Technical Quick question about Punto keys....

[Phil_]

I've done a search of the forum and read a thousand topics but I'm still a little bit confused so thought I'd start my own topic just to get all the info I need in one place.

I have a 2003 mark two Active Sport, it's not a mark 2b. It's got central locking but not remote central locking.

There's only one key so to get another one cut and programmed to the immobiliser am I looking at £100+ from a Fiat dealer?

Is there such a thing as a key which hasn't been programmed but will just open the doors? In other words, if I take the key I've got to a cutter would the new key open the locks but not start the car?

I would like another key cut but not if it's going to cost a hundred quid.

 

[bredsticz]

No, you need it coded to the immobiliser, needs to read the code programmed into the key to start! No point having the immobilser if there is a way round it without the code! The £100+ is what it costs for the security I'm afraid

 

[Phil_]

Yeah I realise you need it programmed to start the car but wasn't sure if an unprogrammed key would open the doors or not.

 

[inki]

Yes just take your key to cutters & they should be able to cut a key blank that will just open the doors.

 

[bredsticz]

Won't start the engine though!

 

[Phil_]

Won't start the engine though!

Yeah that part I'm not too fussed about as I have one key for that, I know I'm buggered if I lose it though.

 

[bredsticz]

Ahh saw it in the question then! yes blank key will open doors but not start the engine. You could always convert the ignition to a button? Not as secure but you won't need a key for it!

 

[Phil_]

Push button start - yeah I'd like that!

 

[Phil_]

Another daft question, can a normal key cutter cut a car key?

 

[bredsticz]

Don't think so I think I got quoted £35 to get a car key cut

 

[Phil_]

Where was that from? I can't send my one & only key away for cutting so it would have to be someone local to me.

 

[bredsticz]

Can't remember the name of the company but they specialise in shining shoes and key cuttings! Odd combination!
But most local ones may not be able to cut a car key but I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction! Stil not cheap as ordinary keys to cut

 

[Phil_]

There's a key cutting company the firm I work for use, I'll ask them tomorrow. Like you say, if they can't do it they must know someone who can.

 

[telewestTUM]

Ive got a 1997 MK1 Punto and timpsons said they'd be able to program and cut a new key for me for £25

not sure about yours with it being more recent dont think their system can handle newer key programming

 

[paul12345]

Cheapest way - get a blank key get it cut, can't see why a normal keycutter can't cut the fiat key there nothing more complicated then most other keys.

Then just get the key code card from fiat. That way if you loose your proper key you can get the new key and using the key card you can do the emergency startup procedure and go get the key programmed then.

 

[jonyid]

i'[m in the same situation and planned on getting a key cut just to open doors, how much would the key code card cost from fiat?

 

[paul12345]

unsure but people have posted its around £15 for the card.

 

[Phil_]

I went to a back street key cutters today and he said Fiat had stopped sending them the blank keys so he couldn't do it. I phoned my local Fiat dealer and he said a blank key would be £115 and a coded one would be £150.

 

[billy440]

normal key cutters CAN cut car keys.... some of them can do them with imobilisers in them but they will also do it without it. just explain to them what u have explained up there ^^^^^

 

[Phil_]

The one I went to today I asked can you cut car keys to which he replied yes but as soon as I showed him my Fiat key he said no because it needed to be coded. I said just a plain key will do so that I can unlock the doors which is then when he started looking at the blank Fiat keys which were hanging up on hooks behind the counter.


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