[svandamme]

from my understanding There are 3 things in the key, the mechanical key, the remote and the transponder.
the key is obvious
the remote is self learning, as you put it in the ignition the car will learn the remote.
if you haven't used your spare key for a year, then the remote won't work.. and needs to re-learn.


the transponder is the one that allows you to start the car, it's not a complicated thingie , it don't need batteries..

So first question , if you open the car with the key (not the remote), the alarm will go off
but you should be able to start the car if the transponder is good, just put the key in and turn on the ignition should do it.

If that works , you don't need a dealer at all. you can get a remote elsewhere, put the innards in your key.. and then learn it to the car yourself.