24/7 Fiat Locksmith Dorset, Hampshire, Salisbury

Auto Locksmith Specialists covers the full Fiat range — older Punto, Seicento, Multipla and Panda models on the GT15 key profile, through the 500, Doblo, Bravo, Tipo and Ducato on the later SIP22 laser-cut blade, and on to current 500X and 500L models with proximity keys and push-button start. We cut and programme replacements at the roadside using professional diagnostic equipment, so the car does not need recovering to a Fiat dealer.

The Fiat CODE immobiliser and coding a key

Fiat security is built around the Fiat CODE immobiliser. A transponder in the head of the key is read by the body computer, and the engine only runs if the code is recognised. Older Fiats generally use an ID48 Megamos transponder; later models moved to ID46 Hitag2. These chips are not interchangeable, so a key that fits the barrel will still not start the car unless the correct transponder is fitted and coded — which is why a cheap key or shell bought online so often turns out to be money spent for nothing. Coding a new key also needs the vehicle's five-digit body computer PIN. In Europe that number was printed on the Code Card supplied with the car — cards that are almost always long gone by the time we are called. We read the PIN from the body computer directly across the whole Fiat range, then write the new key into the immobiliser.

Locked out, or a worn ignition

We use non-destructive entry, so the door frame, glass seals and trim stay intact. Worn ignition barrels are one of the most common Fiat jobs we see. On Punto, Panda and older 500 models the brass key wears against the steel lock wafers over the years, and a heavy keyring speeds it up — owners commonly report the key starting to catch around the 60,000-mile mark, though it varies with use. The key starts catching now and then, then more often, until it will not turn to the start position at all. We strip and rebuild the barrel or fit a replacement, and key it to your existing key so you are not carrying two. Ducato door barrels and rear door lock mechanisms are another regular call, especially on vans and motorhomes in daily use.

Keyless faults and all keys lost

On 500X, 500L and Tipo models with Keyless Enter 'n Go, the usual complaint is "key not detected" — the car will not sense the fob, or the start button stops responding. A flat CR2032 cell in the fob is the first suspect, and holding the fob against the start button will normally start the car as a stopgap. Some owners report water ingress as a possible cause too, based on discussions on Fiat owner forums, though we always check the simpler causes first. All keys lost is no obstacle either: we generate and code a fresh key from the vehicle's own data, with nothing to work from.