>This has been how Audi has done their keys for many years. It is a security >issue, supposedly to deter theft. Others have followed, perhaps some others >were first. However, it is one of the electronic intrusions in our lives >that make older cars such a joy.
>I do not know about the 156, or any recent Alfa (I am in the USA, after >all), but often times a key can be had using car codes at a specialist >locksmith. They will often need some kind of ownership proof, though. Some >keys can be programmed to be used in a particular car, once cut properly, by >the owner. This typically necessitates having at least one original key. >Audi and Ford are examples of this owner programming, at least for some >years and models. I can't remember where, but I've heard stories of some people using PDA devices to record what's being emitted from the key, then playing it back to open the doors, arm the ignition, or whatever. Might be worth doing some Googling. bs -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
