General Are there other ways to open a Grande Punto 2008 boot?

[oscar3kings]

Ok, stupid question here, but is there another way to open the boot on a Grande Punto 2008 rather than using the button on the dash? I find the button on the dash quite inconvenient and was wondering if there was another way. Thanks in advance.

 

[jameshobiecat]

Ok, stupid question here, but is there another way to open the boot on a Grande Punto 2008 rather than using the button on the dash? I find the button on the dash quite inconvenient and was wondering if there was another way. Thanks in advance.

The button on the key. But yes, the system is a pita; why no external boot button I don't know. And you can lock your keys in.

 

[Jacob]

Aside from the dash button and your key I think the only other way is from inside the car.

If you have access to the boot ie back seats folded down. You can reach onto the lock mechanism and there is a small plastic catch on the left side as you look at it which opens the boot.

Not sure if that's helpful for you but don't know any other methods.

 

[james44422]

The button on the key. But yes, the system is a pita; why no external boot button I don't know. And you can lock your keys in.

I have done this too many times! Thank god for the spare!

On UK grandes the only way to open the boot is the button on the dash or on the keys.

I think some models overseas and the evo have a way to open the boot by lifting up the badge on the back, dont quote me on it though!

 

[oscar3kings]

james44422 - Where can you find the button on the key? I have a separate keyring remote to lock and unlock the car... The key itself doesn't have any buttons on it, or is it discretely hidden away somewhere?

 

[jameshobiecat]

james44422 - Where can you find the button on the key? I have a separate keyring remote to lock and unlock the car... The key itself doesn't have any buttons on it, or is it discretely hidden away somewhere?

Sounds like you don't have the original remote key. The buttons are integrated into the key, not on a separate fob. I think you have the spare key (non-remote) and some sort of aftermarket remote fob. Does you car have an alarm by any chance?

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Sounds like you don't have the original remote key. The buttons are integrated into the key, not on a separate fob. I think you have the spare key (non-remote) and some sort of aftermarket remote fob. Does you car have an alarm by any chance?

:yeahthat:

 

[james44422]

:yeahthat:

:yeahthat:
Yeah what i assume. There are two types of keys for the grande. The older style and the flip out style. I only have the flip out style and the boot button is button number three (top to bottom - unlock, lock boot unlock)

Not sure about the older ones.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

There are two types of keys for the grande. The older style and the flip out style

Thats a new one on me, they should all be the 3 button ones as far as I'm aware, there is only 1 key type for the GP

 

[Eklipze3k]

The ex definitely had a non-remote key for hers.

 

[james44422]

Thats a new one on me, they should all be the 3 button ones as far as I'm aware, there is only 1 key type for the GP

Whoops, did a double check. There are still two types of key for the grande, series 1 style and series 2.

Here is the S2 style...

http://www.autokeysquad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/frty.jpg

And I assume this is the s1 (didnt know it was flip out as well, I test drove an S1 grande and i'm sure the key wasn't flip out...

http://www.motorbeam.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fiat_grande_punto_foldable_key.jpg

 

[Jacob]

Whoops, did a double check. There are still two types of key for the grande, series 1 style and series 2.

Here is the S2 style...

http://www.autokeysquad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/frty.jpg

And I assume this is the s1 (didnt know it was flip out as well, I test drove an S1 grande and i'm sure the key wasn't flip out...

http://www.motorbeam.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fiat_grande_punto_foldable_key.jpg

That's the key I have, except with the boot button below the lock unlock buttons.

The key does flip out, press that silver button

 

[Andy Monty]

Hang on chaps see the Op's oscar3kings location looks like he is in New Zealand.

If what Alex said the other week is anything to go by most are imported there from Japan iirc so there might be a change in specification like there is on the Brazil / Indian builds have you tried pressing the Fiat boot badge?

alexGS can you shed any light on this

 

[dave]

if all else fails there are kits like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REMOTE-BOOT-TRUNK-RELEASE-KIT-NEW-FITS-MOST-VEHICLES-/250687604734

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Whoops, did a double check. There are still two types of key for the grande, series 1 style and series 2.

Here is the S2 style...

http://www.autokeysquad.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/frty.jpg

And I assume this is the s1 (didnt know it was flip out as well, I test drove an S1 grande and i'm sure the key wasn't flip out...

http://www.motorbeam.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fiat_grande_punto_foldable_key.jpg

Never knew they done an S1 key without a 3rd button



You sure they done that in the UK and not just over seas

 

[alexGS]

Hang on chaps see the Op's oscar3kings location looks like he is in New Zealand.

If what Alex said the other week is anything to go by most are imported there from Japan iirc so there might be a change in specification like there is on the Brazil / Indian builds have you tried pressing the Fiat boot badge?

alexGS can you shed any light on this

Thank you, Andy. Sadly no - the boot badge does not press and there is no keyhole.

I think you're right and it sounds like oscar3kings has a Grande Punto from Japan, like mine.

My key and its remote are in the picture below. Although the remote has FIAT on it, I don't think it was supplied by FIAT - the system (which includes a box and wiring under the dash) was more likely installed by the dealer in Japan.

Because of the dodgy proximity locking, my car locked itself this week with the keys still inside the car (it's supposed to lock when the keys walk away from the car) - even after trying two new batteries in the fob - that self-locking and the lack of a boot release tripped me over the edge and I have booked in to a FIAT dealer for Tuesday.

We are going to try and get the Grande Punto's body computer to recognise a Stilo key remote - I have several spares. Stilo keys are the same shape as the flip-out key that I have, so it will be easy to place the Grande Punto's immobiliser pellet and key blade into a Stilo key.

Then I will have a regular three button key as usually supplied in the UK.

Grande Puntos supplied to Japan seem to have a strange specification that includes rear electric windows and dualzone climate control, but does not include ASR/stability control, buttons on the steering wheel, and remote keys... (The Grande Punto was also sold new in NZ - was reasonably popular - so about half of them on the roads here are a different specification, with alloy wheels, factory stereo, remote key, manual aircon and manual rear windows, etc.)

-Alex

 

[alexGS]

I forgot to mention that a likely cause for all this is that FIAT may not have gained regulatory authority approval for using their key radio frequencies in Japan. The back of the handbook for other markets includes certificates of compliance and I don't recall seeing one for Japan. Other equipment for Japan (e.g. the radio headunit) operates on different frequencies, so it makes sense to me that the 433MHz band for key remotes (I think) may not be available, hence why there is the dealer-fitted unit.

Anyway, I will let you know my findings on Tuesday - which might produce a workable solution for both oscar3kings and myself

-Alex

 

[alexGS]

Progress so far - they tried to connect to the body computer, need to order the CODE card from FIAT (will cost $113, reasonable) plus their time for the connection. Card is ordered

-Alex

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Progress so far - they tried to connect to the body computer, need to order the CODE card from FIAT (will cost $113, reasonable) plus their time for the connection. Card is ordered

-Alex

$113. Whats that in £? Its only £15+VAT at 20% (so £18 all in) for the CODE card details at my local dealer.

 

[alexGS]

$113. Whats that in £? Its only £15+VAT at 20% (so £18 all in) for the CODE card details at my local dealer.

$113 is about £60, plus 15% GST. Because it has to come from Japan, I'm expecting it will take a week or so for the card to arrive in the post...

I hope they keep the numbers in a computer system, rather than thousands of little cards in drawers as I've been led to believe :chin:

-Alex