Guys, my Cinquecento is up 'n running.
Thank you so much for your help!

Here's the next issue though; Apparently you're not supposed to use the Red key for daily use. Problem is... I only have the red key. Apparently that can mess up the immobilizer and a shining 'code' light is apparently a warning for that. The light sometimes goes on. Sometimes short, sometimes a whole ride.

I'd love to get some blue keys but how should I approach this?

Anyone? Used to quick replies now .
Also kind of worried I might ruin something.

https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento/93878-red-blue-black-keys.html

As far as I understand it, nothing bad can happen from using the red key on a daily basis, but it's recommended not to use it as - if lost - there'll be no way to make any blue keys.
Take it to your local dealer, or auto-locksmith, and they'll sort you out with a blue key(s).

Alternatively you can try to find an immo free ECU (first Sportings had them) and get rid off the immo circuit altogether, then it is only a matter of copying the key. My old ECU was such, I still have it somewhere, so I might be able to look up the exact version if needed.

I can get the red key copied with the software that's in it. Costs me 35 euros (about 27 pounds) so that's really not the issue.

I wonder about the risks though.
My dad found an article saying the red key could cause problems with the immobilizing computer, first warning signs being the code-light staying on.

Is there anyone who can tell for sure that the red key is safe to use?
Because if it is I will just copy that, that's no problem.
I do have a feeling it's not that simple though.

I found this on here somewhere

"Uou need to buy a minimum of 2 blue keys you cant program one
get them cut by dealer or mabey local lock smith might be beter at it
then put your red key in turn ignition to mar then turn it off again
put in first new blue key and turn to mar wait for code light to go out
then put in second blue key and turn to mar and wait for code light to go out
then wait between 4 and 9 seconds put your red key in again if the code light stays on your keys are programed if it goes out keep turning it on and off untill it does stay on if you still have trouble try again
you can program the key as many times as you like they to as many cars as you like there is no limit so dont be afraid of fuging it up"

He seems to know what he's saying.
Question is, where can I get 'empty' keys?
Just at the dealer's? Or can I get them at any locksmith?
I am afraid the locksmith might program my red key to my blue key which is probably not what I want, or do I?

Halp

Eklipze3k said:

Take it to your local dealer, or auto-locksmith, and they'll sort you out with a blue key(s).

Click to expand...

As for local dealers.
I'm not sure if this is a worldwide problem but FIAT dealers are notorious in the Netherlands. They are just awful.
I did call them (the official Dutch FIAT site had the wrong number of my most nearby dealer, that's a great start...) and they were like 'err... yeah we're having lunch now, can we call you back later as I don't know how much it costs to have a key made...".

I am going to call my Citroën specialist. This may sound weird but they're a pretty nice bunch of guys and they work on other cars as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they knew

It kinda is that simple, on Cinqs (and most Fiats of that era) the immobiliser system is pretty simple. So simple in fact that it was even possible for some shoe repair shops to copy the code off a red key and programme a copied blue key.

It is safe to use the red key, though. It's just a master key. Immobiliser light staying on is probably another issue, most likely earth related.

Another solution (aside from the immob free ecu) is possible, that's to get another ecu, code box and key, fit the ecu and code box, then tape the key to the receiver antenna that connects to the ignition barrel. Viola, permanently bypassed immobiliser. Can now just get standard copies of your regular key and they will start the car.

Bit of a bodge but works.

There is some tuning chips you can get that give a couple of extra bhp(debatable) and get rid of the immobiliser so no code light. There's one on eBay at the moment.

Haha, I don't like the extra BHP story though .
Getting rid of the immobilizer sounds good. Does anyone have any experience with these chips?

@ Mrcinquecento; From the story I posted above it seems like the red key sets the car to some sort of 'copy key mode'. I can imagine this may cause the light to light up?

stijnkraft said:

Haha, I don't like the extra BHP story though .
Getting rid of the immobilizer sounds good. Does anyone have any experience with these chips?

@ Mrcinquecento; From the story I posted above it seems like the red key sets the car to some sort of 'copy key mode'. I can imagine this may cause the light to light up?

Click to expand...

It doesn't have such a mode, it's really not that clever!

Michael Critch (fiat form member makes the chips) lots of good reports about them - I will be getting one

I will pots a link in a sec

mrcinquecento said:

It doesn't have such a mode, it's really not that clever!

Click to expand...

How does it work then? You can use the red key to program the blue keys for that car.

DRSIK said:

Michael Critch (fiat form member makes the chips) lots of good reports about them - I will be getting one

I will pots a link in a sec

Click to expand...

Still welcome