Transponder Key - failing, where to buy?

[firewalker]

Suspect the transponder is going in my only ignition key (electrics work but no ignition response without trying a number of times then it just happens).
Changed relays and the ignition switch on the steering column but now think the key might be the fault.

Quoted £165 at the local cobblers, £140 without the programming.

Extortionate I think.

Any of you gurus know of a cheaper option?

2002 Mk6 2.4 RWD LWB.

[MinorMatt]

Yes come to me and I will programme new keys in...

but the transponder chips dont go intermittant. They work or they don't. More likely to be ign switch or the ring that reads the key

[firewalker]

Thanks Matt.
I've replaced the ignition switch with new, so where is the ring that reads the key and can that be replaced?
It's definitely intermittent.
Can you supply a spare key by mail when fixed?
If so how much??

Yes come to me and I will programme new keys in...

but the transponder chips dont go intermittant. They work or they don't. More likely to be ign switch or the ring that reads the key

[MinorMatt]

I can do a key by mail - but it wont be programmed so seems fairly pointless?

[Altransit]

where is the ring that reads the key and can that be replaced?

It's around the outside of the ignition barrel, next to where the key is inserted, check the wiring there as well

[firewalker]

Ordered a used transceiver ring off flea bay.

Part number is 98VP-15607-AB if anyone goes searching.
It fits a Mk1 Focus as well apparently. Although the listing I bought from only mentions the Focus and doesn't mention Transits the photo comparisons with those advertised for Transits look identical and part number is the same,
(The 'Focus' part listings were around £20 asking prices and the 'Transit' listings were £35 and above for the same part).

I understand these things just plug straight in and work on any vehicle.

[firewalker]

Didn't work, onto a new barrel and keys...

Ordered a used transceiver ring off flea bay.

Part number is 98VP-15607-AB if anyone goes searching.
It fits a Mk1 Focus as well apparently. Although the listing I bought from only mentions the Focus and doesn't mention Transits the photo comparisons with those advertised for Transits look identical and part number is the same,
(The 'Focus' part listings were around £20 asking prices and the 'Transit' listings were £35 and above for the same part).

I understand these things just plug straight in and work on any vehicle.

[cristianbells]

Suspect the transponder is going in my only ignition key (electrics work but no ignition response without trying a number of times then it just happens).
Changed relays and the ignition switch on the steering column but now think the key might be the fault.

Quoted £165 at the local cobblers, £140 without the programming.

Extortionate I think.

Any of you gurus know of a cheaper option?

2002 Mk6 2.4 RWD LWB.

That does sound more like the transponder chip in the key starting to fail, especially if the dash electrics come on but the immobiliser only recognizes it after a few tries. £165 is pretty steep for a 2002 Transit key though.

Might be worth trying an independent auto locksmith instead of the dealer or cobbler — a lot of them can clone/program Transit keys much cheaper. Also, if you still have the red master key or key code, it can make things a lot easier and cheaper.

[Altransit]

Also, if you still have the red master key or key code, it can make things a lot easier and cheaper.

There's no red master key on a Mk6, new keys are programmed using two original blue chipped keys

[cristianbells]

Suspect the transponder is going in my only ignition key (electrics work but no ignition response without trying a number of times then it just happens).
Changed relays and the ignition switch on the steering column but now think the key might be the fault.

Quoted £165 at the local cobblers, £140 without the programming.

Extortionate I think.

Any of you gurus know of a cheaper option?
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2002 Mk6 2.4 RWD LWB.

On your 2002 Mk6, you won’t get away with just a cheap cut key because of the immobiliser chip — it always needs programming, and that’s where the cost comes in.

You can sometimes find auto locksmiths who’ll do it a bit cheaper than high street shops or dealers (mobile guys are often the best option). I’d also ring around a few locksmiths rather than cobblers, because prices can vary a lot.

Honestly though, £140–£180 all-in is pretty normal for this type of job, so it’s not really a rip-off — just annoying how expensive keys have become.

[firewalker]

Auto Locksmith was the right call.
I can highly recommend Mike's Car Keys who covers the North East:

Mike's Car Keys
https://mikescarkeys.co.uk/
07963399191

Great communication, got to me bang on time first thing the next morning and has a friendly professional attitude.
£150 to come out and test the fault, diagnose the cause then cut and program a new key with fob.
Well worth it.

Apparently the chip was at fault as they can fail with age.