FIAT CODED KEYS

I have sold a few Fiat keys on Ebay and always receive questions about them,so here's a quick guide to help you.

There are basically two types of key,the first being the....

TRANSPONDER KEY.

Used on mk1 Punto's(93-99),all Brava,Bravo,Marea,Coupe and Cinquecento.

These keys basically use a set number of codes programmed into the key,so security is good as your car will not start without the code being received by the ECU,they are quite cheap to buy,a cut and coded key will cost you about 30-40.Most locksmiths now offer this service,simply take one of your original keys with you,the locksmith will copy the code of this key and programme your new key.On the negative side these keys are easy to copy,so theft is a problem,and if you lose your keys you're in for a big bill.Some of you will remember that these cars came with a red master key,this key could be used to programme any new keys or replacement lock sets,but a lot of people have now lost their red keys,so what happens if you lose all your keys,well basically you will have to fit a new lock set,a new code box and a new ecu,very expensive,although some firms can now supply uncoded ecu's that will not require coded keys,the only problem here is security,i don't know what your insurance company would have to say if your car was stolen.

The second type of key is the...

CRYPTO TRANSPONDER KEY.

Used on Seicentos, Punto's(99 to present),Stilo,Panda,Croma etc.

These are the type of key as used on most new cars today,this key uses what we call a rolling code,meaning it changes the code every time you start the car,so security is excellent,the plus side of these keys is they can't be copied,even by a dealer,so what if you lose a key or want a spare,these keys have to be ordered from your Fiat dealer by giving them the chassis number of your vehicle,the key will come pre-cut to fit your car so no cutting required,but the key will need to be programmed into your car on the Fiat examiner computer,this is where security is A1,as only the keys present at the time of coding will work in your car from then on,so if you've lost a key or had one stolen,once the new key and any more you have have been programmed in,the lost or stolen keys will never work again,meaning nobody could use the key to steal your vehicle,and it can never be programmed back into your car as the ecu remembers the key and will not allow it to be programmed back in.Obviously you must remember to present all the keys you have to the dealer, if you have any new keys coded in,or you'll have keys that don't work.Another plus side is if you lose all your keys,you simply order a new key,which will unlock your car saving you having to break in,you will need to get your car to a dealer for coding,as your car will not start with the new key.

One thing to remember,you will need a code card for your vehicle,this a unique number that allows the dealer to access the ecu of your vehicle,to code the new key in,this is normally ordered the same time as your key,but please do not leave it in your car,as the card contains an emergency start up number that allows your car to be started without a coded key,instructions on how to do this are in your handbook.

The negative side of these keys is cost,currently one will set you back about 120 all in with coding,remote keys for central locking are even more expensive.

I hope this helps anybody looking to buy a key,and the lesson is look after your keys,they are not cheap anymore,and if you're buying a used car insist it has two keys with it.