My 500 is 15 months old and I've owned it for 9 months. Last week the key developed a really annoying issue. The button is pushed to release the key part that goes into the ignition but the pin/mechanism inside does not keep the key handle straight. As you drive the handle part of the key drops down 45 degrees. Also if you try to start the car with the key the wrong way round (i.e. the key can only start the car in 1 out of 2 possible positions) then the handle folds down and you can't start the car.
I took the key into my Abarth dealer at the weekend as I think it should be replaced under the warranty. They said they will speak to Abarth but it didn't sound very positive to me and they're doubtful it will be replaced under the warranty. Still waiting to hear. If they won't replace it then a new key is going to cost me £250 because of all the programming etc. Absolutely ridiculous cost when it's purely the mechanism that has failed - the remote locking etc.works perfectly.
Has anyone else had this issue with any type of Fiat they've owned previously? I sold my last Abarth in March at over 5 years old and the key was perfect - as is my mate's who owns a 10 year old Panda!
I took the key into my Abarth dealer at the weekend as I think it should be replaced under the warranty. They said they will speak to Abarth but it didn't sound very positive to me and they're doubtful it will be replaced under the warranty. Still waiting to hear. If they won't replace it then a new key is going to cost me £250 because of all the programming etc. Absolutely ridiculous cost when it's purely the mechanism that has failed - the remote locking etc.works perfectly.
Has anyone else had this issue with any type of Fiat they've owned previously? I sold my last Abarth in March at over 5 years old and the key was perfect - as is my mate's who owns a 10 year old Panda!