Missing red key + disconnecting battery

[Jonah]

Hi all,

Have just bought a Bravo 80SX from a private seller, and didn't realise until getting home that it was supposed to have a red key with it... trying get back in touch with the seller to see if he's still got the key but no luck yet.

Only 1 day after buying it, the hydraulic clutch slave cylinder has failed! Unbelievably bad luck. Anyway to change it I'll need to remove the battery and some other stuff to get access, so my question is:
Will disconnecting the battery cause any problems with the immobiliser / ECU, given that I don't have the red key?

Thanks for any advice,
Jonah

 

[riclemus]

no

the red key is really only needed to copy keys.

 

[steve]

My brava 1.4 battery has been disconnected for two weeks while I changed the clutch (in fact thrust bearing had self destructed, clutch was only half worn).

Reconnected yesterday and it started 1st time.
injector light came on after a few miles but has gone off again.
Radio came on as well.
No remote locking.

I pressume the ecu must have a backup battery.
assuming this is ok you should have no problem.

 

[gcol]

disconnecting battery

I once heard that mechanics connect an ordinary pp3 (9volt) battery to the car before disconnecting the main battery, this i've heard keeps the memory in things like stereos, clocks etc, but doesn't have enough juice in it to do any damage. Don't hold me responsible for any damage/explosions caused by this practice I'm only passing on what I heard.
Regards

 

[Jon]

If you're concerned, people like Halfords produce a product that sits in your cigarette lighter that provides a low current 12V supply for memory shenanigans.

Your manual should say something about disconnecting the battery - some people do it anyway if they need to store the car for a long time.

I've disconnected my ECU a few times with no hassle. The red key issue is more to do with new ECUs and your immobiliser as far as I know.

J

 

[Jonah]

Re: Re: Missing red key + disconnecting battery

Thanks for all the replies, that's reassuring to know. I asked the guy at the Fiat dealer when I picked up the part, and he said pretty much the same thing.

The PP3 battery idea sounds very risky! It might not damage the car, but forcing 12V into a little 9V battery could cause undesirable side-effects

Cheers,
Jonah

 

[Anonymous]

don't talk soft man!

You only connect the pp3 to the system for a short time with the main battery i.e. seconds not minutes. most low current electrical in-car items will run on anything from 8-14 Volts, or you can go and buy something that does the same job from halfords for what i would imagine would cost at least a tenner. I'm not kidding, you try to help people out and they think that your gonna blow 'em up with a poxy little f***in pp3 battery - don't let osma bin laden get wind that these high explosives are on sale from every bloody shop in the country. dweeb.
only joking - really, i am led to believe it works a treat.

 

[NenoB]

Same thing, recently I bought Bravo, but private seller had only one blue key, does anyone know how I can make a copy of key now.

And one more, what I have to do if my stereo is locked, guy at Fiat garage told that he will disconnet for £85, is't there other way?

Cheers guys, safe driving!!!

 

[gcol]

Re: Re: Missing red key + disconnecting battery

timpsons (nationwide key cutters) will do you a copy of a blue key for £20, but it won't have the remote central locking button on it. Any car radio shop should be able to re-code your stereo - mine cost £18 to do.

 

[Jonah]

Re: don't talk soft man!

> you try to help people out and they think that your gonna blow 'em up with a poxy little f***in pp3 battery - don't let osma bin laden get wind that these high explosives are on sale from every bloody shop in the country. dweeb.

Whoa, steady on Anon! No need for insults. My reply was meant in good humour, hence the smilie.

The PP3 suggestion is a helpful one, and I realise it's not going to cause any explosions. But there is a risk of battery leakage or melted wires for someone who doesn't know what they're doing, e.g. using a NiCad battery or leaving the thing connected for too long.

Regards,
Jonah

 

[Jon]

Re: Re: Missing red key + disconnecting battery

Might be worth a look:
http://www.lostcarkeys.co.uk/

 

[Nick]

Stereo coding

My Fiat stereo code was obtained for me by Fiat. There was no charge. They remove the stereo, make a note of its serial number and then ring Grundig who tell them what the code is. It may take a few days to come through and they may want proof of ownership of the car. I've heard that sometimes they make a nominal charge eg £5 or £10 but £85 is taking the p***