Bob, You don't reprogram the FOB's - you use the new FOB's to reprogram the immobilizer in the car. You need the original PIN to do so and when you are done, your original FOB (lost) and original PIN will no longer work. The new FOB's and new PIN that comes with them will now work and what you use going forward. I'd suggest you call Algar and speak with Livio. I would not call FNA direct - Livio will have more pull. Note: I got a key cut for my project car recently that I had not titled at that time and Livio had me get a letter from the seller since the title was signed over but not in my name. Moving the car in gear will be a problem. See my jack / lift instructions and make sure YOU show the tow truck driver how to pick the car up - I don't feel go about that part at all. http://www.**********.com/Downloads/Ferrari_1998_355_Lift-Jack-Points_REV000.pdf EDIT - BTW, I believe disconnecting the battery won't kill the alarm but I'm not 100% sure on this...
I'm told (cannot confirm or deny) that sometimes the original dealer made a note of the PIN number. I did not have luck with that, however.
Now that is a possibility. If I have to (and I do) Order new Fobs, It's a mute point because the new Fobs come with a new Pin, right? And they program the immobilizer. Argh, my Pin head is spinning right now. My dealer said he picked up the car, that is a huge relief! I did speak with Livio, nice man. Some statistics: New key alone: $250 (not bad) Ferrari charge for retrieving the original Pin code (he said they do this now) $545 Replace keys, Fob, ECU, alarm, and immobilizer (roughly) $2100 ($2070). Thanks for everything, will update everyone later. PS I usually do not plug dealers, but Imports Unlimited in Naples Florida is a very respectable and honest dealership. Someone I will work with again. Imports Unlimited of Naples Inc. | Auto dealership in Naples, Florida Boaf
Hi Bob - did you read the link I posted early on? It has all the answers to these questions which is why I created the thread Your new FOB's and new PIN will be a paper weight if you don't have the original PIN.
This explains it in pretty simple language and has checklists for reprogramming the Alarm ECU to accept a new PIN and new set of fobs. Obviously, you need a key first. Has been used by many owners successfully. Image Unavailable, Please Login
As Dave said Alarm does have seperate battery but the batterys oftain go bad, (this shows up when the led stays on even when disarmed). If your alarm battery is good a main battery disconnect wont help. If your alarm battery is bad then it will, and Dave is also correct they have a motion/lift sensor it will go off with motion or bein lifted. I know because trailering my car without disconnecting battery had the alarm going off due to bumps in road. Good luck. PS Read Davs link it explains it nicely
Boaf, Thanks for the update and pricing. I hope you get this worked out very soon. I see that FNA charges $545 to retrieve the PIN. I wonder if they do this through the car or is it just a database search? I have all three FOBS and no PIN. Immofixer charges $699 for the PIN retrieval but they do it through the ECU that you send to Australia. That makes me nervous. If $545 would get my PIN for sure, I might do that.
Which is why I said I am a Pinhead. I will need to get the reader (my dealer may have one) to get the current code, or pay Ferrari the $500 they want for the original pin (which I believe by the car condition, it is original). Thanks Bob
The car condition is zero reflection of weather or not the original PIN is still valid for the car. If someone in the past lost the fobs, they may have ordered new and never reported to Ferrari (the new PIN). This is the reason Ferrari will not guarantee a PIN retrieval will work. Bob, my offer still stands to call me anytime and I will explain all of this. I could do it a lot more efficiently in a 5 minute call opposed to typing this all out which is still misunderstood
I was not there. I have used this guy before to replace a battery and trust the tow truck driver. He took great care the first time. Hopefully this is the last time. Bob
I see you are on East Coast. I can call tomorrow around 12:30PM if that is good. I see your number earlier in the thread. Thanks for helping. Bob
Immofixer in Australia can retrieve pin and supply a new master and 2 black fobs. I had my pin retrieved. No hassles at all just send registered mail and Andrew will sort it out. Great service and great to deal with
Thanks Beetle. I have new Fobs and Immobilizer on the way and being installed in the next few days. I was thinking of Bypassing the immobilizer but I'm a stock kinda guy
Hi Bob, If coming from the factory (Italy) Ferrari should be updated the record of the new PIN, I'd suggest following up so they do so. If your new PIN comes on a card that has your VIN printed on it, they no need to follow up as it's been done. I'd also suggested writing the new PIN (and date) inside the owner's manual and perhaps applying a sticker with the same info on the immobilizer case behind the driver's seat. (under the access panel). This way if the car changes hands down the road, someone else will be able to find the info.
Thanks Dave, and Lionworks, you said a mouthful. Now on to good news. Miraculously, the taxi cab driver removed the rear seat and guess what he found? That's right! So I had to pay a 10 % re-stocking fee, but better than the $2500.00 USD that I was anticipating. Man, it feels good to drive it again. Boaf
Now that I have my key back, I may just go ahead and request the PIN. It's a crap shoot because as you say, the code could have changed and it was never reported it to Ferrari. The car is titled in Florida, I have a Florida residence but my license is from PA where I have my home. Like sands through the hour glass....
