Hi,

I have recently bought a Punto Evo & to be fair I am loving it. What I'm not loving is the fob that doesn't close properly. I have dismantled it cleaned it and had a look at the parts which all seem relativley fine with some minor wear. Is this new key territory or is there anything that can be done.

Cheers in advance.

Andy

Hello.

Open and boot works fine ?

If so, switch of close button is probably defective.. any pic of it ?

Hi Mkala,

Thanks for the reply. I believe you might have misunderstood the problem. The key works fine the buttons work as well. However the key fob does not shut properly and the key sticks out a bit, as shown in the picture in the original post. I'm looking to see if there is a solution to make the key lie flat within the fob.

Andy.

does it still "flick"? ,
or has the spring lost tension..??,
Charlie

Yes it still flicks out, so there is definatley still tension in the spring. I have found if I nudge the key a bit without using the button it will flick open.

Andy86 said:

Hi Mkala,

Thanks for the reply. I believe you might have misunderstood the problem. The key works fine the buttons work as well. However the key fob does not shut properly and the key sticks out a bit, as shown in the picture in the original post. I'm looking to see if there is a solution to make the key lie flat within the fob.

Andy.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I have totally misunderstood your question.

Too much play between pieces. Other people have problem too, the solution is to reduce margin between locks and the metal flipping blade.

http://www.fiat500owners.com/forum/26-fiat-500-diy-section/3088-loosened-key-fob-repair-pics.html

Cheers, I'm not totally convinced I like the idea of bending the key however expansion of the stop might be the idea, I will attempt the repair and report back.

Yes, bending the key is a bit rude. Removing play in lock is easy, make the hole of key smaller is more difficult, I think. Perhaps with small aluminum sheet and epoxy ? But all is small....

Ok, after dismantling the fob again I looked at the parts again. I looked at the part which the guide suggested bending however I dont believe this part is the issue. I do believe the stop (the bit with the fiat badge on it) has been made from only the finest cheese available and seems to be beautifully rounded. Which brings me to only one conclusion; this part needs replacing. However I doubt its available from fiat and im going to have to buy a whole new key or try one of the cheap knock offs on ebay. Cheers for the advice and help.

Ok thanks for feedback. You can try one on eBay, for some bucks you have a complete key housing.

Chinese cheese

Just to bring this thread to a conclusion. New used case and key bought from ebay, with a minor modification to the case (small bit of plastic cut off and grease applied due to different key style) the key now closes flat. Cheers for your help guys.

Nice, happy this worked and thanks for your feedback