Fiat master key?

CuppaCocoa

Ok, so I've just agreed a sale on an 06 Fiat. When I test drove the 04 model the dealer (different one) showed me a red key and said not to buy a Fiat unless it had the red key with it as it was the master key from which all keys could be cut. lose it and you're screwed. Dealer I'm buying it from says no, no red key just the blue one. He's a main Fiat dealer. True or not?

johncm

lilybarlean wrote: »

Ok, so I've just agreed a sale on an 06 Fiat. When I test drove the 04 model the dealer (different one) showed me a red key and said not to buy a Fiat unless it had the red key with it as it was the master key from which all keys could be cut. lose it and you're screwed. Dealer I'm buying it from says no, no red key just the blue one. He's a main Fiat dealer. True or not?

Fiat got rid of the master key around 99 /00. All new model fiats come with two standard blue or black keys. Fiat got rid of the old master key system as too many people were losing all the keys and you would have to replace around €1000 worth of parts to get the car back on the road.
I don't know where or why the 04 model had a red key but it certainly isn't a master key. If buying the 06 one get 2 keys as it costs €200 plus for a replacement key.

CuppaCocoa

Thanks. Just a bit anxious. Have had my current car for 9 years and am a bit of a worrier!

L1011

The 04 should not have had a red key!

You 06 should have a black remote key and a black non-remote key (or two black non-remote keys, depending on if it has remote central locking or not), and a code card which enables you to get more keys cut.

An 04 should have had either two blue remote keys or two blue non-remote keys and the code card.

CuppaCocoa

MYOB wrote: »

The 04 should not have had a red key!

You 06 should have a black remote key and a black non-remote key (or two black non-remote keys, depending on if it has remote central locking or not), and a code card which enables you to get more keys cut.

An 04 should have had either two blue remote keys or two blue non-remote keys and the code card.

Jayz, now I'm confused! The key for the car was blue with the buttons for central locking etc. I did a check and its an 06 Feb reg. My partner bought an 06 Panda recently which also had 2 blue keys? Picking it up on Sat. What to do?

psycho-hope

I have an 00 punto and garage told me the same about fiat getting rid of the master key i got two blue keys and a code card thats needed if you lose your keys to program the new ones i guess

L1011

lilybarlean wrote: »

Jayz, now I'm confused! The key for the car was blue with the buttons for central locking etc. I did a check and its an 06 Feb reg. My partner bought an 06 Panda recently which also had 2 blue keys? Picking it up on Sat. What to do?

The key colour changed in '06, they might have been 05 models sitting around for a while before reg. If its blue you should have two remote (central locking) keys, if by some weird thing you've got a remote and a non-remote key in blue you've got some surreal crossover car!

Basically make you get *two* keys and a code card, either way.

CuppaCocoa

MYOB wrote: »

The key colour changed in '06, they might have been 05 models sitting around for a while before reg. If its blue you should have two remote (central locking) keys, if by some weird thing you've got a remote and a non-remote key in blue you've got some surreal crossover car!

Basically make you get *two* keys and a code card, either way.

Thanks, putting deposit on it tomorrow. As far as I know I'll get a remote and non-remote? No mention of a code card? Should I ask for one? He's giving an extended warranty with it (not out of Fiat warranty until Feb)

L1011

lilybarlean wrote: »

Thanks, putting deposit on it tomorrow. As far as I know I'll get a remote and non-remote? No mention of a code card? Should I ask for one? He's giving an extended warranty with it (not out of Fiat warranty until Feb)

The code card on Irish-market Fiats is usually in a small plastic or paper envelope inside the documents wallet. Ensure its there as it costs a bit to get a replacement (a small bit, not a sarcastic, massive 'bit'!).

CuppaCocoa

MYOB wrote: »

The code card on Irish-market Fiats is usually in a small plastic or paper envelope inside the documents wallet. Ensure its there as it costs a bit to get a replacement (a small bit, not a sarcastic, massive 'bit'!).

Thanks MYOB. Will check.

johncm

MYOB wrote: »

The code card on Irish-market Fiats is usually in a small plastic or paper envelope inside the documents wallet. Ensure its there as it costs a bit to get a replacement (a small bit, not a sarcastic, massive 'bit'!).

they cost approx 22 plus vat and can be downloaded from fiats online parts service eplus.