Hi folks,

I've just picked up a brand new key for my 1996 P38 from the dealers.

Entered the EKA code and started it up but the key will not sync.

The LED illuminates as the buttons are pressed but the vehicle does not respond.

I try'd pressing the lock/unlock buttons with the key in the door lock straight after completing the EKA code and also in the ignition but to no avail.

Any ideas before I treck back to the stealership?

Smiler wrote:

I try'd pressing the lock/unlock buttons with the key in the door lock straight after completing the EKA code and also in the ignition but to no avail.

Did you do the 'hold' procedure? I mean blade in doorlock, press and hold the lockbutton while turning to lock position and hold it there until the LED flashes quickly.
Same for unlock and it should be syncd.

I shall try that, though I thought that was for the later models.

I take it this is carried out after performing the EKA dance?

That did it, thanks! Saved me a wasted trip and a bit of embarrassment. :)

Not only a wasted trip, stealers charge to stick the key in the lock and hold down the buttons

Main Dealers like to charge around £40 to do that for you...
Key in the lock sync as described by Tony works on all ages of car, and is the fallback when it won't sync by button pushing

Last year I couldn't sync my key to the car to get the remote locking working but I was able to unlock and start the car with the key.

In my case, holding the buttons on the fob with it in the lock didn't work.

Turned out to be a dead microswitch in the door lock.