General REMOTE CENTRAL LOCKING 2007 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 16v T-Jet

[18492mike]

Hi all,

I've just paid the deposit on a '57 Fiat Grande Punto Sporting 1.4 16v T-Jet - my first real car to be registered in my name - but it only has one key with it which obviously opens the doors and starts the car. Since the car is relatively up in the years I was expecting it to have a fob so I could open the doors remotely as we're in the 21st century.

Calling anyone in the know to answer my two questions:
1. Is this model supposed to come with a fob? If so, where would you order a replacement from?
2. If it's not kitted out for remote central locking, what would be the easiest or cheapest way of getting it set up? Or is it not really worth it?

Be kind!
Mike.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Fiat should be able to order you a replacement key, expect £200-£250ish for a remote one though. I hope you've factored this into the purchase?

Cannot be easily retro fitted to meet thatcham standards your insurance company require, which will also integrate with the CANbus system. Personally not really worth it IMO.

Other option would be to get a used remote key from eBay and just get it linked upto the RCL, means you still won't have a spare, but will have RCL working

 

[Magic Johnson]

If you're lucky, I was quoted £330 from all three of my local(ish) FIAT dealers.

EDIT: I would say only pay the full amount if the dealer provides another key, if not get your deposit back. If you lose your only key you're looking at a new ECU (£5-600?).

 

[18492mike]

Hi MEP,
Thanks for your speedy reply. Who says pandas are slow?
Do you happen to know if my particular model has RCL as standard or not?
If it does, then buying a used fob sounds a good option. Who would you turn to to get it linked to your RCL?

Mike

 

[keat63]

Contact the former owner when you get the V5, and ask them if they still have the spares ??
If so, have the spares sent to your work address or friends house etc.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

If you lose your only key you're looking at a new ECU (£5-600?).

No you're not, you're looking at a new key for the prices I (or you, location dependant) quoted above. A replacement ECU will not be required, the replacement key will be coded to it simples

Hi MEP,
Thanks for your speedy reply. Who says pandas are slow?
Do you happen to know if my particular model has RCL as standard or not?
If it does, then buying a used fob sounds a good option. Who would you turn to to get it linked to your RCL?

Mike

Can code the RCL yourself if you've the cars codes (£15+VAT from my local dealer) and a registered version to MultiECUscan.net software.

Where abouts are you located Mike?

 

[Magic Johnson]

No you're not, you're looking at a new key for the prices I (or you, location dependant) quoted above. A replacement ECU will not be required, the replacement key will be coded to it simples

I thought if you lost both keys they couldn't code any more to the ECU?

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I thought if you lost both keys they couldn't code any more to the ECU?

Thats on the very early CODE1 systems where you need the 2 blue keys and the master red key, Fiats since 2000/2002> have used CODE2 and that isn't the case.

 

[h0sep1pe]

Yes it is standard, even my 1.2 Active (Lowest spec) comes with RCL. Other than that I can only concur with the above posts, seems like the previous owner lost the RCL key and so only has the manual remaining, unless the some reason the dealership is keeping it from you for now, I'm sure it should say somewhere if it comes with 1 or 2 keys.

Not cheap to get a new RCL key programmed to your specific car, doubt a used one will be any cheaper as that isn't the cost. I wouldn't be paying the full amount for the car knowing I'd have to splash out around £300 extra (If you can't live without it)

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Not cheap to get a new RCL key programmed to your specific car, doubt a used one will be any cheaper as that isn't the cost.

The key is the cost. Syncing the remote to the car is a 10 min job with the correct code and MES - I've done it myself.

The option of a used remote key is so the OP has RCL, the used key won't manually open or start the car, it's only the remote that'll function with relative ease

 

[jakepocock]

I bought my 58 plate T-Jet with only 1 key. The main key which was fine but I demanded money off, or them to supply a spare key. I ended up with the money and not got the new key yet because I've been busy driving if you add key loss to your insurance for like £30 if you lose them, they'll recut you a key/replace ECU as necessary. If you're prone to losing keys, pay for a new one. My local dealer only charges £180 for a new remote key. Bartering is your friend.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

if you add key loss to your insurance for like £30 if you lose them, they'll recut you a key/replace ECU as necessary. If you're prone to losing keys, pay for a new one. My local dealer only charges £180 for a new remote key. Bartering is your friend.

worth checking the cover though, as some companies will only cover as little as £100

But a reasonable idea.

 

[jakepocock]

worth checking the cover though, as some companies will only cover as little as £100



But a reasonable idea.

I know! You have to specify that you want full cover. It's a con. To me it all comes down to perspective, if your prone to losing your keys, then do it. The only thing to bear in mind is that the Grande doesn't unlock if you just open the boot. So UNLOCK the car first, saves any hassle and be aware of it.

 

[18492mike]

Where abouts are you located Mike?

MEP: I'm in Cwmbran, South Wales.

I bought my 58 plate T-Jet with only 1 key. The main key which was fine but I demanded money off, or them to supply a spare key. I ended up with the money and not got the new key yet because I've been busy driving if you add key loss to your insurance for like £30 if you lose them, they'll recut you a key/replace ECU as necessary. If you're prone to losing keys, pay for a new one. My local dealer only charges £180 for a new remote key. Bartering is your friend.

All: I'm buying the car second hand and already getting a good price so I can't really be demanding more money off.

Jake: Key loss insurance is a great idea. How about I keep my one manual key and claim for a "lost" fob key? Could be a cheaper alternative, though morally murky! It's that or the bartering.

 

[jakepocock]

MEP: I'm in Cwmbran, South Wales.







All: I'm buying the car second hand and already getting a good price so I can't really be demanding more money off.



Jake: Key loss insurance is a great idea. How about I keep my one manual key and claim for a "lost" fob key? Could be a cheaper alternative, though morally murky! It's that or the bartering.

I would. They're selling you a car with 1 key, there's no harm is pushing for it the worst they can say is no.

Be careful with stuff like that. If you're gonna do that (wouldn't recommend it) leave it a couple of months and check every detail of your policy first to check if A. Loss is covered. B. what excess there is. C.if they'll do a central locking key, not just another "spare" and D. Make sure it plausible.

Hope this helps

 

[18492mike]

I would. They're selling you a car with 1 key, there's no harm is pushing for it the worst they can say is no.

Be careful with stuff like that. If you're gonna do that (wouldn't recommend it) leave it a couple of months and check every detail of your policy first to check if A. Loss is covered. B. what excess there is. C.if they'll do a central locking key, not just another "spare" and D. Make sure it plausible.

Hope this helps

I'd say you're spot on there Jake. We've shaken on a figure but I'll push for a little knock down since it's a missing part. Rookie that I am, I'd forgotten about my voluntary excess. And good citizen that I am, it doesn't sit right with me to make a false claim! A bit unsavoury. I think bartering will be my friend after all!

 

[jakepocock]

If you get £200 give Simonstone Fiat in Bristol a call they quoted me for a new remote key £180 iirc which isn't too bad. Give them a call first though.

Personally, I'd get the seller (if private or dealer) to ring around some MD's near you to get quotes, say phone 2 and deduct the average.

I would suggest, phoning 3 dealers yourself, get the cheapest, then go back to the seller and get them to phone the 2 more expensive ones, to get a bit of extra moneys!

 

[18492mike]

Hahaha that's thinking I can get on board with! What a man, cheers!

 

[jakepocock]

I'd say you're spot on there Jake. We've shaken on a figure but I'll push for a little knock down since it's a missing part. Rookie that I am, I'd forgotten about my voluntary excess. And good citizen that I am, it doesn't sit right with me to make a false claim! A bit unsavoury. I think bartering will be my friend after all!

It's a little shady, and us FiatForum members are all honest people

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

:yeahthat: also bear in mind it's still a claim against your name also, so will need to be disclosed when shopping about for the next 3-4 years