Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 939 Series (159, Brera and Brera Spider) => Topic started by: MattK on April 19, 2019, 09:56:41 AM

Title: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on April 19, 2019, 09:56:41 AM
Hi all,
After the terrible demise of my 156 I decided to buy a more recent and roadworthy car, and ended up with a 2011 159 TBi Ti . I'm very happy thus far.
Sadly it only came with one key - I know this topic has been discussed but I wondered if there were any new options for getting a spare, or if the price had somehow magically become more reasonable in recent years.
I'll follow with photos once I've given it a good cleaning and stripped out the window tint.
Cheers, Matthew.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on April 19, 2019, 10:29:56 AM
To my knowledge the only way to get a key for these things is still via dealership. I would be thrilled if someone would correct me with a better alternative.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: kaleuclint on April 20, 2019, 05:54:07 PM
Nice choice!  You have what I have. Except for the second key fob ;D

Can you get the steel key in the fob replicated?  Much cheaper than a remote but still enables entry if needed.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on April 20, 2019, 06:58:18 PM
I am sure you can, after all it's just a Key Tang, unfortunately it will only operate the following -

A/ Central door locking/unlocking through the driver's door lock (with run-down car battery only the driver's door will open)

B/ Windows opening/closing

C/ Switch (for versions/markets, where provided) for deactivating the passenger's air bag and knees air bag (for versions/markets, where provided)

D/ Safe-lock device (for versions/markets,
where provided)

E/ Emergency unlocking of electronic key from ignition switch.

It won't start the car unfortunately. (Just so there no confusion)
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on April 21, 2019, 01:10:51 AM
Thanks for that. Damn. So is it $400? $600? I have no idea why Alfa would treat their customers like that.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on April 21, 2019, 01:29:10 AM
No idea on cost, you'll have to check with your local Alfa specialist. Try your local independent specialists first before you go to dealership, they may have found a work around or can do it cheaper.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Craig_m67 on April 22, 2019, 12:02:34 PM
Quote from: MattK on April 21, 2019, 01:10:51 AM
Thanks for that. Damn. So is it $400? $600? I have no idea why Alfa would treat their customers like that.

It's not just Alfa. Kia/Ford etc. will charge you similar.   I'd be too scared to ask BMW, Audi or Mercedes without checking if my home content insurance covered replacements first
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Citroënbender on April 22, 2019, 01:28:04 PM
It would be nice if replacement keys were cheaper, but consider the example of a misplaced smartphone - if you lose your iPhone or Galaxy does either maker offer you a cheap exact replacement to keep you cheering for their brand?

It's more that people don't initially apportion value to the keys commensurate with their replacement cost, and aren't up for putting a "$200 cash reward no questions" tag on them...
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: kaleuclint on April 22, 2019, 04:04:35 PM
Quote from: Citroënbender on April 22, 2019, 01:28:04 PM
...consider the example of a misplaced smartphone...
Indeed!
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on April 22, 2019, 04:21:01 PM
Quote from: kaleuclint on April 22, 2019, 04:04:35 PM
Quote from: Citroënbender on April 22, 2019, 01:28:04 PM
...consider the example of a misplaced smartphone...
Indeed!

Sounds like the sad voice of experience.  ;D
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Citroënbender on April 24, 2019, 01:56:37 AM
Actually, I've been very fortunate in that respect.  :)  Isn't it only people with naked selfies stored, and Hawthorn supporters, who lose their phones?

If I have less than two sets of keys for any car it gives me the willies. Three sets is ideal; one to use, a spare tucked away and a third set vested with a friend to express post anywhere on request.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: kaleuclint on April 28, 2019, 02:36:57 PM
Quote from: Citroënbender on April 24, 2019, 01:56:37 AM
If I have less than two sets of keys for any car it gives me the willies.
+1!

Also goes for certain tools, a relatively rare motorcycle (!) and er, phones...

BTW I'm a Hawks supporter.  What am I missing here (not my phone)??
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Citroënbender on April 28, 2019, 03:41:25 PM
Sly dig at an acquaintance who is both a chronic loser of stuff and a Hawks supporter.

Probably also has nudie pics on his phone too!  ;)
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: As the day goes on April 29, 2019, 04:13:51 PM
HAWKS SUPPORTER. CHRONIC. LOSER.

Fixed. You're welcome
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on May 06, 2019, 11:06:43 AM
Sorry to drag it back to Alfas (and what a great idea to put a reward notice on the key, I will do that) - I'm just wondering if anyone can suggest where I could pick up a small piece missing from the side skirt on my car. It's an insert about six inches in front of the rear wheel - I assume it's a panel you remove to get to the jack point, or maybe covering a mounting screw. It's present on one side but not the other. Not knowing what it's called is hampering my Google searches.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Citroënbender on May 06, 2019, 11:36:45 AM
Seriously, I have "$200 CASH REWARD" and my number on one side, the other "$200 NO QUESTIONS".

Half the price of a new key!

The missing part - is it an Apple or a Samsung?

(Sorry, couldn't help it!)

Can you access ePer online or get a torrent?
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on May 06, 2019, 11:45:38 AM
Quote from: MattK on May 06, 2019, 11:06:43 AM
Sorry to drag it back to Alfas (and what a great idea to put a reward notice on the key, I will do that) - I'm just wondering if anyone can suggest where I could pick up a small piece missing from the side skirt on my car. It's an insert about six inches in front of the rear wheel - I assume it's a panel you remove to get to the jack point, or maybe covering a mounting screw. It's present on one side but not the other. Not knowing what it's called is hampering my Google searches.

Need the Vin #
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on May 06, 2019, 11:45:59 AM
aha - it's item 2 on this diagram, but (Aus) driver's side so I assume it would be referred to as "right side" on the parts page.
(https://www.fiatdalys.lt/diagrams/D5/D59E1BA1BB2C9357287123A92602F5D9.png)
Amazingly useful site that, you search by VIN and it tells you the parts for your actual car, as well as its manufacture date etc.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: Citroënbender on May 06, 2019, 12:31:11 PM
156059796 Right side (as viewed from rear of car)
.....802 left side as viewed from rear of car.

Note they come primered, so need topcoating. Maybe hit the overseas breakers up for a matching colour used part, to blow in a little piece with 2K will be expensive.
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: bazzbazz on May 06, 2019, 03:10:06 PM
"Amazingly useful site that, you search by VIN and it tells you the parts for your actual car, as well as its manufacture date etc."

There are several sites that so this, but the readers might like to know what site you are referring to?   ::)
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on May 06, 2019, 03:49:49 PM
oops, yes ...
https://www.fiatdalys.lt/ (https://www.fiatdalys.lt/)
(although it lets the side down by showing my car as left-hand drive in the diagram!)
Title: Re: Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?
Post by: MattK on August 30, 2019, 03:16:51 PM
Hi all, still enjoying the 159 Ti TBi. A quick question - does anyone want to sell me a Blue&Me iPhone adapter? or is there a line-in hack for the factory audio system?