I'm about to look at at a 98 Punto, goining at a private sale, and looking at HJ's pointers, I'm stumped by the 'Red Key' issue. I've searched the forums, and can't get a clear answer as to how big an issue it is. Is it just to reset the radio or such, or is any car without it not worth touching? Thanks in advance
Chris
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Chris
Extract from Rockingham Cars (Fiat dealer in Northampton) website -
"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."
I think you either want to leave it alone or use it as a bargaining tool and chip a sizeable amount off the price.
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Agree with Artful Dodger. The Fiat Code immobiliser has in the past been said to be one of the better standard-fit systems around, but these 'red keys' are a pain, and I am extremely glad that newer models do not need them. I was once told by my dealer that they cost about £900 to replace - and that was in 1997! I have also been told that the red key is needed if major work has to be done on the engine and ignition system, but whether or not this is true I am not sure.
If the car you're interested in is being sold minus its red key, my advice FWIW would be either to walk away or negotiate the price down by whatever the current cost of a replacement.
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paul and Chris - better still, if the car has no red key, get the seller to 'fix it' before you buy. Most Fiat owners know this key is essential - if the seller won't play he is hoping to find a buyer born yesterday.
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Tel: 07989 408281
Workshop: c/o 3D Shoe Repairs
465 Westdale Lane west, Mapperley
Nottgingham
The show repair company above can make new blue keys from other blue keys as well as red keys. They seem well clued up on all makes of keys and remotes. They use computers to programme new keys, extract codes etc.... Much cheaper than the dealer too.
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There was a discussion about this in uk.rec.cars.misc the other day.
See tinyurl.com/2p3hh .
I think it more or less confirms what people have said here.
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hello
i am a car dealer, and can offer the following advice.
punto mk1
no red key..............options
1) if you intend to sell the car to dealer.........just buy any red key from ebay.....we never check it really!!!
2) if you really want a red coloured key, you can get a blue key cloned, it will in effect only have blue key functions, but it will start the car, and most people will not realise is actually a blue key becos its red!!
i just got one done on saturday for 30.00.....red key........
3) you can go to a breakers yard and buy an ecu, all the locks, the code block and loop and red key, and fit them to your car, current price is approx 30-40 for the bits and 25.00 to fit....this will make it good as new with no problems whatsoever!!
4) you can find one of these lock companys that say they will provide you with a red key and 2 blue keys etc, this involves reprogramming your existing ecu, and can in most cases render your immobilisor inoperable, which cud have serious implications from your insurance company. check first!!
5) you can go to fiat , with there pathetic customer service and extortionate prices and blow your brains out.......not recommended under any circumstance!!!
furthermore, the chances of you actually needing the red key in the future for service whatnots are 10,000-1 chance, this is a quote from a major motoring reliabilty study, read into that what you will.
punto mk 2.......1999w- 2006
problem............you only have one blue key?
if the key you have has a ( 1) marked on it you can go and get another one with no problem.dont go to fiat!!!
if the only key you have has a number 2 on it, like me this week!!......i took it to my local cobblers, who ordered me a key from italy, it took 4 days, he hooked his computer to my car and reprogrammed the new key, just as fiat would do, and all is well.
i now have 2 fully functioning keys, just like new, with no adverse problems......cost 95.00...
hope that helps some of you
and just as a footnote........................DO NOT GO TO FIAT DEALERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PLEASE
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Can I please nominate mr solve-it as 'Poster of the Week' for providing the most informative post this week?
Personally, if you are spending <£1,000 on a Mk1 Punto, I'd be looking at the overall condition first and worrying about the lack of a red key second. As mr solve-it says, it's unlikely you'll actually need it.
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if you need help or advice with buying any car, i will give you a quick run down, just email me at
IAINFITZGIBBON15@MSN.COM
GOOD LUCK
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Just as a thought................i posted that helpful post on the .....FIAT FORUM website, and they banned me off!!!!!!
It must be run by fiat i guess, wot a bunch of idiots, they said it was for spamming, but that is pink fluffy dice...
It seems they do not like my help, make of that what you will, and remember the golden rule.....................
DO NOT GO TO FIAT DEALERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....................EVER.................LOL....
....
BE GOOD, SEEYA
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You will find some very useful information about red keys and all sorts of other things Fiat on the excellent fccuk.org web site.Go to the FAQ section.Hope this helps.
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Two thumbs up to the Honest John overlords for allowing useful posts such as Mr Solve It's then. :-)
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oh!!
I found out why Fiat dealers charge £160.00 for a new blue key!!
£40.00 is for the cost of the key
£120.00 is for 2 hours labour @ £60.00 per hour
The job takes 7 minutes to do?
DONT FIGURE????????GREEDY PIGS!!
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