Changing Key Barrel after key was stolen!

[ukguy]

Hi guys. I am very interested in erasing the keys on a Skoda Octavia before re-inputting the one I have once more, pretty urgently. The original key got stolen and the the key chain had our company logo on it and address (where the car is parked during the day)....with hindsight, not ideal. The car itself does not come with any remote control, just a simple key with inbuilt transponder.

Reading through the threads, it looks like I need a 4 digit pin or the SKC to erase and start again. Do Skoda dealers willingly give these out or can I get the code ?

Next thing will be to change the lock barrel outside and inside. Is it relatively easy to change the lock barrel in the steering column?? Thanks!

[mannyo]

The process of inputing the keys will automatically erase the transponder code for the stolen key.

The 4 digit SKC will be on a plastic tag, if you dont have it then you may have issues getting it.

[ukguy]

Originally Posted by mannyo

The process of inputing the keys will automatically erase the transponder code for the stolen key.

The 4 digit SKC will be on a plastic tag, if you dont have it then you may have issues getting it.

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately we don't have the SKC. I tried contacting the dealer and they say they don't give it out. Does Vagcom potentially allow you to enter the code indefinitely (potentially 9,999 times). I could devote an entire day to get the code then. Or does it just lock out after so many attempts?

Alternative is for me to change all the locks, the ignition lock being the hardest. I guess then I can keep the key I have (as I am not changing the immobiliser bit?). Not sure how difficult it is though.

Any help is appreciated as I have one key with unknown whereabouts meaning someone could potentially just unlock my door and trash the car (or just drive off casually). And I don't want to give the dealer hundreds unless it's a last resort.

Thanks!

[Lummox]

It will lock out after 5 attempts I think it is, each time a login lock stores and you have to wait a set time period.

two options.

1. Visit a dealer and they can recode the remaining keys for you (now has to be done online with Skoda). the stolen key will still open the car and get the ignition lock off but will not run it.

2. Get yourself a complete lockset. Boot, doors, ignition etc. Ignition barrell isnt to difficult to change. but you will still need to code the new keys to the immobilizer as per opt 1.

[ukguy]

Originally Posted by Lummox

It will lock out after 5 attempts I think it is, each time a login lock stores and you have to wait a set time period.

two options.

1. Visit a dealer and they can recode the remaining keys for you (now has to be done online with Skoda). the stolen key will still open the car and get the ignition lock off but will not run it.

2. Get yourself a complete lockset. Boot, doors, ignition etc. Ignition barrell isnt to difficult to change. but you will still need to code the new keys to the immobilizer as per opt 1.

Thanks for the reply Lummox. I guess I am pretty much tied into getting the dealer to sort it then. I could fit the lock set myself with a bit of research but the problem is then getting the car to the dealer for coding. I will get a few quotes for a complete lockset including coding to the car.

Thanks again for your help!

[gregozedobe]

Don't forget to get the dealer to remove the stolen remote from the car's "active" list as well. Otherwise the thief can still use the remote to get into your car even after you have changed the lock cylinders.

[ArvidG]

It should not be a problem to get the car to the dealer after You change the locks, You still have the key with the correct immobilizer.

For the immobilizer to be reliable, it need to have a range of at least 5 centimeters.

Just bring it along(In the car near the ignition switch)

(You could tape the old key to the steering column)

ArvidG

[Lummox]

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

Don't forget to get the dealer to remove the stolen remote from the car's "active" list as well. Otherwise the thief can still use the remote to get into your car even after you have changed the lock cylinders.

That wont work. As soon as you code a new remote all remotes that are not coded at that time become redundant. You cant have two remotes coded at different times.

[ukguy]

Thanks a lot for your help guys. I think the way to go is for me to get a new key and get that coded in which will at least automatically prevent the potential car thief from freely getting in the car AND driving away with the stolen key.

[gregozedobe]

Originally Posted by Lummox

That wont work. As soon as you code a new remote all remotes that are not coded at that time become redundant. You cant have two remotes coded at different times.

Are Skoda remote electrics different to VW electrics then ? I thought I could program the ECU in my VW to recognise a new remote (via the process described in the owner's manual) and it wouldn't remove any of the existing ones from it's "approved" list.

The "recoding removes all existing" process definitely applies to programming the car's ECU to recognise the immobiliser chip in each key (the little grain of rice). This is why you have to take your car plus ALL your keys into the dealer when you get a new key, not just the new key.