Key turning problem

[trickyfandango]

Hi all. We have recently purchased a second hand Fiat Punto 2002 model. We only paid £300 for it as we only need it for small local runs. We have had it about 2 months and only have one key for it. Recently the key has been getting hard to turn in the barrel and is getting hard to start for my wife.
Obviously only paying a small amount for the car in the first place we want a solution that is cheap as possible rather than taking it to the main dealer which will be expensive.
When we do get the key to turn the car starts immediately and there is no problem with the immobiliser its just an issue getting the key to move that very first click. Once we get the first click of the barrel the key matches up and everything is fine.

1. I'm not sure if its the key getting worn
or
2. if its the barrel that is wearing
or
3. maybe both

We have no manuals with the car and the only codes we have are on the key
One side of the key says A602 and the other side has a (2>) type number symbol on it.

Don't want to spend a fortune getting a new key cut and programmed only to find out that its the barrel that is going. the key works in the doors and the fuel cap OK.
Any help would be much appreciated

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Try a little WD-40.
All locks need to be lubricated once in a while.

 

[trickyfandango]

First thing I did was to try a bit of WD40.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

No result?

 

[varesecrazy]

1. I'm not sure if its the key getting worn
or
2. if its the barrel that is wearing
or
3. maybe both



Don't want to spend a fortune getting a new key cut and programmed only to find out that its the barrel that is going. the key works in the doors and the fuel cap OK.
Any help would be much appreciated

what is the key like in ALL the door locks/ filler cap ?,
does it look at all bent / twisted?

if it's a little dodgy.. , try getting a basic key cut for @£6 that should disprove the barrel theory,

pretty sure the barrel is CODED to the car -so an expensive replacement!,
Charlie

 

[ponsaloti]

Let a locksmith look at the key (not one that repairs shoes).

 

[trickyfandango]

The key works in the doors and the fuel cap OK.
Made arrangements to go out and see a locksmith who deals with car locks yesterday only to find him out after travelling to the other side of Leeds GRRRR!

If I had just another key cut then wouldn't it be an exact copy of the existing key?
i.e. an exact copy of an already worn key or is there another way of getting a new key cut?
I'm not too bothered about getting the transponder to work in the new key as it still works in the old one. If I had the new key and the old one on the same split keyring I take it the vehicle would pick up the signal from the old key and the new key would still start the vehicle.....Does that make sense?:slayer:

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

A good locksmith can make a duplicate key eliminating the wear on the old one.
It even is not to hard to duplicate the transponder in a new key.
Fiat's of that age are not that complicated, regarding the transponder, at least if you have the Original one ( or the red key)
My key, incl. transponder, was duplicated some years ago for less than 20 Euro's.
Again, you have to find a well sorted lock/key smith.

On a second thought: the locksmith has taken the transponder from the old key, and put it in the new one....!

 

[ponsaloti]

Name and shame the locksmith if he was at fault.

A key can be cut to code making it as it came from the factory (no wear) although, from experience, I would guess the ign isworn.
You can send me ign and key and I can adjust the ign to take the key.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

I always believe, car keys wear faster than the ignition lock.
Keys are less expensive to change, ignition locks are...

 

[2668GRIFFIN]

Thats right,keys are normally made of brass and will wear as you say quicker than the barrel.
just get a cheap copy made of the original key and see if it works, then go from there.........simples!
Luigi

 

[ponsaloti]

Thats right,keys are normally made of brass and will wear as you say quicker than the barrel.
just get a cheap copy made of the original key and see if it works, then go from there.........simples!
Luigi

Because of the price of brass, most keys are made of steel.

If you make a copy of a worn out key, you end up with a new copy of a worn out key.

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

No locksmith will make a copy of a worn key....:doh:

 

[2668GRIFFIN]

Thank you peter pick up.
This is such an easy fix really, i can't believe how this thread has developed into such a complicated issue.
Luigi

 

[trickyfandango]

I must say thank you very much for your advice and help. I now have a couple of days off to try and chase my issue up. Also thank you to ponsaloti for offering to take a look at the key & ign for me. I am going to try a local lock smith who specialises car keys and who has been recommended by a friend.
I am now starting to think that it is a key issue rather than the ignition barrel as the car boot is starting to get difficult to open now. Fingers crossed....
I will let you all know how I get on.

Many thanks
Richard
https://www.fiatforum.com/members/ponsaloti/

 

[trickyfandango]

YEAH 2 new keys cut and reprogrammed, both work perfect £80 for both keys. Work done by AC Auto Locksmiths in Leeds. A very knowledgeable guy came out in his van and did it all in our driveway.
Ignition barrel is fine, got old key back its surprising how warn it looks compared to the new ones.
Thanks again all you for your advice