Punto N Reg 55S HELP

We've lost the red key and when trying to start I get the "key" symbol flashing on the dash. The only way I have managed to start the car is by putting in the blue ignition key, turn to first position, then remove the fuel injection fuse under the bonnet and I then hear a click. Pop the fuse back in and she'll start. Sometimes.

Fiat say they can't do anything without the red key and won't sell me a replacement. They want £800 for a new ECU instead.

How do I get a new Red Key or get round this problem?

Oh dear serious problems mate.
Basically the keys are coded to the ECU, so if you cannot find the Red key (i would turn my house over to find this) you will have to buy and fit a new ECU and new lockset (4 locks) and get Fiat to re-programme the new keys to the ECU.

If you cant find this key, You may want to consider buying a ECU, Lockset and new set of keys from a scrappy near you, may be a couple of hundred quid but it'll save you £500!!
Oh and make sure they have the Red key with it

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
Who cares about my post count - it's all about quality not quantity!!
(at least thats what i tell myself anyway)

Thanks for that Centevo, yeah that sums up the problem nicely. Only thing is, the red key just don't exist any more and no way can I afford or justify the cost of a new ECU. I'd just as soon dump the car, she's not worth that amount of money to fix her.

So the big Q is how to get round this problem?

Someone MUST have a solution, so come on guys tell me how to fix it?

Ahem... insurance job


Who said that??? [:0]

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
Who cares about my post count - it's all about quality not quantity!!
(at least thats what i tell myself anyway)

I understand there's people who can make new red keys, try searching the net for 'transponder key'.

I know Timpsons can make new blues from a red at £20 a pop, so there are other alternatives to Fiat.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cinqs_and_Seis/
http://www.clubcento.co.uk/

Lookie here: https://www.fiatforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1800

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
Who cares about my post count - it's all about quality not quantity!!
(at least thats what i tell myself anyway)

You might want to look into disabling the immobiliser, I have heard a few things about this but cannot confirm or deny any of it. Without the immobiliser code in the ECU you don't need a red or a blue key, a standard cut blank metal key will start it.

Now that sounds more useful EvoPunto.

Any ideas HOW to do do that i.e disable the immobiliser? Or any ideas where I might get the info?

Come on guys this is starting to look pretty serious, the car's just sitting here and you know what Fiat's are like. Another couple of weeks and it'll have rusted away.

Sorry, I have no info on it at all. It was an option I looked into when my immobiliser played up. Eventually I took the steering column shroud off and cleaned all the connectors.
Speak to Fiat, you never know, if not have an ask at www.dartfordtuning.co.uk
They sorted out my 15 month EGR problem and know a lot about ECUs.

i got all the bit i needed for my car from ebay for 50 quid

very good