[ga2500ev]

I was asking because I have seen that if a non-authorised key is used to open the car, it fries the BCU. Or is that if a non-autorised key is used to try to start the car?

It's based on the alarm in the Body Control Module (BCM). If the alarm is activated, then only an authorized key can deactivate the alarm. In a All Keys Lost situation, an activated alarm cannot be silenced and the BCM has to be replaced.

That's not your situation. Even if your alarm is armed and you activate it by popping the door, all you have to do is grab the key from inside and press the unlock button to turn the alarm off. You have an authorized key, even though it's a bit inaccessible at the moment.

But you should go ahead and get a second key fob now. Would have taken 5 seconds to solve your current problem and would really save your bacon if the authorized key is actually ever lost.

ga2500ev

 

[Subie Leo]

It's based on the alarm in the Body Control Module (BCM). If the alarm is activated, then only an authorized key can deactivate the alarm. In a All Keys Lost situation, an activated alarm cannot be silenced and the BCM has to be replaced.

That's not your situation. Even if your alarm is armed and you activate it by popping the door, all you have to do is grab the key from inside and press the unlock button to turn the alarm off. You have an authorized key, even though it's a bit inaccessible at the moment.

But you should go ahead and get a second key fob now. Would have taken 5 seconds to solve your current problem and would really save your bacon if the authorized key is actually ever lost.

ga2500ev

Thanks!
Got it open with the clothes hanger trick and ordered an additional for from the wireless locksmith link. the $55 one should do.

Thanks again guys!
Leo

 

[ga2500ev]

Thanks!
Got it open with the clothes hanger trick and ordered an additional for from the wireless locksmith link. the $55 one should do.

Thanks again guys!
Leo

Can you please clarify what you purchased, where you bought it from, and exactly what you expect it to be able to do with what you bought?

There is no $55 key that will actually start the car that I know of.

Take another read of the key bonding process that I wrote a while ago:

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

I just don't want you to get your hopes up that there's actually a cheap key that will work on your 500e.

ga2500ev

 

[DuValMatt]

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.

 

[Subie Leo]

Can you please clarify what you purchased, where you bought it from, and exactly what you expect it to be able to do with what you bought?

There is no $55 key that will actually start the car that I know of.

Take another read of the key bonding process that I wrote a while ago:

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

I just don't want you to get your hopes up that there's actually a cheap key that will work on your 500e.

ga2500ev

Here is the one linked in another thread:

Remote Flip Key Fob Compatible with Fiat 500 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2012 - 2016 Remote Flip Key for Fiat 500 4B FCC# LTQFI2AM433TX - 434 MHzReplacement Key Fob for:FIAT 500 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016FCC ID: LTQFI2AM433TXFrequency: 434 MHzPart #: 68091228AD/ 68091228AA/ 68091228AC/ 6AP39LXHAAIlco C/R: AX00011180 (FLIP-FIAT-3B1)Keyway: SIP22KPBattery...

www.locksmithkeyless.com

 

[ga2500ev]

Here is the one linked in another thread:

Remote Flip Key Fob Compatible with Fiat 500 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2012 - 2016 Remote Flip Key for Fiat 500 4B FCC# LTQFI2AM433TX - 434 MHzReplacement Key Fob for:FIAT 500 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016FCC ID: LTQFI2AM433TXFrequency: 434 MHzPart #: 68091228AD/ 68091228AA/ 68091228AC/ 6AP39LXHAAIlco C/R: AX00011180 (FLIP-FIAT-3B1)Keyway: SIP22KPBattery...

www.locksmithkeyless.com

It's a blank. Very unlikely that you'll be able to get it programmed. From the above site's programming page for FIAT.

Fiat Keyless Entry Remote and Key Fob Programming

Key Fobs for all Fiat car models must be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith. Key blade also needs to be cut as well. The Dealer may decline programming an aftermarket remote for you. To find a Verified Local Locksmith you can check out the "Find a locksmith" section at the...

www.locksmithkeyless.com

Key Fobs for all Fiat car models must be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith. Key blade also needs to be cut as well. The Dealer may decline programming an aftermarket remote for you. To find a Verified Local Locksmith you can check out the "Find a locksmith" section at the top of our website!

It's the precoding that I describe in my detailed post that is missing. Unless you can find someone who can pull the secret code from the BCM and precode the key, it cannot be authorized such that it'll start the car or operate any remote functions.

But go ahead and get the blade cut. There should be a card in your owner's manual pack that has the code to give to a locksmith to cut it. Looks like this:

ga2500ev

 

[Don Mac]

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.

It's the chip in the Key Fob wherein lies the problem. Any lock and key shop can cut you a new key, but programing the Key Fob to access the ignition lock is the problem.

I read of one guy who lost one key. He got a new metal duplicate cut, but he hid the one remaining fob in the steering column. The duplicate metal key will open the door, and works in the ignition. The ignition and the Fob now connect and he can drive the car, but he has to lock and unlock the doors manually. Eventually, he's going to have to buy a new programmable fob.

I'd be curious what Chrysler charges to cut and program TWO keys at the same time, we have two drivers and having a spare would be nice.

 

[DuValMatt]

It's the chip in the Key Fob wherein lies the problem. Any lock and key shop can cut you a new key, but programing the Key Fob to access the ignition lock is the problem.

I read of one guy who lost one key. He got a new metal duplicate cut, but he hid the one remaining fob in the steering column. The duplicate metal key will open the door, and works in the ignition. The ignition and the Fob now connect and he can drive the car, but he has to lock and unlock the doors manually. Eventually, he's going to have to buy a new programmable fob.

I'd be curious what Chrysler charges to cut and program TWO keys at the same time, we have two drivers and having a spare would be nice.

In my area they charge $165 for each key and $75 each to program. So $480 total for 2 assuming you already have one that works for the car.

 

[peterpham1]

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

 

[DuValMatt]

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.

 

[ga2500ev]

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

 

[DaveM]

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.

 

[phayze one]

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.

 

[DaveM]

ordered one over the phone for $191 plus tax. When it arrives I'll bring my car in and pay $219 to program it.

OK so from now on, you order the keys, I'll get the programming done, and we'll each save a hundred bucks!

 

[phayze one]

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.

 

[GRing40]

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?

 

[phayze one]

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

The dealer needs to program it (apparently). So unless I needed it shipped to me so I could bring it to a different dealer, probably not.

 

[GRing40]

The dealer needs to program it (apparently). So unless I needed it shipped to me so I could bring it to a different dealer, probably not.

Right, so I’d thought that there was a programming fee on top of the purchase price?

 

[Smarthaousen]

I'm going to explain the entire process to ensure that future searchers coming across this are not fooled into thinking this is as easy as 1,2,3. In short you were lucky.

Fiat uses a crypto key transponder system. There is a secret key that is shared by the car's Body Control Module (BCM) and the transponder. It's a write once system where the key can be written once on the transponder and then locked. After that it cannot be neither read nor changed again.

So the process of taking a blank unwritten transponder, getting the secret key for the BCM, writing it to the transponder, and locking it is called precoding. All of this preceeds what is considered "programming" of the keys, which is simply authorizing a new, already precoded key to the BCM.

So one cannot program a blank key because it's not precoded. One cannot reuse another key because it's already precoded to another BCM.

Fiat precodes by keeping a database of BCM secret keys based on VIN. So they take a blank transponder, precode the secret key, and send it to the dealer. The dealer then "programs" the already precoded key.

The other path, the "lucky one" in this case is to find a locksmith that has the ability to extract the secret key from the BCM. This is done either via OBD port or by physically removing the BCM from the car, extracting the chip with the secret key, and reading it. Once the secret key is in hand, it can be precoded into any number of blank transponders, producing new keys that can be programmed for the car.

I personally tried about 10 locksmiths and none had the equipment to precode from the BCM. In the end, I had it done with the dealer. Cost $280.

Finally, do not break or lose your last key. A Fiat with the alarm activated and no valid key will melt the BCM, permanently disabling the car. The car will have to be towed, the BCM replaced, and new keys precoded and programmed to the new BCM. My best advice is if you only have your last key, only lock the door from the outside and never use the fob to lock. Locking from the outside deactivates the alarm. Losing the last key then eliminates having to replace the BCM. I also had two non transponder keys cut. They unlock the car but will not start it.

If I had to do it all again, I'd likely bypass all the security by embedding the last working fob in the car and driving and locking the car with non transponder keys. It eliminates all the hassle and makes new keys both easy and cheap.

ga2500ev

Thank you for your detailed information. This is very helpful. Can you clarify if I accessed my locked 2013 500e manually by using a coat hanger through the window and releasing the handle on the door, would this melt the BCM?. The alarm was activated; however, there was no key involved in this process.

 

[Electric Tire Shredder]

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.