Storing keys

Temporary or permanent activation of the Code warning light during engine power on or start-up does not necessarily indicate a system fault but in certain cases indicates the occurrence of a condition that may be interpreted as an attempt to tamper with the car by a thief. If such an event occurs, the car must be stopped, the engine turned off and the ignition key turned to OFF in order to carry out a proper system test; when the key is again turned ON: the Code warning light should come on and then go off after about 1 second. If the Code warning light stays on after this procedure, repeat the operation and leave the key on OFF position for longer than 30 seonds. If the Code warning light stays permanently on after this attempt when the key is in ON position, carry out a test of the Fiat Code system.

STORING KEYS

Initial key store

Keys are initially stored in the factory.

To check that the keys have been stored, insert a key into the ignition and turn ON (+15):

• the key has been stored if the Code warning light goes off;
• if the Code warning light resumes flashing at a higher rate after 2.5 seconds, the system is still blank.

A blank Fiat Code ECU can be detected by diagnosing the engine management control unit by means of a tester.

Storing keys with a blank system

A blank system indicates the simultaneous presence on a car of an engine management unit and a Fiat Code ECU without any stored codes (e.g. following a repair that required replacement of both control units).

Before starting this procedure, ensure that the Fiat Code ECU is really blank. The use of a Fiat Code ECU that is faulty or already contains a code nvolves an incorrect code being irreversibly stored in the engine management unit, which is then no longer usable on other cars.

The key store procedure is divided into two stages in order:

1. the electronic key secret code is stored in the Fiat Code ECU;
2. the Fiat Code ECU stores the master code in the engine management unit (when it is blank).

This second step is implemented automatically when the first is completed successfully, by turning the key ON again.

The procedure can be used to store up to 8 different keys or a minimum of 3.

The store procedure may be carried out only after a test has been carried out by the control unit to check that all is properly connected and operational (master code active and car therefore not protected). The presence of the master code may be verified by the flashing of the Code warning light. Flashing takes place at a rate of 1.6 Hz and begins 2.5 seconds after turning the ignition ON (+15); the store procedure may begin after this check.

To avoid errors in the key store procedure, it is advisable to read the procedure overleaf carefully before carrying out on the car.