I have seen posts about the red key, but I don’t understand why I have 3 different kinds of keys for the barchetta

Please could somebody explain the full use of the red one and also if there is any significance to the middle blue one. It appears the the right hand blue one is the one that is normally used

The red one appears to have a way of opening it, is it likely that it has a battery in it which needs replacing after doing nothing for at least 10 years and quite possibly never been used?

LeftyGreg said:

I have seen posts about the red key, but I don’t understand why I have 3 different kinds of keys for the barchetta

Please could somebody explain the full use of the red one and also if there is any significance to the middle blue one. It appears the the right hand blue one is the one that is normally used

The red one appears to have a way of opening it, is it likely that it has a battery in it which needs replacing after doing nothing for at least 10 years and quite possibly never been used?

Click to expand...

The red key is your master with chip. Blue spare, and silver for main use, just like the Coupe.

To be precise, all keys are equipped with immo chip and can be used for starting the engine. The red key is only needed when you need to add more keys (if some keys lost or stolen) and you will also need the code card.
The blue key is for garage, and the silver key for everyday use.
There is a user manual in Downloads section which describes the details.

I don't think any of the keys has batteries inside.

wapper said:

To be precise, all keys are equipped with immo chip and can be used for starting the engine. The red key is only needed when you need to add more keys (if some keys lost or stolen) and you will also need the code card.
The blue key is for garage, and the silver key for everyday use.
There is a user manual in Downloads section which describes the details.

I don't think any of the keys has batteries inside.

Click to expand...

No batteries in keys, I gave a quick explanation.

Thanks guys, makes sense now.

I do have the code card too, along with loads of paperwork back to when it was first imported into the UK

I sometimes use the red key when servicing. It can be opened and by removing the small chip you can turn the engine over without it starting. Good for circulating oil after standing for a long time. The chip is like a large grain of rice made of glass.

That's a great tip!

gar074 said:

That's a great tip!

Click to expand...

As long as you dont kill the chip ..

I think I would rather disable the fuel pump directly .. than risk killing the MASTER key


Ive not had a Barchetta.. but pre.chip FIAT keys had a dinky key like your 'grey' one
for 'service' - as it opened doors.. but not the boot

I understood the Blue (middle) key was the everyday SLAVE in my old 176 puntos..

But the quoted paperwork should be correct for a B

Taking the chip out of the key risks breaking the chip (they are very fragile) and that’s going to be a disaster if you do, when you could just pull the fuel pump fuse.

Now as for circulating oil that’s something you might want to do with a newly rebuilt engine so if there is a noise or problem you can kill it quickly but with an other wise normal engine you’re not going to get sufficient oil pressure just off the starter motor so you risk oil running dry in places if cranking for too long a where as if you just start it and let it idle it will warm the engine and the higher engine speed will get proper oil pressure. Starting and idling a car should never be cause for concern even if it’s been standing a while as least not as far as circulating oil is concerned.

AndyRKett said:

Taking the chip out of the key risks breaking the chip (they are very fragile) and that’s going to be a disaster if you do, when you could just pull the fuel pump fuse.

Now as for circulating oil that’s something you might want to do with a newly rebuilt engine so if there is a noise or problem you can kill it quickly but with an other wise normal engine you’re not going to get sufficient oil pressure just off the starter motor so you risk oil running dry in places if cranking for too long a where as if you just start it and let it idle it will warm the engine and the higher engine speed will get proper oil pressure. Starting and idling a car should never be cause for concern even if it’s been standing a while as least not as far as circulating oil is concerned.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I’ve been been working on cars for decades and just starting vehicles and let them run after an oil change has seen me fine. Never had a problem.

OK, OK, maybe that's not such a great tip after all!

Davefridge said:

I sometimes use the red key when servicing. It can be opened and by removing the small chip you can turn the engine over without it starting. Good for circulating oil after standing for a long time. The chip is like a large grain of rice made of glass.

Click to expand...

It is far better and safer to wrap the key in tin foil. Two layers if one does not quite work. Ideally just go to any key shop and have a mechanical (no chip) key cut.

Messing with chipped keys is best avoided. Removing a chip may be easy but there is risk of electrostatic discard damage, breakage or loss.

Red Key = Master
Blue/ Grey = Normal Key (operates ignition and all locks)
Blue (oblong) = Valet Key (operates ignition and door locks only - boot and glove box locks can not be opened with this key)

Re: Keys
Hope you don’t mind me joining this conversation.
I’ve just bought my B with only the RED key (OK so far)
I have no other keys, nor a Fiat CODE card.
With just the red key, I plan to get copies made, and keep the red one safe.
My questions:
Do the other (official copies) keys have chips in, or not?
Do you have to get replacements from Fiat?
Would Fiat dealers (Spain in my case) know, or be able to tell me my Fiat CODE number from the red key?
Thanks in advance
Ben

Hi

Dealers SHOULD be able to get the CODE info.. it is requested from Italy.. and the price charged varies..

The keys All have chips.. or the car would remain IMMOBILISED

To Add a new key to the cars system.. you generally 'wipe' all stored keys..

Then add them all again

It might be worth getting your 'New Key'

Added on the number FIAT give you

If it doesnt 'read' and accept it.. no problem..as you have the RED MASTER still on the original coding


Do B's still fetch good money in Spain..?

As a FIAT key Coded at a dealer wont be cheap.

More modern FIATs store the code on the ECU-BCM so a basic key can be added for @€50 at a locksmiths.. did this on my sons 2007 grande punto
Charlie

Hi Charlie, many thanks for that information.
I am going to ask the local Fiat dealer about my key options when I get a moment to visit them. I will advise what I find out.
There are currently about 20 B’s for sale across Spain on various sites.
You can pay anything from €1500 for a project up to €7500 for a decent one.
Unless my forum search is wrong, I don’t see any other Spain members in the owners section? Let me know if you’re out there, I know the folks from barchetta España are on Facebook….
Saludos,
Ben

As you have the RED master key you can program new keys without having the code card. See procedure below.

The code card for the "B" actually has the master pin code to allow you to start the car if your chipped key fails to be recognise due to either a key fault, steering column antenna fault or keycode unit fault. I assume that should you need to replace a lost/missing/failed red master key the key code card number will be required.

The Barchetta uses the Delphi Megamos code/crypto system. Plenty of info on the web.

Programming Immobiliser - Fiat
Obtain all keys
�
Insert the red master key into the ignition switch
�
Switch the ignition on
�
Switch the ignition off immediately after the immobiliser warning light extinguishes
Within 10 seconds:
�
Remove master key
�
Insert key 1 to be programmed into ignition switch
�
Switch the ignition on
�
Switch the ignition off immediately after the immobiliser warning light extinguishes
Within 10 seconds:
�
Remove key 1
�
Insert key 2 to be programmed into ignition switch
�
Switch the ignition on
�
Switch the ignition off immediately after the immobiliser warning light extinguishes
�
Remove key 2
Repeat the above procedure to program the remaining keys. A maximum of 7 keys can be
programmed using the master key.
After programming the last key
Within 10 seconds
�
Insert master key into the ignition switch
�
Switch the ignition on
�
Switch the ignition off immediately after the immobiliser warning light extinguishes
�
Remove master key.

Wow, thanks S130, that’s news to me!
So I have to get 2 x keys (with chips, from fiat dealer) cut,
Then follow your procedure to assign them to my car?
Did I miss anything?
Thanks, Ben

I don't think you missed anything.

Many good locksmiths can/should be able provide compatible keys. Won't look and feel like a Fiat key.

When you order from Fiat the mechanical part of the key will already be physically cut just leaving the dealer/you to program the key. You master red key probably already has the mechanical code stamped on the key shank?

If you go the locksmith route they will have blank keys with the appropriate Delphi crypto chip and blank form. They will the use you existing key to cut the pattern for the new key(s).

At least get a price from a locksmith/car key business and use that as ammo to get an equivalent Fiat dealer price

Hey again S130
I’ve heard back from an eBay seller of keys, that say their keys have “ID13 megamos Virgin transponder” - can you confirm this is correct for programming new keys in my B?
Thanks, Ben