Help

[Carl T]

Im looking for a front bumper with spotlight holes for a fiat bravo! anyone recomennd anywhere that may have one??


Also.... We purchased a p reg bravo 1.8 hlx but only have the blue key when would i actually need to use the red key?? The battery has also been removed! All advice greatly appreciated!!

 

[Nick]

Red key

As far as I can tell, you only need the red key to program new blue keys into the system. There were rumours that the red key also allowed some diagnostic tests to be run, but as far as I know this is not true.
To get a new red key requires vast expense as the engine electronics and CODE electronics needs replacing and also all the locks. ATP Electronics can supply nobbled ECUs for some engines that no longer use the fiat immobiliser so the red key then has no purpose. Look further back for details.
It is possible and advisable to have the blue key cloned. More and more lock shops can do this. I had mine done at Timpsons and that has worked fine now for a year. If your blue key also controla a fiat alarm then you might have a problem - others can probably advise. Mine doesn't have an alarm. You might wish to remove the fiat alarm and fit an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser, particularly if you fit one of the previously mentioned nobbled ECUs. (http://www.timpson.co.uk/)

 

[Nick]

More

http://www.atpelectronics.demon.co.uk/

I've just looked and they don't list the 1.8 yet. Probably worth giving them a call as they might not have updated the page.

 

[Anonymous]

red key

Try the following:
If you have recently bought the car I would go back to the dealer and ask that they provide the red key (which will mean they have to change all the locks/CPU and code box - cost £1200) or make an equivalent offer to recompense you. If they are unwilling then demand that they accept return of the car for a full refund under the consumers protection act, as the car is considered defective with out the key. If you have had the car for a quit a while you may have to negotiate a suitable compromise.

This was the advice I got, which I pursued, a couple of months back. After some hassle the garage replaced every thing neccessary to give me a new red key cost free!.

Im not sure of the absolute need for the key but fiats line is that it is essential. If you do need it 1200 pounds is a lot to pay out.

The consumer protection bit only applies to fiat and Alpha romeao cars because of the cost of replacement.


Good luck