Jeff in Poole
New member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Points
- 2
Hi Fiat Forum - first post still finding my way ...
I bought a 2001 Seicento SX two weeks back and it is a great car - could not be more pleased but for one exception ...
I need a spare key (car came with one only) and now know how expensive they are - Fiat Dealers quoting £187.
I understand as for all modern auto keys these are transponder keys programmed into the immobiliser (Fiat Code 2 ECU) but none-the-less this is a huge cost for one key.
I have had a metal key cut locally (£6-50) which will open the doors - this is useful but will not of course start the ignition.
I also note in the handbook that Code Cards (produced with the car) are "at the behest of the UK Insurance Industry" not supplied in UK (not issued with the car).
Personally I think this is all outrageous - the Code Card which has the Transponder Code and the mechanical key code (for cutting new keys) are not issued. And notably it is the 5 digit transponder code that can be used for an **emegency start-up procedure** - but not in UK as the Insurance Companies working with security agencies are not allowing manufacturers to issue the cards (or at least not allowing Fiat - I presume others as well as in industry wide).
So bottom line buyers of new cars pay for security, pay for back-up to the securtiy with a Code Card, but the cards are with-held for the benefit of the Insurance industry ...
No different I would say to a lifeboat being made for ship in an emergency but then with-held from the ship owners ...
I don't know if other Fiat owners have views on this but I think it is all shocking - the cost of a spare key running to near £200 whilst the code cards, which would at least provide the codes (and save £35) are with-held from the **owner** - but can be bought back from Fiat ...
regards
Jeff Williams
Poole
UK
I bought a 2001 Seicento SX two weeks back and it is a great car - could not be more pleased but for one exception ...
I need a spare key (car came with one only) and now know how expensive they are - Fiat Dealers quoting £187.
I understand as for all modern auto keys these are transponder keys programmed into the immobiliser (Fiat Code 2 ECU) but none-the-less this is a huge cost for one key.
I have had a metal key cut locally (£6-50) which will open the doors - this is useful but will not of course start the ignition.
I also note in the handbook that Code Cards (produced with the car) are "at the behest of the UK Insurance Industry" not supplied in UK (not issued with the car).
Personally I think this is all outrageous - the Code Card which has the Transponder Code and the mechanical key code (for cutting new keys) are not issued. And notably it is the 5 digit transponder code that can be used for an **emegency start-up procedure** - but not in UK as the Insurance Companies working with security agencies are not allowing manufacturers to issue the cards (or at least not allowing Fiat - I presume others as well as in industry wide).
So bottom line buyers of new cars pay for security, pay for back-up to the securtiy with a Code Card, but the cards are with-held for the benefit of the Insurance industry ...
No different I would say to a lifeboat being made for ship in an emergency but then with-held from the ship owners ...
I don't know if other Fiat owners have views on this but I think it is all shocking - the cost of a spare key running to near £200 whilst the code cards, which would at least provide the codes (and save £35) are with-held from the **owner** - but can be bought back from Fiat ...
regards
Jeff Williams
Poole
UK
