaup]

why not go to your local locksmit and let them cut the key for you?
Because none of the local locksmiths sell this kind of blade, and I've contacted many already, even those outside my area. I am talking about the flip blade the connects to the original fob:

1019027

[rapidlocksmiths]

you have ordered blades , take them to your local locksmith and ask them to cut them for you , though you said you had ordered pre cut blades already

[mibaup]

I haven't ordered blades. The photo I uploaded in the previous comment is just a photo I found online.
However, the only seller that ships to me is an eBay seller that also cuts to given code, and as you told me earlier, I may upload a clear photo so maybe someone here can tell the code

The eBay seller can also get the code from a picture, but if someone here will also say, it will be a confirmation that the eBay seller is right

So I didn't order the pre-cut blades yet, I waited for the fob first to see if it is even working

If I could find blank blades I would have taken it to a local locksmith

[rapidlocksmiths]

you said you had ordered blank blades from china in an earlier post, obviously changed your mind .

order the precut key from the ebay seller , if wrong its not as if its alot of money .

have a go at reading it yourself , theres 2 tracks on the key with bow to left and tip to right , track A on top and track B on bottom , theres just 5 cuts on each track , each cut only has 3 possibilities of key height in each position
highest cut is a 5 , next highest is a 3 and the deepest is a 1 , have a go and post what you think it is

[mibaup]

Oh but I cancelled those blade from AliExpress after I was told here they're not the ones. Even though I said I'd give it a try I eventually listened to you

Ok I will try - you said track A on top and B on bottom - you flipped the image?

Also, regarding the right side - it seem to have 7 cuts, because it may not be noticeable, but the top right part is very low (If I understood correctly what a cut means):



Also: the code seem to also contain 9's and 7's, but you said it's only up to 5?

[bero]

If i was the seller on ebay, and knowed this treath, i would deny it and suggest to buy your own cutting machine.
Just pay serious money for a good locksmith who could do this total job
for you with his own products. Not you'r aliexpress and ebay 'shit', within 30 minutes.. 30 minutes
because he learned and practice for years, Did research, discussed it with colleages and
managed to make a living out of it. And there ARE organisations like MLA (https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/) who have a record of a lot of locksmiths in the UK.
those listed get tested by there skills and knoledge every year..

[rapidlocksmiths]

Oh but I cancelled those blade from AliExpress after I was told here they're not the ones. Even though I said I'd give it a try I eventually listened to you

Ok I will try - you said track A on top and B on bottom - you flipped the image?

Also, regarding the right side - it seem to have 7 cuts, because it may not be noticeable, but the top right part is very low (If I understood correctly what a cut means):

1019079


Also: the code seem to also contain 9's and 7's, but you said it's only up to 5?

your confusing key code with key cuts , the code is a code that relates to the cuts but is not the cuts , some codes for some keys are direct cuts so the code is the cuts , others are a reference number allocated to a cut sequence , the toy 48 key uses code series 40000 to 49999 , so there are 9999 different codes , each code being a different series of 10 key cuts , 5 on each track .

when site reading by eye or by machine you are not interested in the key code , you are interested in the key cuts only , in this case as stated the key with bow to left and tip to right , track A is the top track , track B is the bottom track , 5 cuts on each track , so 5 on top 5 on bottom , each key cut only has 3 possible key heights , numbered 5,3 and 1 , 5 being the highest cut and 1 being the deepest cut . once you have the correct cuts for track A and track B you can use a program like instacode , their find bitting function , you enter your cuts into the program and the program will tell you the key code in the 40000 to 49999 range , if all you had was the key code then you can enter the key code into the program and the program will tell you the correct key cuts for that code. just another skill a locksmith must learn and master and another expensive investment they must make to do their job.

The right side has 5 cuts , the left side also has 5 cuts , count the 5 cuts back from the tip , you will then see where the 5 cuts start . the right side is track A the left side is track B.

maybe pay the local auto locksmith to put your key on his cut to code machine and decode it , his machine will give you the key cuts , he may even have invested in a program that decodes the key by photo , pay him to do this for you and help him recoup his investment. you can then order your key cut to code from your ebay seller and remove the chance of mistakes.

you could also contact the main dealer or one of the many code brokers on the internet who sell the key codes , give them your 17 digit vin number , pay their fee and they will email you the key code for your car .

As has been said , a competent auto locksmith will have invested in the necessary equipment and software , they will have the ability and the kit to do the job , i sent you the email of a good auto locksmith with the skill and the equipment to do the job who is based in israel and like any competent auto locksmith he would have the job done in minutes not in weeks or months, im sure most auto locksmiths could also order the key code for you for a fee .
although not the cheapest option , using a professional to do the job is the way to go , cheapest route is never the best route.

you have joined a forum and hoped the locksmiths would just tell you the detail at no cost so you can bypass the locksmiths and do it yourself to save some money , i know israel is not the easiest place to get stock and not all locksmiths are good , but i posted the email of a good locksmith in israel who i know has the right equipment and skill and who could have done the job for you long ago very quickly , but you would have had to pay which i guess is not the desired outcome, but his skills , knowledge and equipment were not free to him , so theres a cost involved.

[fred77]

yes call locksmith

[mibaup]

The main dealer here of Citroen won't give me the code, even if I pay them, they immediately told me "sorry we don't give key codes".
Ok yes you're right about the code - it's exactly this. Regarding the locksmith you gave me an email - he is physically far away from me so I can't go to him

I will just hope the eBay locksmith have this program as well, because I asked him about the code now, he actually gave me the 4xxxx code so I assume he invested in a proper equipment as you said, and also it's not that much money so I'll just wait

PS I don't pass any locksmith to at "no cost" because eventually a locksmith needs to give me the blade and be paid - either the one from eBay or a local. But the locals here lack resources, or, very far from me so might as well just use the eBay one as I think he's more reliable than the local ones, judging by how they were answering my question about a simple blade.

It wasn't my idea to post a picture of my blade - you guys suggested this, so it was only to confirm that the other locksmith is correct or not

The reason I do it is because I want an original key fob, not an aftermarket one and not paying 200+ euros. So I did save some money, but at no cost? no. And payment was given to 2 locksmiths already (One for programming the transponder, and second to cut the blade, not sure why some people here keep telling me to "go to a locksmith" even though I said many times I did it already, although I can understand why they keep saying that)

[rapidlocksmiths]

he will have instacode , so he will have read the photo of your key and then inputted the cuts into instacode which would give him the code .

had you googled peugeot pin codes on google or facebook you would have come up with plenty of code brokers who would sell you the key code for between $25 and $50 usd , im sure your local auto locksmiths would have happily charged you less than this to put your key on their cut to code machine and read the code this way for you.

Aftermarket keys work well , if the local auto locksmith can read your key and cut an aftermarket blade then they can certainly read the key to get the cuts and code for you even if badly resourced. many locksmiths would not do this as they consider your approach rude , they liken it to you taking a frozen burger and bun into macdonalds and ask them to cook it for you to save a few pennies.

theres no need to continue this thread now as i suspect you will be sorted by doing what you should have done weeks ago and had someone cut and post the key to you rather than distrust the online key cutter due to concern at the cost of a bad blade .

with so many not wanting to pay for an oem key , not wanting to use a locksmith service to save money , lets hope your locksmiths are still in business when you really need them .

theres many here that could read your key and give you the code , but why should they , you was told to post the picture and someone may help you , it turns out no one wanted to , thats life. you asked questions and you got alot of answer including use a locksmith , buy code from a code broker online , use the online key cutter you found , you was saved from wasting money on chinese blades , you took none of the advice given this along with the distrust of the the online key cutter and trying to test him , all i can only assume to save a few dollars more.

you have your remote in a while you will have the blade , so thread is now irrelivent , enjoy your key and pat yourself on the back for saving a little money and pray you never lose all keys for this car , good luck and farewell .

[rapidlocksmiths]

A job today reminded me of this thread . a job 3 days ago i quoted on for toyota aygo , remote key wont turn in ignition , spare works fine , so blade issue . customer decided to try dealer first , dealer wanted to charge £144 plus tax to put it on diagnostics even though no diagnostics needed for a blade , then a fortune for a new key as only solution.
she then tried a key cutter who said blade is fine she needs someone to reprogram it .

so she came back to me today , 10 minutes job done , new oem flip blade cut and fitted to her remote , all working fine , no diagnostics , no new key , no reprogramming required , im amazed these services get away with it.