Technical Making new remote keys

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Technical Making new remote keys

kourampies

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I have a Fiat 500 and a Lancia Delta, both have the same style of flip key with 3 buttons, and a spare without buttons.

This seems to be the most popular type of fiat key, with plastic shells with blank blade selling for under 5 euros on AliExpress, and complete plastic with pcb and blank blade for 15.

So I thought about making a spare remote key since I don't really like the non remote key.

I could easily clone the blade, but what about the electronics? I own multiecuscan, and I know how to register multiple keys, but I've only done this with factory keys until now. Does the same process works for any new key, or do new keys need to be programmed with some other software/hardware in order to match the car they will be registered to?
 
I appreciate this is a public forum but there is nothing here that should compromise anyones security.
Totally up to you if you wish to try this, personally I would be very dubious.You MUST have the secret code to start.

The secret code is the vehicles Body Computer PIN code which in the EU (excluding UK) would have been supplied on a "Code Card". If you do not have that code then you will have to request your Fiat/Alfa dealer to get that code for you for which they will most probably charge you.


This procedure allows the programming of keys/transponders in the Body Computer. The keys/transponders have to be pre-programmed with body computer's secret codes in order to be recognized by the vehicle. Follow the instructions on screen and make sure you have ALL keys (up to 8) before starting the procedure.
WARNING: DO NOT RUN this procedure if you don't know what you are doing as this procedure may permanently disable your keys! Make sure YOU HAVE ALL KEYS as you will have to program ALL of them into the Body Computer.
WARNING: You will also need to enter the electronic key code of your vehicle in order to execute this function. You can find this code on your vehicle's CODE CARD. Please be careful and note that the Body Computer will block itself for 30 minutes after an incorrect code is entered 3 times.
NOTE: You may run this procedure in simulation mode to see how it works. Basically, you have to do the following:
1. Start the procedure
2. The system will ask you to insert KEY 1 and click Y. After that the system will confirm if the recognition of the key is successfull.
3. The system will ask you to insert KEY 2. So, you have to remove KEY 1 and insert KEY 2. This procedure can be repeated for up to 8 keys.
4. The system will finally store all recognized keys into the body computer and will display a status of the whole procedure. You will still have a chance to abort the procedure before step 4 and restore the key data. However, after step 4 the new keys will be stored permanently and ANY existing keys that are not inserted/recognized during the procedure will be PERMANENTLY disabled in the body computer and it will not be possible to use them anymore.
ALSO NOTE: The vehicle will probably display immobilizer/key errors on the dashboard during the procedure! This is normal!
After the procedure:
1. Remove all keys, disconnect the OBD cable and wait 60 seconds
2. Take one key and start the engine with it
3. Turn off the engine and remove key
4. Close all doors and test the remote control (if this is an RF key).
Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for all keys!
 
Cheap key blades sold on AliExpress, eBay, Amazon etc. are usually made of steel. Original Fiat blades are made of brass. Locksmiths in the UK will not cut steel blades because the the harder metal can ruin their cutter tools. It may be different in Greece.
.
 
This seems to be the most popular type of fiat key, with plastic shells with blank blade selling for under 5 euros on AliExpress, and complete plastic with pcb and blank blade for 15.
Key comes blank and is useless until it’s been preprogrammed

Going rate is £150+ It’s only a few minutes to program but the equipment is a few grand. You might be able to find someone to do it off the books (cash in hand)

Or you can buy the key direct from Fiat expensive

MultiECUscan and other scanner software will only work with keys that are preprogrammed and is straightforward as long as you have all the keys and follow the instructions

A decent auto locksmiths will not need the CODE as they can read it direct from the body computer

Whichever route you take a remote isn’t cheap.

A clone key to open and start the car is trivial and cheap though
 
I appreciate this is a public forum but there is nothing here that should compromise anyones security.
Totally up to you if you wish to try this, personally I would be very dubious.You MUST have the secret code to start.

The secret code is the vehicles Body Computer PIN code which in the EU (excluding UK) would have been supplied on a "Code Card". If you do not have that code then you will have to request your Fiat/Alfa dealer to get that code for you for which they will most probably charge you.


This procedure allows the programming of keys/transponders in the Body Computer. The keys/transponders have to be pre-programmed with body computer's secret codes in order to be recognized by the vehicle. Follow the instructions on screen and make sure you have ALL keys (up to 8) before starting the procedure.
WARNING: DO NOT RUN this procedure if you don't know what you are doing as this procedure may permanently disable your keys! Make sure YOU HAVE ALL KEYS as you will have to program ALL of them into the Body Computer.
WARNING: You will also need to enter the electronic key code of your vehicle in order to execute this function. You can find this code on your vehicle's CODE CARD. Please be careful and note that the Body Computer will block itself for 30 minutes after an incorrect code is entered 3 times.
NOTE: You may run this procedure in simulation mode to see how it works. Basically, you have to do the following:
1. Start the procedure
2. The system will ask you to insert KEY 1 and click Y. After that the system will confirm if the recognition of the key is successfull.
3. The system will ask you to insert KEY 2. So, you have to remove KEY 1 and insert KEY 2. This procedure can be repeated for up to 8 keys.
4. The system will finally store all recognized keys into the body computer and will display a status of the whole procedure. You will still have a chance to abort the procedure before step 4 and restore the key data. However, after step 4 the new keys will be stored permanently and ANY existing keys that are not inserted/recognized during the procedure will be PERMANENTLY disabled in the body computer and it will not be possible to use them anymore.
ALSO NOTE: The vehicle will probably display immobilizer/key errors on the dashboard during the procedure! This is normal!
After the procedure:
1. Remove all keys, disconnect the OBD cable and wait 60 seconds
2. Take one key and start the engine with it
3. Turn off the engine and remove key
4. Close all doors and test the remote control (if this is an RF key).
Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for all keys!
I know of this procedure and have previously done it with factory keys. I have the code cards for both cars, you always get them for free with the car in Greece. But I don't know if thats enough with a new key. It isn't exactly clear on MultiECUscan help
Key comes blank and is useless until it’s been preprogrammed

Going rate is £150+ It’s only a few minutes to program but the equipment is a few grand. You might be able to find someone to do it off the books (cash in hand)

Or you can buy the key direct from Fiat expensive

MultiECUscan and other scanner software will only work with keys that are preprogrammed and is straightforward as long as you have all the keys and follow the instructions

A decent auto locksmiths will not need the CODE as they can read it direct from the body computer

Whichever route you take a remote isn’t cheap.

A clone key to open and start the car is trivial and cheap though
So what exactly gets programmed on the key and with what? Looking at the key PCB I don't see anything programmable.
 
I know of this procedure and have previously done it with factory keys. I have the code cards for both cars, you always get them for free with the car in Greece. But I don't know if thats enough with a new key. It isn't exactly clear on MultiECUscan help

So what exactly gets programmed on the key and with what? Looking at the key PCB I don't see anything programmable.
Your not going to get anywhere without the correct equipment

Here’s one possibly



If you look at the subtitles it tell you the chips

Both the transponder code and the rolling remote code both have to be programmed on to the key before the key can be added to the body equipment

The equipment used in the video is a cheap China copy of a £4000 machine but is still over £1000
 
I have bought a brand new key for my daughters car and reprogrammed it with MES, also did the Bravo with 3 keys. MES does the job and its a simple procedure. Must be as I have done it. I have also tried to buy a key blank from Italy and had problems getting what was paid for so I gave up on that one and suspect the cheap key fobs on eBay are a con. Eventually got a refund from Paypal. Fobs from Fiat are not cheap but do work. Programming keys is a 5 minute job. My local locksmith has obtained and cut new blades but they were £25 each. Bravo key fobs have different chips so you need the correct key fob / chip to start with. I see no reason a second hand key fob would not be programmable if you can get the right one. MES was quick to say the key chip was not correct for the car before programming started.
 
I see no reason a second hand key fob would not be programmable
The information programmed into the key is unique and some has to match the information already stored in the body computers

To use a secondhand key to use with another vehicle you need to unsolder a chip and replace with a blank and the preprogram it as per video above

To add a key that’s is already preprogrammed to the body computer is a travel task

The easiest way is to buy a preprogram key from Fiat

Or

Get a auto locksmith to preprogram one for you

Neither is cheap here in the UK

Cheap China keys are blank and useless unless you have a way to or the equipment to preprogram them
 
The going rate seems to be £150 in the UK so sound like a good deal to me

No doubt in some countries it will be much cheaper
My daughter needs a key and is faced with Local Dealer whom have quoted £250 to £575 to get a key from Italy direct from Fiat, Vs local Dealer who will just clone one for £250+, or a few Auto Locksmiths who want £180 + VAT, or Timpsons who quote £981 for getting a dealer key to £150 for a cloned key. This should not be the norm. It should be £50 at best to £100 at worst for a dealer key. This rip off society is so prevalent paying excoriate prices for stuff seems to be just normal. I am planning to buying a £300 Autel KM100, and will get a £17 Amazon key and do it myself. I will offer to code people’s keys for less than half of these jokers.
 
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My daughter needs a key and is faced with Local Dealer whom have quoted £250 to £575 to get a key from Italy direct from Fiat, Vs local Dealer who will just clone one for £250+, or a few Auto Locksmiths who want £180 + VAT, or Timpsons who quote £981 for getting a dealer key to £150 for a cloned key. This should not be the norm. It should be £50 at best to £100 at worst for a dealer key. This rip off society is so prevalent paying excoriate prices for stuff seems to be just normal. I am planning to buying a £300 Autel KM100, and will get a £17 Amazon key and do it myself. I will offer to code people’s keys for less than half of these jokers.


Timpson looks to be the cheapest to get a working remote £150 is £100 less than a couple of years ago

But £89 for a clone is expensive, seen them as low as £35 a couple of years ago

Are we talking about

Clone a working key

All keys lost

Or make a working remote

Autel KM100 does not make a remote unless I am reading it wrong, or there instructions are wrong


Screenshot_20250524-102309.png



There is a couple of videos on YouTube with it working on a 500 that looks fake to me, nobody in the comments has had success


If you want to clone a working key to start the car the equipment can be had far cheaper


But by the time you bought the blank and had the key cut cut it's dearer than just having it done

A cheap remote key of Amazon or eBay is useless unless you have a way to precode it, some clone keys can only be programmed with zedfull

There are two identical looking remote keys some have an 8 pin chip in them others 10 pin, as far as I know it has to match the original, you need to make sure you buy the correct one, eBay and Amazon listing aren't always correct

Need to be blank so you can't easily use a secondhand key from another vehicle

Also means you only get one shot at preprogramming the key


The equipment to program a transponder or cloning a transponder isn't expensive, last time I looked the equipment to preprogram a remote was, thing may have changed in the last couple of years
 
Timpson looks to be the cheapest to get a working remote £150 is £100 less than a couple of years ago

But £89 for a clone is expensive, seen them as low as £35 a couple of years ago

Are we talking about

Clone a working key

All keys lost

Or make a working remote

Autel KM100 does not make a remote unless I am reading it wrong, or there instructions are wrong


View attachment 467734


There is a couple of videos on YouTube with it working on a 500 that looks fake to me, nobody in the comments has had success


If you want to clone a working key to start the car the equipment can be had far cheaper


But by the time you bought the blank and had the key cut cut it's dearer than just having it done

A cheap remote key of Amazon or eBay is useless unless you have a way to precode it, some clone keys can only be programmed with zedfull

There are two identical looking remote keys some have an 8 pin chip in them others 10 pin, as far as I know it has to match the original, you need to make sure you buy the correct one, eBay and Amazon listing aren't always correct

Need to be blank so you can't easily use a secondhand key from another vehicle

Also means you only get one shot at preprogramming the key


The equipment to program a transponder or cloning a transponder isn't expensive, last time I looked the equipment to preprogram a remote was, thing may have changed in the last couple of years
I’m sorry only briefly scanned this but @typecastboy has made keys. I probably have misread what you’ve meant, but I’ll read again In a bit -his videos are on YouTube and a good watch
 
My daughter needs a key and is faced with Local Dealer whom have quoted £250 to £575 to get a key from Italy direct from Fiat, Vs local Dealer who will just clone one for £250+, or a few Auto Locksmiths who want £180 + VAT, or Timpsons who quote £981 for getting a dealer key to £150 for a cloned key. This should not be the norm. It should be £50 at best to £100 at worst for a dealer key. This rip off society is so prevalent paying excoriate prices for stuff seems to be just normal. I am planning to buying a £300 Autel KM100, and will get a £17 Amazon key and do it myself. I will offer to code people’s keys for less than half of these jokers.

A basic slave key should be no more than £60.. Code is readable from the car

Only time in NEEDED a remote was my son's Peugeot

Got a redundant FACTORY Original remote key from Ebay £30

Paid a locksmith to
rechip, reblade and Code both systems of the car £80


A few years ago.. But still relevant

(I've seen genuine UK FIAT / ALFA remotes around £15)

Spending over £100..
I would want it to be identical..
"not just similar" 😉
 
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A basic slave key should be no more than £60.. Code is readable from the car

Only time in NEEDED a remote was my son's Peugeot

Got a redundant remote key from Ebay £30

Paid a locksmith to
rechip, reblade and Code both systems of the car £80


A few years ago.. But still relevant

Spending over £100..
I would want it to be identical..
"not just similar"
I now do my own remote and spare keys. A mobile locksmith will charge about £70-80 for a spare and £140-150 for a remote. That's the going rate.
 
I now do my own remote and spare keys. A mobile locksmith will charge about £70-80 for a spare and £140-150 for a remote. That's the going rate.

I use A Key Cutter shop 200yds from my parking spot,
Of course a Mobile outfit MIGHT charge more 😏

Do You cut blades by serial number..
Or scan them for profile..?
 
I take a photo and get a blade made on Ebay or take an existing key to a local locksmith shop to cut it for a tenner, then I program them.
Where do you get the remotes from? Do do program the chips or are they ready to bepaired with the car? I have 3 key blades for three pf our but cant find suitable remotes for them.
 
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