Getting around the immobiliser

[S6OOH]

We have recently acquired an ebay special Fiat Punto for my daughter to drive and it came with one key. It seems that as a 2001 car with an immobiliser chip inside it, Fiat have to supply the key and they want c£250 for a new one!

Given this, is it possoble for an auto electrician to fit a bypass switch somewhere within the car such that I can have a simple key cut to operate the lock and flick a switch to bypass the immobiliser?

many thanks

Richard

[LarJammer]

in a word no. they came with a master key (red) and slave keys (blue). if you have the red key you can program extra keys. the ecu requires a code from the key to start, you cannot fit a bypass switch. or replace all the locks, alarm, ecu and matching keys....

[S6OOH]

Thanks Lar

[karona]

You can, however, get plain blanks cut, as many as you like, in Timpson's for example, then epoxy the coded key inside the column shroud near the ignition barrel.
It worked for me for a couple of years after my key broke in the door lock.

[LordLoveLength]

Worth asking an auto key cutting place - many will be able to clone your existing key for less than £50.

[Doctor Volt]

I like Karona's method and suggest the same

[S6OOH]

Great suggestions folks thank you - in answer to an earlier point, various key cutting companies checked and they cannot encode a key with this encryption, manufacturer only.

However, liked the suggestion of "fitting" the key with the transponder nr the ignition barrel so new key sorted this morning for £8.99, will give it a go and if it works will get another cut.

Cheers folks

[Mr2Mike]

S6OOH said:

Great suggestions folks thank you - in answer to an earlier point, various key cutting companies checked and they cannot encode a key with this encryption, manufacturer only.

I had a local mobile service cut and clone a key for my Fiat Coupe, so it certainly can be done. It was pretty cheap as well, £30 or so IIRC.

[eybic]

I remember when these cars were new there was a big uproar about having to have the red key and apparently needing a new ECU if the red key was lost and more keys were needed.

[mike various]

Hi just seen the thread regarding your problem.
I can confirm that it WILL work as i have done it on a number of fiats before.
What i did was tape the original key to the immobiliser ring and then hide it behind the steering cowling around the column.
Then use the uncoded key to lock / unlock / start the car.
Indeed th ex misses husband has been driving a multipla round like this for 4 years now (long story)

You won't be disappointed.

Mike