I am looking at purchasing a Ducato 2004. I neeed to get another spare key. Can anyone tell me if you can get a key cut at any lock smith ?

I know that some lock smiths are able to programme some manufacturers immoblizer chip too. How about Fiats ?

Should I have a BLUE key with a 2004 model ?

Can anyone give me any advice on any common problems to look out for when buying a used Ducato.

Thanks for you help.

On even low mileage examples, carefully check the sump pan for external rust. It's a complex steel pressing, which will cost you quite a lot to replace, as you have also to replace the oil (which almost doubles the cost). The sump rusts over time (3 years is enough to cause a leak), not mileage. More so if it's been stored anywhere damp.

Other than that: on higher mileage examples, make sure (by ringing the garage) that the 72k service was done according to recommendations. Many owners seem to have this done, but in anticipation of selling the thing, instruct the garage not to do the cam belt. This is understandable, since the complete service with the belt, etc., will be about 600-800 quid. Caveat emptor.

Both drive shafts will need replacing between 95k and 105k, at about 250 quid each, or less if you're lucky.

Check very carefully for any reluctance for the gearchange to go straight from 5th to reverse (while stationary), and vice versa. Obviously you wouldn't want to do this in normal driving, but it can show up the gradual failure of (I believe) a hub linkage within the gearbox, and will get worse.

Just my 2p.

Thanks for the advice Mark.

Is there a undertray which covers the underneath of the engine ? Or can I inspect the sump from looking underneath the van ?

Thanks.

Is it worth Hammerite-ing the sump to protect it for the future ?

On mine, the sump is exposed and reachable without removing anything. There is a plastic undertray on the off-side which protects the alternator (removing this is pretty much the only way to get to the alternator at all -- thanks Fiat).

Hammeriteing the sump is probably a good idea -- I've condidered this. Not much fun trying to get Hammerite onto anything above one's face, but probably worth the effort. One would need to avoid the drain plug. There may be other coatings which could work better -- the sump gets quite hot, so Waxoyl is out, clearly.

[email protected] said:

I am looking at purchasing a Ducato 2004. I neeed to get another spare key. Can anyone tell me if you can get a key cut at any lock smith ?

I know that some lock smiths are able to programme some manufacturers immoblizer chip too. How about Fiats ?

Should I have a BLUE key with a 2004 model ?

Can anyone give me any advice on any common problems to look out for when buying a used Ducato.

Thanks for you help.

Click to expand...

You don't get a blue key with the 04 model, I got two black flip keys with transponders in them, I have tried to get a new key cut and chipped but the local high street wont take the risk in touching the key just in case they break it and they can't clone it either

However I did find a shop on ebay that will cut you a blade for £12 that you can swap over yourself, all you need to do is send a picture of the blade and they can cut it, amazing this technology lark...

Look at the date of the post me old fruit.