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.
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.
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