red key

[malcolm]

is it possible to re-code the engine management on a marea? my red key has been lost by the garage.

 

[Roberto]

Nope

In a word, no.
Without the red key, u cannot make copies of the key or do anything 2 the ECU. Fiat will charge £1000+ to replace the system and give u a new red key and 2 new blue 1's.
If the garage lost it, they r legally responsible and should replace it free of charge 2 u. What would happen if they called u and said "Sorry mate, we lost ur engine" ?? If it's not a Fiat dealer, i'd even consider reporting it 2 the police if u have no joy as once they have that key they can steal ur car with consumate ease. If it is a Fiat dealer, i imagine they would have offered 2 replace it free of charge anyway, as they know the importance of the red key.
If it is a Fiat dealer and u get no joy, threaten legal action and contact Fiat UK in Slough and report them. Fiat r **** hot on customer service in my experience. A formal letter from urself, or better still, a solicitor, will help.

Good Luck,

Roberto.

 

[briang]

way back

theres some threads way back here about a garage which can do something, but I think it by passes the imobiliser tho, worth checking back maybe.

Good Luck

 

[Steve]

Get the garage to sort it out...

You do not want to got to your own expense if the garage is reponsible. With out the red key you car is worth £1000 less any one buying the car from you has the right to that key, the car is considered defective without it - I wouldn't buy the car without the red key, it's just not worth the hassel, my advice is to get the garage to sort it or compensate you - unless the mechanic is a mate then you are kind of stuck!

Steve

 

[malcolm]

they wont fix it

the garage (arnold clark)will only replace my door keys they are not willing to replace my ecu.they are a fiat dealership.

 

[patrick]

The law is on your side

My old lady works for the citizens advice, I asked her and said that basically, you are entitled to get your car back in the same condition it went it. In your case, you hvent, because you cant operate the ecu magig box.
Call in at any decent solicitors and for about £10 they will tell you the same, for another £10 they will probably write you a letter on headed notepaper. If that doesnt work, you can fill out a small claims form to take them to court. This is FREE for you, You can represent yourself..bet they pay up before it gets that far

 

[steve]

iam not the same steve as the earlier poster but i
concur with his statement.

With in the sales of goods act, With out the key the car is considered defective when purchasing it.

I can see no reason to assume the same does not apply in your situation. They have returned a defective car to you. The repair bill to you will be approx 1000 pounds (assuming your model does require replacement of
ecu, code box and lock system).

Put your compliant in writing ASAP. keep all copies.
keep on their back.

Although at the end of the day you might have to consider small claims court. Even then it depends on who they are and what they are as to whether you get anything.

good luck