Alfa Master Key

[Unbusy]

The brown one on a GTV.
Is it a real no-no to buy a car with out the brown master key?
It has 2 normal keys, so is that not enough?
Has technology moved on enough that the garages can sort out any future snags without the master key?
I don’t want to be buying a future expensive headache.

[GTVOX]

It's not easy to find people who can re-code but it can be done. Either that or just change the ecu and locks. Not cheap or easy but if the car is good probably worth the potential hassle considering it may never happen

[paulmakin]

the brown master is used for re-coding red keys but as you have two already ..?

[george123]

Had my GTV for over 10 years now and never needed the brown key that came with it. I think it was an issue some years ago but as long as you have the 2 red keys (mine are the ones with the built in remote) & they both work them you'll be fine.

Its easy enough to get one of them re-coded if necessary. I sent one to an ebay guy a few years ago to re-code for around £30 and havent had a problem since. Make sure you replace batteries every 12/18 months is a good idea also.

[Unbusy]

Thanks guys, helpful replies. Looks like it can be worked around. Brown keys not passed from owner to owner is a pain. I see dealers selling 916 cars not mentioning there is no brown key. Also saying the timing belt on the twinspark was changed back in 2015!
My 147 doesn’t have a master key so I guess Alfa changed their system at some point.

[wal 45]

I've had a couple of Ph 1 916 keys done by Timpsons, they just used the one red key I had. I'm pretty sure though the later Ph 2 and 3 GTV/Spider aren't quite as easy to do without the brown key so it might be worth asking them before you buy the car.

As everyone has said though I think things have moved on and it isn't the problem it used to be.