New Owner '02 ST4s - NO RED KEY - Ducati.ms

redfourme · Jun 26th, 2006, 9:18 pm

How expensive is a new red key? Anybody been there and paid that?

THE STORY SO FAR....
Well, after a month of spirited riding (for me anyway - 1st duc) I learned there should be in my possession a RED KEY. I don't have one. Heard from an unrelated dealer (one not involved at all with this bike) the worst case scenario of replacing multiple electronics. One thing this dealer was not quite sure of is if a NEW RED KEY could be made from a sample key and the CODE CARD. Dealer thought maybe one could be made at the factory in Italy, but it would be expensive.

Original owner claims to have turned in the red key to dealer at trade-in. Subsequent owner did not get a red key from that dealer when he purchased the bike. That dealer has sold the business and no longer handles Ducati brand. Then I came along an purchased from 2nd owner. I'm red-key-less.

Mike
2002 ST4s

kaos · Jun 26th, 2006, 9:55 pm

all info i've seen indicates the red is coded to the gauge panel ,ecu and the immobiliser,can't change the code,or match another key cause if you could it defeats the whole point of this theft prevention system.your in for serious coin if you have immobilizer,ecu or gauge panel problems.

ducaati · Jun 27th, 2006, 10:37 pm

If you lose the key you have now, and do not posess a red key, you will have to shell out $US2,500 for a new ecu, immobiliser, with their own, new, red key. UNLESS, that is, you have the code card. Do you have it?

Lance

Yellow749s · Jun 27th, 2006, 11:10 pm

Im in the same situation here. I bought my bike from a California dealer and I didn't know about the whole red key thing until I read the owners manual, after I got it home. Ive contacted the original owner and he misplaced it. Can't this be put back on the dealer or something? I mean thats kind of like selling a car knowing that it will blow up in the next hundered miles or something. Is that legal?

grinder96 · Jun 27th, 2006, 11:42 pm

When I bought my ducati (02'st4s) the red key was promised but when they could't deliver it they said I could pay for a new ecu(the ecu is coded to each red key) for about 1500.00 or buy an FIM ecu which eliminates the immobilizer and doesn't require a red key for about 750.00. Luckily for me the previous owner found the red key and sent it to the dealer who forwarded it to me!

redfourme · Jun 29th, 2006, 12:05 pm

To answer that question, YES! I do have the CODE CARD. It contains a mechanical code and an electrical code. Trying to determine if that is my 'ace in the hole' so to speak.

desmoface · Jun 30th, 2006, 10:16 pm

I just bought my bike Wedensday (haven't even picked it up yet) and my dealer said they keep the red key/card in my file because it's so expensive if I lose it..Now, I just hope they don't lose it LOL...

Steve
05 st3
00 sv6fity

mals900ss · Jul 1st, 2006, 5:27 am

now THERE is a scam.. If I paid for it I know I'd want it.. They are kinda making sure if anything goes wrong, which I doubt ever will, that THEY will be getting the bike to repair it. Good for them.. bad for you.

$0.02

Mal

desmoface · Jul 1st, 2006, 6:55 am

Yeah, I guess that was probably their main motive...not a big issue as they are the only duc dealer around...

Steve
05 st3
00 sv6fity

redfourme · Jul 1st, 2006, 9:11 am

At this point I'd love to have that option. However, in this scenario (original post) the dealer is no longer in business. Last night went to ducati.com <contact us> and submitted a tech question. It was basically my original post on this list. The webform askd for frame and engine serial numbers.

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