New Key Fob help

[Frew]

Afternoon All, wondered if anyone could help.

I only have one fully working key fob which operates the central locking and starts the car. I have a “valet” type key with no electronics or buttons for the central locking, but it starts the car ok. Issue is if I use it to open the car from the door locks it sets off the alarm and I’m unable to disarm so it’s no good a spare key.

I’ve been trying to arrange a backup key fob for the central locking as I’m uncomfortable only having one set in case I ever lose it. I don’t necessarily need a fully working key with the ID48 chip that starts the car too I just want a spare fob that operates the central locking meaning together with the valet key I have full functionality in my spare set. I spoke to an auto locksmith today who was clearly very knowledgeable in his field but he reckoned that he cant do anything for me as he can only work on Maserati’s up to 2010. He stated that thereafter the body control units were encrypted and his software isn’t up to the job.

My car is a 2012 GT. Has anyone had a replacement key fob made with success without going to the main dealer? Any info would be appreciated. As mentioned, I only really need central locking, not necessarily starting the car.

I bought an old key fob on eBay and tried pairing it using the “lock and unlock multiple times to enter learning mode method” but I think this only works on older cars?

 

[Harvey_Tim]

I am in the same situation and need a 2nd fully functional remote, but am loathed to pay the main dealer price. Whilst looking for other sources I was very surprised to find that Timpsons listed Maserati on their available replacement car keys, quoting £300 for a “Genuine manufacturer remote key that includes the car logo”. I have not pulled the trigger yet but I did visit my local Timpsons to check if this was correct and they assured me it was and the price includes programming the key to the car. Seems like an absolute bargain, but my concern is that i very much doubt that they do many Maseratis and is there a danger of them screwing something up when plugging their software into the car!

 

[midlifecrisis]

I am in the same situation and need a 2nd fully functional remote, but am loathed to pay the main dealer price. Whilst looking for other sources I was very surprised to find that Timpsons listed Maserati on their available replacement car keys, quoting £300 for a “Genuine manufacturer remote key that includes the car logo”. I have not pulled the trigger yet but I did visit my local Timpsons to check if this was correct and they assured me it was and the price includes programming the key to the car. Seems like an absolute bargain, but my concern is that i very much doubt that they do many Maseratis and is there a danger of them screwing something up when plugging their software into the car!

View attachment 120670

they'll have indemnity insurance for screwing up your car. And no doubt, a Maserati will be no different than a Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo or Ferrari of similar vintage.

 

[Harvey_Tim]

they'll have indemnity insurance for screwing up your car. And no doubt, a Maserati will be no different than a Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo or Ferrari of similar vintage.

In which case £300 instead of (correct me if I am wrong) £600 plus at a main dealer for a genuine key seems like a absolute bargain!

 

[CatmanV2]

includes programming the key to the car.

I suspect they will copy your existing key. Not a problem unless you lose one. You can't stop it from operating the car. If this does not concern you (after all this was the case in the old days) then no worries. If it *does* just be aware.

C

 

[Harvey_Tim]

I suspect they will copy your existing key. Not a problem unless you lose one. You can't stop it from operating the car. If this does not concern you (after all this was the case in the old days) then no worries. If it *does* just be aware.

C

I assume therefore if you had 2 keys separately coded to the car (presumably this would be the case for 2 original keys that came with the car) and you lost one, then to prevent that key from working you would need the main dealer to code it out?

But you are saying that Timpsons would most likely just copy the existing key, so 2 physical keys but the car cannot distinguish any difference between them. Is that what you mean?

Personally that would not bother me, but I appreciate the warning CatmanV2.

 

[Tallman]

I assume therefore if you had 2 keys separately coded to the car (presumably this would be the case for 2 original keys that came with the car) and you lost one, then to prevent that key from working you would need the main dealer to code it out?

But you are saying that Timpsons would most likely just copy the existing key, so 2 physical keys but the car cannot distinguish any difference between them. Is that what you mean?

Personally that would not bother me, but I appreciate the warning CatmanV2.

Yes correct. When I bought my car there was only one key. A new one was ordered from Maserati and they then recoded both keys so that the missing one, which must have been lying somewhere at the previous owner’s place, would no longer work.

 

[CatmanV2]

I assume therefore if you had 2 keys separately coded to the car (presumably this would be the case for 2 original keys that came with the car) and you lost one, then to prevent that key from working you would need the main dealer to code it out?

But you are saying that Timpsons would most likely just copy the existing key, so 2 physical keys but the car cannot distinguish any difference between them. Is that what you mean?

Personally that would not bother me, but I appreciate the warning CatmanV2.

Exactly what I mean. The actual methodology used by the dealers is to program the car. To add a new key, you first delete all of the existing ones from the car's memory. Then add all the ones you want to.

Bit different with the more modern cars but, yes, effectively you'll have two identical keys. This is becoming quite common and I totally get it if people aren't bothered (I wouldn't be, either) It's effectively just like the old days with physical keys.

c

 

[Gazcw]

Afternoon All, wondered if anyone could help.

I only have one fully working key fob which operates the central locking and starts the car. I have a “valet” type key with no electronics or buttons for the central locking, but it starts the car ok. Issue is if I use it to open the car from the door locks it sets off the alarm and I’m unable to disarm so it’s no good a spare key.

I’ve been trying to arrange a backup key fob for the central locking as I’m uncomfortable only having one set in case I ever lose it. I don’t necessarily need a fully working key with the ID48 chip that starts the car too I just want a spare fob that operates the central locking meaning together with the valet key I have full functionality in my spare set. I spoke to an auto locksmith today who was clearly very knowledgeable in his field but he reckoned that he cant do anything for me as he can only work on Maserati’s up to 2010. He stated that thereafter the body control units were encrypted and his software isn’t up to the job.

My car is a 2012 GT. Has anyone had a replacement key fob made with success without going to the main dealer? Any info would be appreciated. As mentioned, I only really need central locking, not necessarily starting the car.

I bought an old key fob on eBay and tried pairing it using the “lock and unlock multiple times to enter learning mode method” but I think this only works on older cars?

Speak with this guy. He replaced a Citroen key pcb for my son and coded it for £90 from memory. He charges a little more for cutting a new blade and supplying a case. He can do the blue key or use the triangular Alfa key as I specifically asked him about Maserati.
He is really helpful. Name is Nickesh Mistry or Nik.

Remotefobcentre are Specialists in Car Remote Keys

Supplying vehicle remote keys, spare parts, repair services, key blade cutting and programming services via postal services or at our premises in Leicester by appointment.

www.remotefobcentre.com

 

[Zep]

Was that supposed to be a link to the Cruise Retrofit Guide?

 

[Frew]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'd be perfectly happy with just a remote fob that operated the doors and disarmed the alarm (no key blade and no immobiliser chip) as I have my valet key as a spare to start the car. I'd just keep said fob and the valet key on the same ring as my spare set and hopefully never need to use them.

 

[Gazcw]

Was that supposed to be a link to the Cruise Retrofit Guide?

Doh. I will edit

 

[PJZ]

I have a related question. I changed my fob on Wednesday. Today my car failed to start and I am not sure if I have started it since changing the fob.
I can open the car using the remote fob I can switch on/off the alarm using the key buttons on the key fob. Battery is fine and also charged to be sure. I can turn the ignition, stereo comes on etc but just can’t start the engine. Could this be a key issue or is this a red herring? Any ideas?

 

[conaero]

I have a related question. I changed my fob on Wednesday. Today my car failed to start and I am not sure if I have started it since changing the fob.
I can open the car using the remote fob I can switch on/off the alarm using the key buttons on the key fob. Battery is fine and also charged to be sure. I can turn the ignition, stereo comes on etc but just can’t start the engine. Could this be a key issue or is this a red herring? Any ideas?

Oh dear, another one.

I hope you have not thrown away the old shell, if so go get it.

There is a transponder bonded in to the shell that without, the car will not start.

Do not (as I did) try and lever it out, it will shatter, instead, try and use the OEM half of the shell with the transponder in it and the guts and top shell of the new. You can then polish the old half and it will come up really well.

 

[Frew]

As per above, seems like you haven’t transplanted the ID48 Chip. Looks like a tiny glass fuse and is embedded into the shell. It’s this that the car recognises to disarm the immobiliser and allow starting.

 

[Frew]

 

[Frew]

You’ll find it here

 

[PJZ]

Oh no! Thankfully I kept the old fob. I see it now…thanks!!

 

[PJZ]

Thanks guys! Confirmed it is now starting. Phew!

 

[conaero]

Close one!