Found this interesting guide on eBay:

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/FIAT-CODED-KEYS_W0QQugidZ10000000008500121

Pay particular attention to the second part.

I've actually been through the process of having a replacement key supplied & the body computer reprogrammed - fortunately at FIAT's expense as my new car was delivered with a faulty transponder in the second key.

This took 2 visits to the dealership - the first to diagnose the faulty transponder & order the replacement key & unique electronic code, & the second a couple of weeks later to reprogram the car once the new key had arrived from FIAT.

The job is straightforward enough if you are a FIAT main dealer but for anyone else how are they going to get the electronic code from the central register & reprogram the car, even if they can copy an existing key? Also AFAIK there is no official non-FIAT access to the software necessary for the reprogramming. Any third party solutions have most likely been hacked in some way & who will take responsibility if the worst happens & the attempt leaves your body computer in a totally non-functional state?

Personally I'd be extremely wary of going the non-FIAT route without a fixed price, "no-fix, no fee' agreement AND a written undertaking that the supplier will pay the full cost of repair if they damage the body computer.

If the code card is included in the price then either Fiat will be refunding me or I would be getting the code for free for my OWN car.

Sure I read something here about the data protection act where 'retainagroup' have to give you (the owner) the code if requested by you (the owner).

I didn't get a credit card size document; the codes were given verbally over the phone, and then followed up by A4 printout with receipt (in post).

As it's not a part as such and not dealt with by Parts Dept, it's service Dept.

Job description is obtain codes (my reg). Perhaps that's just the setup at my local dealers.

Maybe if I worked directly for FPT or FIAT UK I'd get the codes free too . I don't mind paying £18 for them.. better than trying to work it out.

But I'm still no closer to getting my key working. I'm beginning to think that maybe the better way would be to pay up at the dealers (not that I'm about to).

Is there any way of testing the transponder before paying for FIAT dealer to attempted to program it back in? FIAT dealer seem about the same price as local auto locksmiths to try, but I'd rather the transponder functionality was checked first.

As I said the cost of the dealer for me all in including getting the code was £170, including a brand new key etc etc. So are you actually saving anything when you look at the total cost?

It sounds like you've had a lot of hassle so far, and spent a long time researching it, how much as that all cost you?

T14086 said:

Sure I read something here about the data protection act where 'retainagroup' have to give you (the owner) the code if requested by you (the owner).

Click to expand...

But they can charge an admin fee.

I like to get to the bottom of the facts before I shell out on things I think cost too much. That way I can make an informed decision and not just shell out cos the main dealer says so. There was potential for a large saving in my mind and if a few hours research saves £100 that's much more than I'd be earning in that time

I’m not sure I’d be saving owt now by going independent and I’ve kind of given up for now. I’ll be back on it though. I think my next step is to ask the main dealer if they can test my transponder works for free before they try and code it back in

Wish I’d have done the research before buying the car in the first place!! I’m not getting on so well with black paint . Blink and it's dirty again

I spotted Timpsons have a half price deal on coaded car keys so I asked if they could do my Panda key.

£45 for a new key cut and coded chip and pair to my car if it's ID48.

It's an ID48 so I got them to just progrgram a new chip, pair to my cars ECU, and then fit it in my existing remote key...

So £30 and an hour later my remote fob is fulley working. Aparantly there was no chip in my fob didn't fall out when I opened it before so I wonder what happened to it.

I just need a remote key casing thats in better condition than mine

Louie Bee said:

..........I just need a remote key casing thats in better condition than mine

Click to expand...

<whisper>Ebay, "Fiat remote", UK only, ending soonest</whisper>


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Ahhh thanks - I gone for one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250903335861