I've taken the end of the remote locking bit of the key. The key is of the type which folds into the kidney-shaped "handle". Inside the handle is a small circuit board. Two micro-switches on one side are activated by pressing a black rubbery bit on the side of the "handle". One micro switch has come off completely. I expect the other needs soldering too.

How do I get the circuit board out?

Are replacements expensive?

The key fob is coded to the engine. Replacements are available but usually mean you providing proof of vehicle ownership (V5 document amongst other stuff asked for).

'Timpsons' (high street shoe repairs and engravers) actually have a key coding service - unfortunately this isn't on-site and means making an appointment with their roaming key-guys. They are a LOT cheaper than the official replacments so give them a call first.

Unless you have some decent electronics knowledge and the right tools, fixing the fob isn't a practical proposition.

I've looked inside the thing. It's a mechanical failure - two small micro-switches soldered to the circuit board have been pressed off - the connections have sheared. I could probably fix them, if I could physically get the board out. There seems to be a retaining mechanism, but I can't see what it is!

I could go and see the local locksmith, I suppose. A member of the MLA, can do all sorts of keys. However, there's nothing to be lost AFAIK by trying to fix the thing - I have two spare keys, but only one remote locking one.

We repair these but cant give a guarentee as to how long the repair will last.
Kellys-eye, your talking cobblers.Timpsons cant do anything with the remote.

... talking cobblers...

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Yep, those are the people....

http://www.timpson.co.uk/services/66/car-key-replacement

Quote from their site:

"Timpson can cut all car keys which were manufactured before 1995. For vehicles manufactured after 1995 most Timpson branches now have the sophisticated machinery to cut and programme the latest Transponder chip car keys."

If this doesn't mean remote key fobs then, yes, I'm wrong - sorry.As it happens, I too can repair the fob key (push-buttons) myself.Free of charge if the OP is interested.

I can get, from a local breaker, another similar key fob. If I get one, can I somehow "program" it to open my van? With other keys, you can hold the thing near the ignition lock and press things, or something of that nature.

I must re-state that the key is fine, and starts the van. It's just the remote locking bit that's busted.

No, you can't reprogram the fob - the best you could do would be to swap out the good switches to your old fob.

That doesn't sound good.

Is this page (or my interpretation of it) wrong?

http://www.programyourkeys.com/Fiat_Scudo_Remote_Key_Programming_Instructions.html

Remote door locking keys use what is called a 'rolling code' sequence - it changes the code it transmits after each keypress.

If you use the key repeatedly outside the normal operating range the key and the car-key-receiver lose 'synchronisation' and the key stops working. The instructions you link to are a method to re-synchronise the key to the car.

It is NOT a method of copying the codes over between keys as each key/car have their own particular set of rolling codes.

Sorry.

Right. I telephoned a FIAT main dealer. They say:

It's possible that a second-hand key will work - only way to find out is to try the resynchronisation procedure and see.

A new fob is £93.92p inc. VAT.
A kit to remove the old key from the old fob is £0.42p + VAT.
To get the code back from FIAT if I do not know it is £24.00.
To re-code the key/van is £43.

Total £161.92 is they've added it up properly. ICBA to check.

I had the same quote last year from my local Fiat dealer to provide replacement key, remote fob and recoding to ECU. I suppose I should get it done as my original key has seen better days after 94,000 miles and although quite a bit of money it is not as much as some of the horror stories I hear about from other manufacturers.

Just so you know, the retainer screw is behind the FIAT badge on the key. If you want, there's a guide here on how to disassemble it. It's for a Stilo, but the keys are similar.

Buy an old key and solder the micro switches on yours.

kellys_eye said:

As it happens, I too can repair the fob key (push-buttons) myself.Free of charge if the OP is interested.

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Drat, I missed this - it'd be worth a drink to have the key fixed.

My other option may be to remove the circuit board, put it in a small plastic box, and solder on two more push-button switches wired onto the circuit board - leaving the key fob "empty". Would that be a goer?