I wrote below on an other topic, but figured this topic had more posts so i put it here as well.

Well, yesterday i went to the local (dutch) Fiat dealer, and they said they couldnt help me because its a usa car, and they wont service it. Bummer.

After that i went to a locksmith who claimed he could do it, but when i arrived, he was only able to cut the key, and program the ignition (un)lock, not the remote. He forwarded me to an other local locksmith with way more capabilities. We chit-chat, looked if he had a key, and decided to do this tomorrow as it was already after closing time.

Today i went there, and he had the correct key he stated. He looked at the car computer to take a look at the model. (it was a Delfi?)
He cut the key, and connected his programming machine to the ODB2 connector.
Many data came out, only 2 keys were programmed into the car, serials were shown ( i have only one), passcode was read, etcetera. He tried to program the key, but only managed to get the start unlock programmed, not the remote itself. He had several other nifty equepment to read frequency of keys etcetera, but my key apparently didnt give any frequency.
Then, he read my keu, and it was a PCF7946 chip, just like his key.
Mode was Locked Manchester (whatever that means)
Type: HT AG2 CRYPTO WK type 2
The id i wont write down
Computer he used was a ZED-FULL Immobiliser Solutions

At the end, he said he needed to figure some things out why it doesnt work, and will call me next week.
In advance to this; is there anyone that might know what to do to program this remote?
I saw several options available, also pre-coding etcetera, wich he did. (guess it doesnt work at all if he didnt...)
he also stated that the other locksmith only copied current keys, and he was able to program keys instead of copying.

Any tips or advices are highly welcome, thank you.

 

Well there ARE some classic Toyotas that might be worth it, like maybe a 2001 MR2 Spyder. I wonder why Fiat is still using a system that Toyota dumped 15 years ago.

My friend's new Hyundai came with an extra little fob attached to the key, with a scanner code, but probably also a transponder. The salesman said do NOT lose it, or it would be VERY expensive to get a replacement key!

 

That’s just a key code from what I hear from the parts guys at Hyundai near us. It is nothing transponder related.

 

So if the little paper scanner code sticker wears off you're screwed!? That seemed so crazy that I figured it must have a chip in the plastic.

Anyway, in the realm of "misery loves company", it's nice to know it's not just Fiat that can be a pain if you lose a key.

 

So if the little paper scanner code sticker wears off you're screwed!? That seemed so crazy that I figured it must have a chip in the plastic.

No that’s just a “dog tag” that has detailed information on key codes on the locks. Toyota has the same thing except it’s in plain English numbers instead of a QR code . It doesn’t contain anything that related to the transponder though.

 

I’m just baffled there isn’t an any higher security set ups that you can’t lose easily like your fingers if smart phones have them why can’t they implement them in cars they still have not and we are in 2020. It would be cool to just use a touchID on the door handles and a plate on dash and drive off.

 

With Tesla, your phone's bluetooth can be your key for unlocking & then pushbutton starting. I think some models have or are working on facial recognition unlocking.

What I meant about Hyundai was that since it's crazy to be screwed by a little paper tag wearing off, I figured the plastic it was stuck to had a chip in it, that could be scanned to make a replacement transponder key.

 

That’s may not be true, when I worked and Nissan and now Toyota there is a database that has recorded key codes on most all cars made from 80s up. I can still retrieve key codes on 1988 Toyota’s from people who had wore out keys. When I was at Nissan my 1990 300ZX database was also still there and at that time the car was already 22yrs old.

 

I received information about the second key on the Vingurus service. The VIN for a specific car is available in several places for free vin report. Somewhere else to look is the support of the door frame on the driver's side.

 

I was getting information about the second key at the dealership

And what did the dealership tell you about that second key?

ga2500ev

 

Just went thru this.
Ordered a replacement key & fob from the local locksmith. $175 with programming.
Local guy couldn't program it, said take it to the dealer.
Dealer tried for an hour and said bad blank.
Dealer said Chrysler must cut key so they ordered one. Now waiting for
appointment.
Locksmith refunded entire amount.
The saga continues.....

 

I am a new owner, a 2017 500e with 32k miles. Love the EV aspect of the car, took a look at the Spark but the Fiat won me over. Glad I didn't buy the Leaf, thank you to this forum discussion about the battery thermal management. Anyhow, my question is, if you order a new key from a Fiat dealer, does the old key become useless? Do you need to order 2 keys at the same time? Also, do they send a completely new key and keyfob?

I have 2 keys but one is very worn out and I'd like to replace it with a brand new one.

 

Just got a new key from the dealer.
Wanted a spare key since I had only one. Other than it took two weeks to get it,
it went smoothly. Took about 45 minutes to program it, most of that was wait time.
I had purchased a aftermarket key/fob which would not program.
Buyer beware.

 

Adding this so hopefully this will help someone with this problem. Lost a key/fob for my 2017 500e. Checked with 5 different locksmiths here in Orange County, CA. But none was able to help, they all told me only the dealership can make me a replacement key. Check with my local (only) Chrysler/Fiat dealership near me. They wanted $175 for the replacement key/fob and $150 for programming the key. Since I was in a hurry to get a replacement, I ordered the key from dealer. Note: key comes laser pre-cut from supplier Mopar (dealer does not cut) due to key being VIN specific to your car. Will have the dealership program the key when it arrives paying $150, since I can't find anyone else to program key.

Here is a site you can order the key/fob for cheaper ($116.55), just don't know if it comes pre-cut. Let me know if you find out.

OEM Fiat 500 Parts & Accessories | Mopar eStore

Get The Best Prices On Fiat 500 OEM Parts And Accessories Delivered To Your Home From Our National Fiat Auto Parts Store!

store.mopar.com

Part number for key: 68091228AD

Hope this help, good luck.

Cheers,

 

I just bought my car used yesterday and it only had one key. I called the dealer right now and it is $180 for the key, $95 for programming and about 6-8 weeks to order.

Keep in mind if you buy the key fob elsewhere that the dealer will charge you programming even if they are not successful due to it being non OEM or due to whatever reason. I had this happen to a friend of mine with a VW key and it was a lot more expensive.

There may be a way to program the lock/unlock function but the dealer has secure programming for the immobilizer that only they possess and that is how they F you.

 

There IS a work-around to avoid the cost, summarized in post 48 here: Need replacement key

 

Yes, the car needs some kind of radio transmission from the transponder to start along with the physical key. That's the main (only?) point of the transponder.

 

I’m wondering, could the receiver ring be moved from around the key slot, to another spot in the column, thus making it super easy to set the transponder part next to it; maybe tape them together, and then, just have a normal key for access?

I had my column cover off once, because it was cracked. I fixed it. But I forgot to look at the innards around the key.

I too, only have the one key. 2014 500e…

Also, I bought a used key on eBay which has exactly the same serial numbers and coding on the outside for 15$ but it doesn’t seem to do anything. Could the dealership possibly code that key?

 

Also, I bought a used key on eBay which has exactly the same serial numbers and coding on the outside for 15$ but it doesn’t seem to do anything. Could the dealership possibly code that key?

The answer is no. I detail the entire process earlier in this thread:

Need replacement key

Lost one of my keys. Any suggestions on how to get a replacement? I'm assuming the new OEM is a ripoff. Can I get a used one and have it reprogrammed?

www.fiat500owners.com

Other than putting the transceiver in the key and the ring together with an already valid key, there simply isn't a workaround for getting another key short of going to the dealer.

ga2500ev

 

Bringing from the dead with a question:
My son locked the only key/fob that we had in the trunk. If I use a slimjim to open the door to get to the trunk where the key is, won't it be the same as opening the door with a non-chip key if I could get one made?
Also, what key blade is compatible with the 500 since it seems the only way to get a key from the dealer is with the remote.

 

I once went so swim with my key, and then had to open the door mechanically. There was some honking, but then I just started the car and that was it.

When you open the door, the transponder is not used. The transponder is used when you start the car.

So I would not see any problem here.

 

I think it is starting the car, as there's no way to read the transponder on the door lock.

 

If you haven't already done it, just to play it safe I would slim-jim the RIGHT side door, since it does less activating of the systems:

• The right door seems to wake the car*
• The left door definitely wakes the car, and activates the contactors, and often also powers up the brake pump!

*instrument cluster lights up.

 

Okay i know this has been beat to death but, your lucky you still have 1 key left. Having the one key left to my knowledge, means if you buy a factory key it can be programmed to the car. However a non factory key may start the car but not unlock or vice versa. I paid $450 to buy a body control module and installed it myself, the dealership wanted 1700 to do this and claimed the bcm was in the engine bay which it isnt. ( i lost both keys and had no choice). After installing it my self which took about 30 minutes. I paid the dealership $180 per key and $75 to program it. Long story shorter its cost me $900 after tax to purchase my bcm (install myself) and pay the dealership to program it($225 just for the BCM programming) and the key. Moral of the story if you still have a working key and a nearby dodge or fiat dealership that will do the programming pay the $300 and do it now before your last key gets lost or breaks. And it costs you $2000.

 

do you have to physically go to the dealer? or can I call and order this?

 

Have to go to the dealer to have it programmed regardless of where you get the key. You can buy the key aftermarket but there is no gaurentee it will work properly as some aftermarkets do and others dont.

 

No aftermarket key will work. See my post #8 of this thread for an explanation.

@peterpham1 you will need to go to the dealer to order. The dealer will want the car to verify the VIN, the owner both to authenticate ownership and to pay for the ordered key. It's a security issue.

ga2500ev

 

I'm the new owner of a 2017 and the previous owner had lost her second key. I just got back from the dealer to get a spare.

I had to show up in person with the registration to prove I owned the car. They took the VIN and ordered a new key/fob for $280. When it arrives they'll let me know and I'll have to return and have it programmed for another $108. There is only one dealer in town (with two locations that service Fiat, but I'm not sure they compete!) so I'm just gonna pay.

 

We're in quite a similar boat! I just bought a 2017 and it only came with the one [quite beat up] key. I called the closest dealer, which is actually now an Alfa Romeo Maserati (but still services Fiat) and ordered one over the phone for $191 plus tax. When it arrives I'll bring my car in and pay $219 to program it. It's so interesting how the breakdown of those two figures varies so much. The Service Manager said "please be extra careful in the meantime with your one key" which shot my paranoia through the roof even more.

 

I wanted to update the thread for posterity. I ordered a new key from Van Nuys Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Maserati over the phone last Tuesday 4/18 for $209.15 which includes CA sales tax. It arrived yesterday 4/24 and I went in this morning to pick it up. I waited for just about an hour, paid the $219 fee, and then I was on my way.

 

So could they accept a phone payment, and then ship it to you?

 

I believe the BCM gets fried if you try to start the car with a non-programmed key, without first deactivating the alarm with a properly programmed fob.