keys for 550

when you're buying a modern ferrari, it's really important to get all the keys and remotes.

you should have a red remote and one or more black remotes. the red one is the important one. don't drive with that. keep that one locked away with your extra keys. they can use the red one to reprogram things if necessary, but if you lose the red one you have to buy the whole "kit".

doody.

 

I have a 360 and I got extra keys made from a regular locksmith for $2.50 each. It doesn't have the same "look" as the original key but I do have 2 extra keys for $5.00 total. Works for me!

 

At my last job at a Ferrari specialist we were able to get keys cut for the 550 at a local key shop. It looked like a FIAT key and they are very cheap but it does the job. We were also able to get a Ford remote alarm/immobiliser control, it looked exactly the same but had a Ford stamp on the back.

 

Hey Doody, thanks for the tip on 550 key remotes - I have a red one and a black one and have been using the red one because I didn't think there was any difference. Now I'll leave the red one at home and start using the black one.

 

I just bought a factory key for my 550 at sodicom's. He is listed as one of the vendors on this website. It was 35.00.

Regards

 

Dude.... I have the exact same predicament w/ my 360. My problem is worse since I can't locate the key code to reprogram so the car has to be shipped to a Ferrari authorized for reprograming....That sucks!!!

 

I thought there is a "Pill" in the key that sends a signal to the ECU when you start the car. If this signal is not present the car won't start.

Is that not true?

 

No the key is just a key. The remotes (black or red) are the only thing that operates the alarm/immobilizer. With the exception that with the code you can turn the sys. off with the key.

 

There are a couple of new Gizmos (Remote Control Duplicator)now available that will enable you to "Clone your car remote control"... Very easy to program - kind of like you do a TV remote - you put one next to the other and hit the key you want to program - and do the same on the "clone" fob... (if you know what I am talking about...)

Believe it or not - these clones go for about 35 us dollars - you can go to this web page and take a look... Worked great for my 355 Spider (as an extra - since I only had the master...) Doesn't look the same and all but nice to have a spare or two...

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.yahoo.com%2Figadget%2Fnsearch.html&catalog=igadget&query=car+remote

Hope that helps,
Rich

 

Just received one of those $35.00 programable remote devices. It doesn't work on my 550 key remote.

 

You should talk to Mr. wallace then. The remotes are the same for 355,550,456,360. Sounds like you are having a problem he in some way overcame, in other words, it worked for him, it should work for you too.

 

I read somewhere that not only having the red remote is important but that also having the pin code is. IF you do not have the pin code, you can contact FNA and give them your vin number and copy of your title and they will supply you with your pin number. I believe it enables a dealer to unlock your car and reprogram it if all remotes are lost.
gary

 

The PIN code enables you to bypass alarm/immobilizer with the key. If your code is 1211 you cycle key on once, pause, twice more, pause, once, pause, once, pause then the car should start. It sometimes takes a bit of practice. It pays to try it on every car as I have had the experience of being supplied the wrong code by Ferrari. Should always have it for an emergency.
And yes FNA should be able to provide you with it.

 

Have you resoved this or did you send back for refund and if so, what happened?

 

Rich, thanks for the website info....
Can you be more specific of which particular one did you get? Did you have to do anything special to program it or just follow the manual?

 

Just a little more info on this... I bought the one from IGadget.com... Since my 1995 Spider is an aftermarket - it appears that the (after talking with a few people) - stock remote may not work with this... Mine is rotating frequency as is the stock alarm - so I am not sure why it wouln't work - but having talk with a few of my F-car groupies that we hang with that has tried it - they couln't get it to work...

However in theory - just like when you program your built in car garage door openers (AKA Homelink) - your garage door opener is multi frequency/rotating frequency - however you must follow the instructions down to the letter - to make it work.

I guess the key is (no pun intended) is to find out if your alarm remote works off of FM or AM or other signal - and get a duplicator that supports that function - mine I believe is AM - thus mine worked with the one I bought...

Rich

 

The sys is built by Bosch. They are famous for not providing info, even to the car companies that purchase their systems but maybe a search of other car brands that use Bosch systems is in order.

 

I haven't sent it back yet. If I can get it to work on the garage door opener my wife wants it for her key chain. When I get some time I will try it again and maybe do some more research.