Hi guys,

Firstly my apologies if this topic has been covered before.

I have just taken possession of a Fiat Bravo 80sx 16v 2001 model. It has had one previous owner since new (my mum) and has only 19,000 miles on the clock.

So here's the thing, my mum has used the red key daily since purchase and when she gave me all the documentation she specifically advised me to keep the blue key in a safe place as its the "master" key and if lost I would be in trouble. However, after checking the internet I think she might be wrong.

Do I need to store the red key in a safe place and actually use the blue key daily and will I also need to "code" this blue as I know that has never been done, well not by my mum anyway.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice you guys can offer. Its a great little car by the way

Just use the blue key assuming it works, if it does keep the red in a safe place like you've suggested and all should be well

Jakesangel said:

Hi guys,

However, after checking the internet I think she might be wrong.

Click to expand...

haha, well done mum, sounds like the sort of thing mine would do too

Yes, the red/brown key is the "master" key. The blue key will already be coded.

Take GREAT care of the red key- to replace the whole system, in the event of a serious failure and no red key to recode, can cost upwards of £1000 at a FIAT dealer.

Jakesangel said:

Hi guys,

Firstly my apologies if this topic has been covered before.

I have just taken possession of a Fiat Bravo 80sx 16v 2001 model. It has had one previous owner since new (my mum) and has only 19,000 miles on the clock.


Thanks in advance for any help or advice you guys can offer. Its a great little car by the way

Click to expand...

Hi, and welcome to FF,

the advice you've been given about the RED "master" key is correct..,

( strange..as my 1999 marea had the later system with 2 x BLUE masters )

the vagueries of car specs..

anyway sounds like a great little car.. you'll have to turn up at one of the regional FF meets.., and show what the 500 owners were missing..!!

charlie - Oxford

Yes- thankfully FIAT got rid of the stupid system! Confusing or what? Also, how many people have bought FIAT cars without the master key, out of ignorance- I've enquired after loads of late 90s/early2000s cars in the past inc Barchettas, to find the master key absent- absolutely crazy system!

I bought a 2001 Marea HLX20V ( same system /basic car as Bravo/Brava) with just 15k miles, from an independent- he had taken it from a Derbyshire main dealer-- and the red/brown master key was absent. I refused to complete, the car went back to the main dealer for rectification and supply of the master key, then I bought it. One of the most fun cars I've owned- but I would not have touched it without the red key

I've had loads of Bravos and Mareas and only two have had The Brown key, fact is 95% of owners have never needed it, you can get keys reprogramed at local locksmiths now
Not a big deal....... Just useful for haggling money off purchase price