Few Questions

[Linsey]

Hi everyone

My fiance has just spoken to the current owner of the Bravo HGT we're buying and have found out that it doesn't have a red key (a common problem from what I've read- in fact the woman didn't even know anything about it!). Can anyone help me in finding ways round this problem?

Also it will be needing its cam belt changed as the current owner hasn't had this done - whats the cheapest price people have found for this to be done?

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

you'll hear many different views about the Red Key but in my opinion there are very few people out there who actually use or need the red key.... it's nice to have it but ii wouldnt say it essential....

people who generally need one are unlucky in my opinion...

 

[Roberto]

It's absolutely essential if you need to reprogram the ECU with your keyset. The only other option would be new locks and keys, costing roughly the thick end of £1000.

Given the age of that Bravo, it's not a CODE2 car. CODE2 means no red key required. My old HGT was an R plate '97 and had the red key.

You could go years and not need it, but do you want to risk the chance of needing it and then having to shell out the best part of a grand ?

The decision is yours

Rob

Marea Weekend 1.8 16v 115 ELX

 

[Linsey]

Am a bit confused now.

You say your R reg HGT had a red key but mine wouldn;t as it is CODE2? But mine is also an R reg.

Can you shed any light on this for me please?

 

[Anonymous]

he said yours ISNT a CODE2 the same as his.

as in his wasnt a code 2 so he needed a key - ur car is same year so wont be a code to either so like him you WILL need a red key.

also as he said thought you may only need it....the chances are small but if you do need it then its expensive

 

[Roberto]

^^^What he said^^^



Rob

Marea Weekend 1.8 16v 115 ELX

 

[Linsey]

Ah right - I've just re-read it and realised that I was being a complete idiot and mis-read it!

Sorry for that!

 

[Anonymous]

let me get this straight

the bravo isnt a code2 car in general regardless of what series it is..

 

[Roberto]

FIAT introduced Code2 around 2000. You can tell if you car is Code2 by looking on your keys. Right at the top of the metal shaft, just before it goes into the fob, you should see the Code symbol stamped into the metal (looks like a circle with a triangle pointing in to it)...

Here's an example of the symbol

If it has a number 2 samped next to it, it's Code2 and doesn't have a Red Key. I'm not sure when or even if the Bravo's ever went to Code2, but if they did it wouldn't have been until the later models. My old Seicento Sporting was Code2, hence how I know this because I made sure the dealer wasn't bullsh*tting me

Rob

Marea Weekend 1.8 16v 115 ELX

 

[Allan wall]

re

people always go on abou the red keys, and i'm sure if you need it it does save you a lot of cash.

but i think the price you paid for the hgt was fairly cheap?

i never used my red key, i have one at home but never used it and my car has a differnet ecu now so totally useless.

i never had to use mine in 3/4 years owning it, i woudl think the majority of people haven't ever used theirs?

you don't need it when you disconnec tthe battery?

sure you don't need it to get spare keys? but may be wrong?

fiat can do their diagnostics etc on ecu without it?

i think for the price you paid its worth a punt on taking it without the red key? it wouldnt put me off buying a tidy car, but it might be a point to try and get some cash knocked off is it wasn't advertised as not having it?

 

[Tom]

The red key has nothing to do with the engine ECU, its all about the CODE immobiliser control unit.

The only time you need the red key is to program new blue keys.

You don't need it if you disconnect the battery.
You don't need it to have an ECU diag done.

 

[Peter]

Try looking at www.codeman.org/fiat.html if you need a red key. They may be able to help although I havent tried them personally.

 

[Linsey]

Thanks loads for everyones help and opinions! Much appreciated.