Originally Posted by Steve - UK
There are mobile Auto Locksmiths who can programme the chip in a used key to match the cars ECU. They copy the code from the ECU and use that to re code the key. So, there are lots of Crossfires in the breakers yards. There is a link to one on the UK Crossfires website for a start and lots on ebay. Buy a complete used ignition barrell with keys from breakers. Fit and get a mobile man to re programme the used key. Might take some organising but a cheaper solution.
Additionally, the key man can read the code off a used key, and use that to reprogramme the ECU; ie, the other way round.
Incidentaly, I bought a new original blank off ebay for £35 and it cost £3 to get it cut to match my existing key. It now opens doors and turns ignition on. The dealers tell me they can programme this for £40 by reading the ECU and copying the code to the key.
Good luck
PS - or you could just join the AA and take out key cover. Then ring them and tell them you lost your keys!
thanks for the thoughts.....the added complication is that it is stuck in France about 70 miles from Bordeaux! Which Chrysler UK also know......thank god it wasnt in an airport car park for the last 14 weeks! I'd have to sell it to pay the parking
I havent had much luck finding these kind of services in France so far. The nearest dealer is in Bordeaux and reckons they cant code the key in any case.
The ignition barrel, lock and key set is a good idea, though it means I will have to break into the car to start with I suppose.
Cant get a key copied since I dont have one to copy from, but I certainly wont risk just having one key in future
Really appreciate the rapid replies, thoughts and ideas from everyone - isnt it astonishing that Chrysler UK(Fiat) have come up with NOTHING AT ALL and taken all this time to do it too......