So..Withinout the PIN, The Red FOB is meaningless??

The PIN allows you to MANUALLY enter a code (by turning the key a certain number of times and in a certain manner, as per the OM) to: (i) disable the immobiliser/alarm so the car can be started without a fob and/or (ii) to access the alarm ECU so it can be re-programmed with a NEW PIN (which would be supplied when you purchase a set of alarm fobs - 1 red and 2 black). If you DO NOT have the original PIN (as originally set by the factory in the alarm ECU), then you can not access the alarm ECU to re-program in a NEW PIN (which would be supplied when you purchase a set of alarm fobs).

Hope this helped, somewhat. Username Eric355 is the expert on this subject.

 

Scott, as usual you are on the ball.

 

Your best bet is to get the fob cloned. The PIN code allows you to access the Car alarm ECU. You would not be able to just get a new set of fobs from the dealer and reprogram unless you had the original PIN code. You would end up needing a new Alarm ECU and new fob set - extremely expensive!

 

Not necessary to order a new alarm ECU. You can order a new remote set together with a new PIN number. At the same time the dealer can also provide you with the original PIN number for your car after you have provided them with identification and proof that your own the car.

 

They want $$$ for that service now. Imagine you going to the bank and have them tell you that "we need to charge $500 to give you a new pin for your account, sir"

 

Actually, many Dealers are not even doing it for $$$ now. Too much trouble to try to help a Ferrari owner. What attitude! As Brain Crall (Rifledriver) says - FNA Sucks!

 

Oh, so imagine you go to your bank and they say "sorry sir, we can't give you a PIN for you to access your money."

Why do we put up with this crap ?

 

Not in the states! It is my understanding they will not provide PIN numbers anymore if you lost yours.

 

where is the PIN code located? Is it on a sticker on the back of the red fob? I have a sticker that reads "CANADA:then a 10 digit number". Is this the PIN code? If this is the PIN, is there a way to order just the 2 black ones? If I have the PIN, do I still have to order three new Fobs (1 red and 2 black) from the dealer, after I give proof that I own the car.

 

I just talked to local dealer who told me the PIN code is a 4 digit PIN code that is only on a 3x5 card in the owners manual. Without the PIN code you are kind of screwed, even with the red master fob, because you will likely have to buy a new alarm system or ECU along with the 3 new Fobs plus programming labor time. This really sucks

 

Hi All,

Adding one more voice/query to the discussion, when I purchased my 355 a few years back, it came with only one black fob. So, I bit the bullet and spent the $$$ to procure a new set and have them programmed by a dealer (I did have the original PIN in my documents). Recently, the fob I've been using stopped working. Thinking it was the battery (it's never been changed) I replaced it and tried to use the fob to mobilize the car...but nothing happens, not even a "beep" although the fob LED glows brightly when the button is pushed. So, my question is, is it possible that a fob could lose its code when the battery is replaced. Seems unlikely, but I'm sure someone knows better than I do about this. Also, if loss of code is possible, is there a way to re-code a black fob using the red one? Fortunately, my red and other black fob both work, so I'm not in dire straits but would hate to lose the flexibility of having three working fobs. Thanks for any thoughts or insight!

 

Loss code is possible, but more likely is your RF trasmitter is dead. If you know how to replace that, you may be able to do that yourself. My thought is to buy another black fob and have it cloned.

The more I read about this, the less I like the immobilizer idea. I may decide to just remove the feature all together with a reflas of the ECU.

 

After sending the above query, I went, the "if all else fails, read the manual" route. Although there was nothing helpful in the main owner's manual, there was a small booklet tucked away that focuses only on the alarm system and fobs. What I discovered (duhhh) was that you may need to re-synchronize a fob after changing batteries by pressing the fob button three times within ten seconds. I had to execute this a few times but, finally afer several tries, the car "beeped in reponse. Hooray!! I do agree with you, though, that I'd also be much happier without the immobilizer complexities.

 

Jay- Eric355 and I are very close to being able to read the PIN from your red fob and also close to being able to produce black fobs matching your red fob, not clones. Your red fob could also be cloned and will work just fine as an extra fob or two, as we have proven with mine. We just cloned my red fob and have the digits from my EEPROM printed out with three of the PIN numbers unambiguously identified and only one digit with an ambiguity between two separate four digit numbers in the EEPROM. Next we will clone my original matching black fobs and do the analysis on the digits contained there.

This is the first time Eric has had a full set of three fobs with which to work, and we are learning a great deal as we proceed. We already know we can produce a full set of working fobs with PIN, and just need to learn a little more and can then produce them with unique PIN codes.

There is still a lot of confusion on fobs and the alarm ECU, but we understand the system very well now. Here is the latest version of the fob program document I wrote with help from other folks. If there are any questions, ask away.

Taz
Terry Phillips
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Nice to see you and Eric continue to make progress on the Fob programming! I'm lucky enough to have 1 red and 1 black fob plus my pin code card. It would be great to get another one that could be programmed and not cloned. Keep up the good work. Many of us are anxious for your success!

 

Jay- My 1st original black fob is now on the way to Eric. I hope after we get the EEPROM contents from it, we will be able to tell what makes three fobs a matched set. I think I already know, but we will wait and see.

Incidentally, I think you already understand this, and Scott explained it well, but a new set of three fobs and PIN does you no good unless you have the original PIN. Your dealer may or may not be able to get the original PIN for you, and would likely charge $500 or so just for providing you the PIN. Then a new set of fobs is ~$525. Still cheaper than a new Alarm ECU and matching fobs and PIN at $1800 or so.

Incidentally, once Eric has your fob for cloning or whatever else, he can archive the contents and you can just send extra fobs to be cloned without sending the original again. Is the red fob your only fob or do you have a black one as well?

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Jay- Fed-Exing to Eric has been done by multiple people with no problem, but is expensive. I just mailed mine to him, but it takes quite a bit of time both ways. One US based FChatter (gobble) has been communicating with Eric and may be able to clone shortly. He will likely not be able to produce sets with PINs, however, or determine your PIN. See the clone a black fob thread in Tech Q&A.

There is no difference in the hardware between red and black fobs, incidentally, only the color of the plastic and EEPROM programming is different. The real problem with only having one fob and no PIN is the fob quitting.

I think whoever quoted you $1500 for PIN and three new fobs should be taken behind his dealership and beaten to a pulp. It costs them nothing to obtain the old PIN, just an e-mail to Maranello, and new fobs are only $525 or so for a set of three and a new PIN. What a rip-off. FNA and its dealers should be ashamed.

Boardwalk gave me a new set of fobs with PIN for free after I bought my 575M, so maybe they are not all crooks. Might behoove you to make some phone calls to various parts departments and see if someone will give you a better deal. Too bad Ricambi cannot do it.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Jay- Sounds like you already have a relationship with your local dealership, and it involves Vaseline on your part. Most of the dealer mechanics probably have no idea what to do with a TR, at any rate. Any good independents near you?

Try Boardwalk's Dallas parts department. They did really well by me.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Jay- Whoops, meant 355.

Taz
Terry Phillips