General Yet more problems with my 500.. :(

[mjsmke]

Wont the spare key issue cause problems if/when you try to sell the car?

 

[jrkitching]

...And the spare key makes the car try to start but won't spark. And a little padlock comes up on my screen. Very odd.

This happened to me when I collected my new 500 - the spare key wouldn't start the car & I got the little padlock symbol. Caused by a duff transponder in the key - fixed under warranty but required a new key ordering from FIAT, plus getting the the electronic code from Bristol & 2 visits to the dealer to sort this all out & reprogram the body computer. Don't expect much change out of £150 & if you lose your one good key your car could be off the road for awhile until the replacement arrives from FIAT - plus you'll likely need a tow if it happens away from home.

Wont the spare key issue cause problems if/when you try to sell the car?

Depends how honest you are & how savvy the buyer is. Personally I'd reduce the amount I'd be willing to pay for a FIAT with a missing or defective key by £200 (£300 if it's the remote) - any less and I'd walk away.

I've said this before, but anyone buying a car should check that all the supplied keys will start it before parting with their money.

 

[RUI]

Give this guy a call, he says £60 for a working key

https://www.fiatforum.com/castle-locks/253142-500-keys.html

 

[ahmett]

Is it easy to hotwire a Fiat 500? = ))

 

[loveshandbags]

Is it easy to hotwire a Fiat 500? = ))

The hotwiring 'lark' was common on old Fords - in the 80s you had guys taking the steering wheels off cars or putting massive chains around the steering wheels and the seat, etc.
Thank G** for immobilisers because really that's 'saved the day' for me.
A key is the only way with the built in transponder as referred to by JR.

 

[Kay500]

I didn't think I'd have to check the spare key when buying it from a Fiat dealership... I've e-mailed the customer care people and am hoping to hear back soon.

I'm not paying for a new key, they should have given me a working one in the first place.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I didn't think I'd have to check the spare key when buying it from a Fiat dealership... I've e-mailed the customer care people and am hoping to hear back soon.

I'm not paying for a new key, they should have given me a working one in the first place.

It is a used car don't forget it is not

Equally what makes you think they had the time or idea to check it themselves before sale? How do they not know it wasn't working when they sold it to you

 

[loveshandbags]

I didn't think I'd have to check the spare key when buying it from a Fiat dealership... I've e-mailed the customer care people and am hoping to hear back soon.

I'm not paying for a new key, they should have given me a working one in the first place.

Your current spare key will open the doors but wouldn't start the car. Opening the door is at least 'half way there'. It will allow you get a set of keys locked in the boot. So at least it's not entirely useless.

http://www.aaireland.ie/AA/AA-Membership/Members-Advice/Top-Ten-Breakdown-Causes.aspx
Lost car keys
Many modern cars have a 'transponder' key to prevent theft.
If you lose the key, recovery to an authorized dealer is usually the only answer.