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Technical 5-digit security code

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Technical 5-digit security code

Mick F

Mick F

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Just playing with my copy of Multiecuscan and using the Simulation Mode.

Looking at the Proxi Alignment Procedure.

NOTE: The "indicators command" and "alarm country mode" will be restored to the factory default value after this procedure. You may need to connect to the body computer and correct these settings after execution of this procedure (you need your vehicle's 5-digit security code to do that.)
Click to expand...

What is the 5-digit security code, and how do I find it?

Thanks guys,
Mick.
 
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Mick F said:
What is the 5-digit security code, and how do I find it?
Click to expand...

An educated guess, but I suspect this is the electronic keycode that Fiat dealers obtain from the central register when, for example, reprogramming keys. You will likely need a friendly dealer tech to get it, as most Fiat dealers won't give the code to end users due to issues with UK insurers.

I, er, just happen to have the keycode for my own car, and can at least confirm that it is indeed five digits.
 
jrkitching said:
An educated guess, but I suspect this is the electronic keycode that Fiat dealers obtain from the central register when, for example, reprogramming keys. You will likely need a friendly dealer tech to get it, as most Fiat dealers won't give the code to end users due to issues with UK insurers.

I, er, just happen to have the keycode for my own car, and can at least confirm that it is indeed five digits.
Click to expand...

When we bought our cars we were given a plastic card with a five-digit 'electronic code' and two-letter, four-digit 'mechanical code'. It didn't say as much but a key logo on the card suggest this is the same five-digit code. Presumably the mechanical code is for the physical key.

I seem to remember a post some time ago that said this was not supplied to UK customers but I don't remember why.
 
Thanks for that.

I wonder why the owner isn't given ALL the info about their cars. Why should the manufacturer hold a security code and not give it to the owner?

It's like the local council holding the master keys for your house and you can only get a new key from them.

What happens in the distant future? What happens when Fiat cease to exist? How do we know that an employee of Fiat isn't up to no good and making keys?

Even if I were to get the number from Fiat, no doubt they would still retain it.

Regards,
Mick.
 
Mick F said:
I wonder why the owner isn't given ALL the info about their cars. Why should the manufacturer hold a security code and not give it to the owner?
Click to expand...

For once, this isn't really down to Fiat - it's done at the request of the insurance industry.

Like many security initiatives, I suspect it does more to inconvenience legitimate owners than it does to inconvenience thieves. OBDII port attacks seem to be on the increase, in spite of such precautions.
 
Mick F said:
Thanks for that.

I wonder why the owner isn't given ALL the info about their cars. Why should the manufacturer hold a security code and not give it to the owner?

It's like the local council holding the master keys for your house and you can only get a new key from them.

What happens in the distant future? What happens when Fiat cease to exist? How do we know that an employee of Fiat isn't up to no good and making keys?

Even if I were to get the number from Fiat, no doubt they would still retain it.

Regards,
Mick.
Click to expand...

It's not a bad thing for FIAT to keep the number on file (I'm sure their computer is totally immune to hacking attacks </sark>) - many people would likely lose it even if they knew what it was.

What I don't understand is how security is compromised by me having the number.
 
Ok, I get that. Fair enough I guess.

Is it possible therefore, for Fiat to give me my codes ............. for free?
Somehow I doubt that. They would charge me for giving me MY information, or possibly refuse to give me them at all.

If OBD thefts are on the increase, it must mean that people have cracked the codes anyway. If they have cracked the codes, what's the problem in giving them to the rightful owners?

Cheers,
Mick.
 
Mick F said:
Is it possible therefore, for Fiat to give me my codes ............. for free?
Somehow I doubt that. They would charge me for giving me MY information, or possibly refuse to give me them at all.
Click to expand...

I'd say your doubts are valid.

I suspect

(a) they will charge you to retrieve the codes (should you need, for example, a replacement key), in addition to the cost of the key and the cost of programming the car

and

(b) even if you have paid for the codes to be retrieved, they won't let you know what they are.

Mick F said:
If OBD thefts are on the increase, it must mean that people have cracked the codes anyway.
Click to expand...

It suggests that thieves have found a way to disable the immobiliser without needing the codes.
 
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Just few years ago I had this problem with our Fiat. Our local locksmith said it was illegal for the garage to withhold the information for key cutting and codes. Buyers should be given all this along with the car. We have now bought a Ford and were handed all this information straight away, with a warning about how important it was to keep it safe. What a difference!
 
jrkitching said:
It would be compromised if you left the keycard in the car. However stupid that may sound, a few folks would - and that's likely what the UK insurers are concerned about.
Click to expand...

Ah. That's why I'd never get a job as an insurance risk assessor - I didn't think anyone would be that dumb. My card's secured behind locked gates, security doors, electronic locks, dogs (not very big dogs I grant you) and finally the chaos of my filing 'system'.

I'd be more than a little peeved to pay for retrieval and then be told I couldn't know my own car's security code, I must say.
 
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