Seat Ibiza 1999 - 2002 Key Fob Programming

This programming Guide is for my Seat Ibiza 2000 X-reg but it should work if your key is a:
Siemens 433.92 mhz
5WK4 790/97/98
(These details are on the side of the key fob - which is actually the horseshoe of the key)
Another thing to note is that this key was used on different Seat models including; Alhambra, not to mention other VAG cars like VW. It was also used by Ford in the Galaxy! Best thing to do is search for the details above to find the correct key, then replace the badge.

This is what my key looks like:

Key Programming Steps

• Put the key in the ignition and turn it on so that the ignition is on. Don't start the car!
• Wait for 4-5 seconds and turn the ignition off and take the key out.
• With the key in your hand press and hold the lock button.
• While the lock button is being held down press the unlock button 3 times.
• Now let go of the lock button.
• The car should lock and unlock itself, and the lights on the remote fob should flash a few times.

It can sometimes take a few attempts to work.

Here is a video I made of this:


In my case when I brought the car, second hand, I tried the above technique loads of times but it didn't work. I also tried changing the batteries in the key fob. That also didn't work. The problem, in the end, turned out to be that the fob itself was broken!
The light would flash when I pressed the lock or unlock button and even during the above programming steps, which made me think it was fine.
However, I decided to try a Timpsons near me that could cut keys and program most key fobs. They checked my fob on some kind of signal checker/radio checker and told me it was broken.
I did ask about a replacement but they wanted quite a bit of money, can't remember how much, although they were cheaper than the dealer who wanted £72.60 + VAT just for the fob!
In the end though I decided to go on eBay and found a whole 2nd hand key + fob for less than £20! When it arrived I removed the fob, binned the key, and attached it to my key then followed the steps above... and now it works fine!

Hope this helps someone!

Cars Mechanics and Garages - Farncombe Service Station

I've been driving for 16 years now, yikes, and at least once a year I need to take my car to a garage for, at least, it's MOT.

Most garages I've visited have been mediocre and if they were memorable it was for the wrong reasons.
Like Kwik Fit, I remember taking my car there once to get a new rear tyre as it was pretty bald!  I went in and asked if they could change the rear tyre to which there response was I'll take a look.  So off he went pad in hand to look at all the tyres on the car.  After a few minutes he returns and says, "you need 3 new tyres".  I was a bit taken aback I had only gone in to get the rear one done as the others looked fine.  Apparently the front tyres also needed changing as they had worn on the inside.  Now, knowing these people I thought to myself, I don't believe you.  So with a bit of attitude I said I don't think so, I'll go somewhere else.
So off down the road I went to Merityre.  They took a look and said just the rear needed doing at the moment and that front tyres, although warn, still had a few thousand miles left in them.  So I got them to change the tyre for me.

When it comes to MOT's I've always had my cars fail on at least one thing, almost always a wiper blade or a bulb!
A couple of years ago my car was due it's MOT so rather than stick with the usual garage I thought I'd check out a one I found on http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk.  The garage I found was Farncombe Service Station, which was pretty close to where I worked so I thought I'd give it a try.
I'm so glad I did.  My car passed first time without anything needing doing!  First time ever, I think!
Since then I've been back quite a few times.  Each time I go I come out smiling because their customer service is fantastic and they do only the work that is actually needed.
It's not like other places I've been where they don't care about you or their job and are just trying to get you off the phone or fleece you for lot's of money.  Nope they are welcoming, friendly and helpful.  They are old school customer service, polite and courteous.  That's all I want from a company!
All these big name chain shops could learn a thing or two from Farncombe Service Station!
I'm always disappointed and deflated when I go to shops like Halfords, Tesco, Sainsbury, PC World, WHSmith (especially when they ask if I want a bar of chocolate every time I pay at the counter!), Mothercare...

It's no wonder people are taking to online shopping!