Hi there,

I have lost my car key and I did not have another copy of the key.

The car in question is a 1996 Fiat Cinquecento with a central locking
system and car inmovilisser.

At the beginning I thought it was as simple as cut another key.

The problem is that car built after 1996 come with security integrated
and special keys.

I have gone to my local Fiat centre and they have told me that I have
to buy a new central locking system, car inmovilisser and set of keys.
All plus the 3 hours of work to install it is 730 pounds.

I am just terrified about having to pay so much money for it.

Does any one have any idea to help me?

Thanks very much,

GA

"Gaizka" <gaizka_allende (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Well the obvious is that you should *always* have spare keys - but easy for
me to say in hindsight.

I remember when the Punto came out Watchdog was up in arms about the heavy
cost of replacement of the special key which came with the car - I think
they came with a red key and 2 black ones - the red key was meant to be kept
at home and could be used to code new keys etc. Might be a bit wrong on the
details, but they had the hump cos it cost something ridiculous (£75 ??) to
get a replacement key.

I'd have thought Fiat could get a replacement key - but while typing I
thought "bet this guy hasn't searched google yet". 1st hit confirms :-

"Some Fiat cars are supplied with one red key and two blue keys. Blue keys
contain a coded radio transmitter which communicates with the ignition
system and the engine immobiliser, they are part of the Fiat security system
that protects the car. The red key is the master key which is unique to the
car's ignition system. The red key is required to create replacement blue
keys, in the event of their loss. The red key cannot be replaced without
replacing a substantial part of the cars ignition system, always keep the
red key secure and use the blue keys for every-day use. More recent Fiat
models have a "CODE 2" system that does not feature ared key.Replacement
keys are obtainable from Rockingham Cars already coded.The V5 registration
document and other ID are required to supply a new key for this system to
ensure security."

and

"Never buy a Fiat without the Red key, since it cannot be replaced , without
replacing a substantial part of the engine management electronics. NB "Code
2" systems and some older pre immobiliser cars do not require a red key."

I expect from the age of your car, you should have a red key and you are
screwed. Try an independant Fiat specialist (if such a thing still exists)
to see if you can get it cheaper - otherwise, unless your car is in really
good condition its probably only worth about £800 so you have some thinking
to do - sorry doesn't look promising.

Doug

"Gaizka" <gaizka_allende (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I'm sorry to say that if you have lost the Red master key then you're
fcuked.

It seems there is no way around re-coding the immobilizer ECU even at a
dealer without the master. I would telephone acouple of Fiat main dealers
nearby and ask the service manager to be tripley sure though. The only
solution is a new ECU *and* keys cut to fit your existing locks which as you
have discovered is majorly expensive. :-(

Tim..

"Tim.." <the.dotfarm (AT) btinternetdot (DOT) com> wrote

Try these guys Keytags DS (UK) Ltd on 01242 678281

Got a new stilo key from them after I lost my spare one

HTH
Martin

"Gaizka" <gaizka_allende (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Also if you get know luck with Keytags try posting here
http://www.fiatforum.com/ you will get good info!!!
Martin

"Marty1a" <msmbus (AT) nospamtiscali (DOT) co.uk> wrote

But Stilo's don't have the system with the red key do they? Pretty sure the
older ones with the red key have no workaround other than the expensive way.
Very silly system.

Tim.. <the.dotfarm (AT) btinternetdot (DOT) com> wrote:

What he said.

Without the red key, you've had it.

You _may_ be able to cut the cost by finding a complete ECU and lock set
at a breakers. But it still won't be cheap.

Might be worth investigating as an insurance claim if you're fully
comp.?
--
Steve H 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
http://www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800
VW Golf GL Cabrio (carb broken) - Alfa 75 TS - Alfa 33 1.7ie
BoTAFOT #87 - BoTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

Gaizka wrote:
I'm afraid Doug is right. I recently had a new key cut at the local
cobblers - cost £20.

I had the vital red key though. Without it you're stuffed.

You have my sympathy.

Another Dave

--
Change nospam to webtribe in e-mail address

it's cheaper to buy another chinq

"Gaizka" <gaizka_allende (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

" dojj" <dojj (AT) dojj (DOT) com> wrote


Buy 2