Key memorization

The CODE warning light is managed by the Fiat CODE control unit. The CODE warning light consists of a lamp on the instrument panel. When the ignition is switched on (+15), the warning light can indicate one of the following conditions:

• ON briefly (0.7s) and then OFF: key recognized, correct operation of the system;
• FLASHING: both the engine control unit and the Fiat CODE control unit do not have any code memorized (unused system); for a description of the various flashing modes, refer to the "Manual Diagnosis" sub-section.
• ON: if the warning light comes on permanently when the ignition is ON (+15), this indicates one of the following faults:

1. key not recognized by the Fiat CODE control unit (engine management prohibited);
2. serial line not connected or the engine control unit and Fiat CODE control unit have not succeeded in establishing communication;
3. key rememorization procedure not carried out correctly.

If the CODE warning light comes on temporarily or permanently during driving or starting of the car, this does not necessarily mean a fault in the system but, in certain cases, this indicates a condition that may be interpreted as a tampering attempt by a thief.

If this happens, to carry out a proper test on the system, stop the car, switch off the engine and switch the ignition off (STOP position). Turn the ignition on again: the CODE warning light should come on and go out again after about 1 second.

If the CODE warning light stays on after this procedure, repeat the operation, waiting with the ignition off (STOP position) for more than 30 seconds. If the Code warning light stays permanently on when the ignition is on even after this attempt, conduct a diagnosis on the Fiat CODE system.

KEY MEMORIZATION

First key memorization

The first key memorization is carried out in the factory.

To check that memorization has been effected, insert a key in the ignition switch and turn the ignition ON (+15):

• if the CODE warning light goes out, memorization has been effected;
• if after about 2.5 seconds the CODE warning light starts flashing again at a higher frequency, the system is still unused.

The condition of unused Fiat CODE control unit can also be checked by the Fiat Lancia Tester during diagnosis of the engine control unit.

Key memorization with unused system

An unused system means the simultaneous presence on the car of an engine control unit and a Fiat CODE control unit which have NO memorized code (for example following an intervention which has required the replacement of both control units).

Before starting this procedure, make sure that the Fiat CODE control unit is really unused. The use of a Fiat CODE control unit which is faulty or already memorized involves the irreversible memorization of an incorrect code in the engine control unit which will then be unusable in the future on other cars.