Key broken

My 156 was registered in October 2002. It came with 2 keys and I dropped one
and broke it, so it was replaced under warranty by a slightly larger, newer
key about 18 months ago. So I have one original key that is still working
fine and a new key that locked the car just fine last night, but won't do
anything this morning (won't unlock or release boot). I locked the car, put
the key in my trouser pocket, changed my clothes and put the same trousers
on the next morning and the key doesn't work. I have tried a new battery,
but the key seems to be dead. It does not rattle, so it hasn't been
physically damaged (like the one it has replaced). It has not been wet, it
has not been dropped. Can these keys 'forget' their codes overnight?

Obviously, I can take it to an alfa garage and have them look at it, but can
I try anything myself? Is there a secret reset function or something?

Any advise welcome. Ta,
GT

GT wrote:
> My 156 was registered in October 2002. It came with 2 keys and I dropped one
> and broke it, so it was replaced under warranty by a slightly larger, newer
> key about 18 months ago. So I have one original key that is still working
> fine and a new key that locked the car just fine last night, but won't do
> anything this morning (won't unlock or release boot).

Is it definitely the key? I guess a problem with the car's electrical
system might have the same effect. A friend of mine had a shorting
window motor and he couldn't unlock his car the next morning.

Is the LED on the dash still flashing?

James

"peshwengi" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> GT wrote:
>> My 156 was registered in October 2002. It came with 2 keys and I dropped
>> one
>> and broke it, so it was replaced under warranty by a slightly larger,
>> newer
>> key about 18 months ago. So I have one original key that is still working
>> fine and a new key that locked the car just fine last night, but won't do
>> anything this morning (won't unlock or release boot).
>
> Is it definitely the key? I guess a problem with the car's electrical
> system might have the same effect. A friend of mine had a shorting
> window motor and he couldn't unlock his car the next morning.
>
> Is the LED on the dash still flashing?
>
> James

But its only one key - the other (original) key is fine. I'm just back from
a holiday, so I'll take the key into a dealer and have them check it out.