It wouldn't suprise me, this used to be the way with the "red Key"

Hope you get a cheaper solution, maybe breakers etc?

Good luck

 

That sounds like aload of rubbish. They may need to find out the origional code if you don't have the code card (which you probably don't thanks to British insurance companies ) but a new ECU?? No way!

 

they usually say this when there is a communicaiton problem between the ignition switch aerial and the immob codebox.
all you usually need to do is wiggle the wire and as if by magic it all works again.

no guarantee that is the case this time, but i'd be very very surprised if you actually need a new ecu.

 

all you usually need to do is wiggle the wire and as if by magic it all works again.

i'd be very very surprised if you actually need a new ecu.

I concur.

Likely to be a wiring issue with the communications and not the ECU.

 

I feel completely trapped with this one. I desperately need my car back so had to give the go-ahead to the dealer to get the ECU. I just have a feeling that when they install it there might be another issue (OK I am becoming paranoid).

I can't hold my own in an argument with them because I am ignorant of the technology. If it was something mechanical then I could have a reasonable discussion.

They also said I have 2 buckled wheels (quoted £700) and a split turbo hose (£110). I checked the turbo hose within the last month and it was OK. Not saying it is not split but its just part of my run of bad luck. I will repair it myself.

So far I am nearly £800 down on the lost key saga and I still don't have the car back. I am going to check if I can claim on my car or house insurance.

 

They also said I have 2 buckled wheels (quoted £700)

£700 for 2 wheels ... they're having a giraffe!!! (although that probably is the RRP)

 

to lazy to investigate so spend the customers money Stealers
Good luck mate

 

I would ask them before they fit it how confident they are. i would then say that if it is not the ECU, then you would like your origional one back. Get on the phone to another dealer to try to get some more info.

 

ECU's rarely go wrong, imho its a case of not knowing the code..
I wish you luck !

 

? Why were the steelers looking at the wheels.......id go to another dealer.wheels have no conection to the keys or did they think they would find the code you need on them,you dont need a new ecu just the key code.

 

Got the car back today. £740 in total for a lost key.

But all is not 100% well, one thing fixed, another broken. After some searching on this forum I may make another post.

At least I am mobile again.

 

Good to hear your mobile again - I think the moral here is make sure you have a spare.

 

I second that ! A lesson learned.

 

Did you make sure you got the code card Steve?

 

Err No. Should I have been given this ? I am contacting the dealer tomorrow about something else so will ask for it. Never had this prob before so I am naive.

I did ask if I could have my old ECU but was told the new one was a recon unit so the old one had to be exchanged (it does say this on the invoice).
For anyone that is interested (or as a warning) the cost split was:
2 keys £277
Body computer and fuse box labour £161.64
Coding £17
Supply security data £12.77
Recon body computer £132
Control unit £68
Health check £0

Cheers

 

Yes mate, you might as well get the code now you have paid for all this work. There shouldn't be a problem, Allams gave me the code card when they sorted me out a new key.

 

I got quoted £373 + VAT for a recon unit. Alfa are taking the ****