Unfortunately, I only have one ignition key for my Punto. I've been quoted £130+ for another key. Having two keys would solve my problem, but I don't have £130+ so I thought I'd pester everyone in here with this problem to see if anyone can point me in the right direction.

I am finding it increasingly difficult to turn the ignition key and start my Punto. I have looked at the manuals that came with my car but they tell me little, if nothing, that I can understand. The problem is that the key simply will not turn and I end up spending ages part turning the steering wheel to release the pressure of the steering lock and trying to turn the key to start my car. It really has been a matter of pot luck if it turns or not and when it does turn, I have no idea what I did to release it.

I know this sounds a bit of a dumb post but it's proving to be embarrassing when I've put some petrol in only to find that I can't turn on the ignition after I've paid for the petrol while a queue of other drivers are waiting for me to move.

With two keys I could leave one key in the ignition with engine switched off but not to the very point of being able to take the ignition key out. I could then lock the car doors with my other key, unlock the fuel cap, put the petrol in, lock it up again, pay for the petrol, and once back in my Punto, I would have no problem restarting the engine.

Any and all pointers will be appreciated.

Mine does that I just with Botha sets of keys there's a little black thing on the ignition barrel that sometimes works but I just turn the key and spin the steering wheel works every time

If you just want a spare key that will work with the door locks and petrol cap (i.e. with no transponder in it -- so won't work with the ignition), then these guys are the dog's doodahs...!

I would suspect, though, that either your key, or the ignition barrel, is wearing out. Solutions for this are a little bit more intensive, I'm afraid....

Generally speaking, due to the nature of the CODE2 system, your only option for a 2nd/replacement key is to go to FIAT. However, it sounds like the problem is the barrel and/or steering lock is faulty. If you can't afford £130 for a key, you could try getting a barrel, ecu, lock and keyset from a breaker which may well cost you less and actually resolve the issue.

Thanks BF95, homeward, and Eklpze3k, for the pointers.

I had to run it into my local garage this afternoon after spending the best side of half an hour trying to get the ignition to work. Unfortunately it is the barrel that is on it's way out. Hopefully I will get it resolved on Monday as the mechanic who owns the garage is going to try and get his hands on a replacement from another Punto over the weekend. I have yet to find out how much it is likely to cost. :shrug: Watch this space!

Thanks again. It is appreciated.

Dave63256 said:

Thanks BF95, homeward, and Eklpze3k, for the pointers.

I had to run it into my local garage this afternoon after spending the best side of half an hour trying to get the ignition to work. Unfortunately it is the barrel that is on it's way out. Hopefully I will get it resolved on Monday as the mechanic who owns the garage is going to try and get his hands on a replacement from another Punto over the weekend. I have yet to find out how much it is likely to cost. :shrug: Watch this space!

Thanks again. It is appreciated.

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If the barrell is at fault, then you can get Fiat to get a new barrell with the correct Mechanical key code to match So its a pop out and pop in job

However It could also be a worn key?

Ziggy

Thanks for that Ziggy, but as Fiat was where I got my £130+ quote just for a new key, a replacement barrel will cost me a whole lot more. I'm happy to go down the road my local mechanic is taking me for now. It's not a matter of me being tight fisted, I'm just skint....as always.

you're mechanic can't just swap the barrel and key from another punto as Eklipze3k has already pointed out you need to replace the other parts of the immobaliser system which means changing the body computer and engine ECU as well so although it might not cost you £130 it still might set you back £60-70

where as a new barrel from fiat might only cost you £20-30

Take a close up of the key and post it. There's a fair chance that your key is just worn out with age.
I have one key like this, the one I've carried around for 12 years. The other works fine.

Facepalm

Should have read your last post

AndyRKett said:

you're mechanic can't just swap the barrel and key from another punto as Eklipze3k has already pointed out you need to replace the other parts of the immobaliser system which means changing the body computer and engine ECU as well so although it might not cost you £130 it still might set you back £60-70

Click to expand...

Hello AndyRKett and thanks for your input but Eklipze3k suggested....

Eklipze3k said:

...you could try getting a barrel, ecu, lock and keyset from a breaker which may well cost you less and actually resolve the issue.

Click to expand...

This would appear to be what my mechanic has done. I had not been able to start my car since Tuesday but the earliest I could get it into the garage was today (Thursday). The RAC came out this morning and freed the steering lock so I was able to drive it to the garage. I picked it up an hour ago and the job's a good 'un. It's an absolute treat to be able to just get in, turn the ignition key, and just watch the dashboard lights coming on without having to struggle like hell just to get that far

Thanks for all the advice everybody. It's appreciated.