Based in the UK and France my Crossfire Coupe has been stuck since 20 April (14 weeks so far!) - I lost the key/keyfob.

I called a Chrysler dealer who informed me that a replacement key and keyfob is produced from the VIN number, would take about 2 weeks and costs £195 (about €230, or $310) For reference, the part number, at least in the UK dealer system is K05099684AA


After more calls than I can remember, escalating to Chrysler Customer Services with a case number, and bringing to the attention of a Director, I still have no key, no fob, no delivery date and no estimated resolution....and just one returned call. Ridiculous, and the dealer isn't treated any better.



All the details are at crossfire-key.com, a blog site I made to publicise this unacceptable situation.


If you tweet, then try @crossfirekey


Does anyone have any ideas? The dealer was told there were no key blanks. Chrysler UK told ME that they had the blanks and fobs, but dont have the machinery to code the key for the Crossfire!


I spoke to a supplier of keys who is mentioned in the forum (based in the USA) - they reckon keys and fob were available on their 2 week delivery service but they will not send them outside of the US. They said the factory will not allow them to do so.Which factory can they mean?



Anyone? Anything? The car has been immobilised for 14 weeks and I am getting nowhere.


Would really appreciate some help and support to the site and tweet - I hope it will help apply some pressure to Chrysler

 

hi there
when we worked at main dealer to get a key for crossfire our dealer would go strait to merc in germany so may be cut out the middle man and try mercs as they come pre programed of your vin number all u do it open the door with the key put keys in ignition then the hazzards will flash bobs your uncle your on your way

midkent chrysler

 

Just a couple of quick thoughts that popped into my head - apologies if you've already explored these avenues!

Have you tried a Mercedes dealer for a key? Not sure if they are the same??

Could you have a key made by the place in the States and sent to one of the US members of the forum to be forwarded on??

I hope you get it sorted soon - good luck!!

 

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!

 

I was originally told they were cut/coded by Mercedes in Germany (makes sense knowing where the Crossfire came from) This is certainly what the UK Chrysler dealer thought happened when he took the order.

Apparently this *might* now not be the case since Chrysler is now owned by Fiat - seems a real mess and NO-ONE is getting it sorted

 

thats exactly how the dealer explained it to me (Kings Chrysler in Newcastle) - all seemed to make sense but it simply doesnt happen now - maybe since Fiats involvement?

 

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......

 

There is a French forum as well for Crossfire owners - that may be worth a go: www.crossfire-garage.com

 

you beat me to it Steve...try the French forum...they are up on all of the latest for their cars....If you need anything from the States, let us know...

 

what a mess hope you get it sorted