A Master Key Problem!!

[Oliver]

hello everyone, i'm new to this bravo thing. i've just bought a 98' bravo 1.9 TD privatly but i have a few problems that i need sorting.

firstly the 'master key' - i didn't know about this 'key code' thing, i only got one key when i bought the car (but not the master key). how much to get a spare key????

secondly - (this is for diesel owners), do your cars burn a lot of oil??? its been 5,000 miles since its last service and the oil level is very low.

thirdly - are there any problems that are common with bravos??? (mechanical, electrical). i've never had a fiat before, i'm used to having VW's.

i have to say that i am impressed though with how fiat have put my bravo together. its SOLID.

 

[Chris]

Info

Depending on who you talk to, copy keys can only be made off the Master Key - hence it's name. Make sure you don't loose your blue key, as you will need to change the whole system which will cost around £1,000 from a Fiat dealer. There are a shedload of key threads on this forum, which will give you a number of views. Alternatively, you could go back to the person you bought the car off, he/she still may have it.

I myself have a JTD, although it doesn't use a great deal of oil, make sure it's changed every 5-6,000 miles. A diesel additive can also help keep the fuel systems and injectors clean and reduce emmisions.


As for the little things that go wrong? I've been pretty lucky myself. I've had the problem of the back washer water connection coming loose which is an easy fix, and also very common. Windscreen fogging problems also happens from time to time. Nothing too drastic - it is a diesel asfter all!

 

[Nick]

Key

Get a copy of your blue key done at a high street lock shop, such as Timpsons. It cost me about £20 for a cloned blue key. Works fine. You will find that to get a new master key from Fiat requires all the electronics and locks to be changed, although there are rumours that Fiat can now just rechip the ECU.

The diesels seem OK in terms of build and just the usual Bravo malaises apply, such as occasional iffy electric windows, squeaky back seats, rear wiper pipe etc

 

[kavman]

Bravo Diesel

Most diesels don't use that much oil-about a pint after 5-6000 miles. If it's using a lot, check that the engine hasn't been trashed by some 40 in 5th type, they don't respond well to being laboured. I have a 01 GT JTD which is on a 12000 mile service interval and didn't need topping up between services. As far as I know, the garages here in Ireland use synthetic oil in preference to the usual stuff and that seems to work well on any diesel that I've owned. Service cost here was €185, about £100 to you. The car will accelerate with the best of them and can cruise at 100 with a little over 3000rpm. And it's economical.
Yeah, the back washer pipe fell off and the cabin squeaks but its great fun.

 

[Oliver]

Thanx Guys

Cheers guys. i'm gonna see if i can get another blue key cut so then i wont be in as much trouble.

serviced my car last night and the engine seems fine, no leaking oil anywhere. got my cambelt changed as well.

 

[steve]

spare keys

Considering how expensive it is to replace a missing key (£1000) I would get an extra blue key, so you have at least three.

If you lose one you have to take the 2nd out. Thats a risk.

I wonder if you can insure against loss of the red key,
or the risk of having to use it if you dont have it to start with.

 

[Chris]

Warranty

If you have a warranty on the car, this will also cover you for the loss of the master key, and the susequent change of the system.