HELP PLEASE

[spiderron81]

OK, GET THIS.
I stop into the new Fiat Dealership with my 81 Spider. Look at and test drive the new 500. liked it. Get in my Spider to go home and it won't start. First time it ever let me down. I think it is an electrical problem, as it started turning over suddenly everything stopped.

But the best part is that when I went into the trunk to check the battery connection...I locked the keys in the trunk...my only set of keys. So the dash light was back on when I got in the front seat to try to start it, only to discover I did not have the keys in my hand.

So, now what do I do?

I know I will get some good advice hear.

Thanks
Ron
Standed in NJ

[ORFORD2004]

Check the forum there is a way drilling a small hole behind the plate

[manoa matt]

Those sneaky salesmen did something while you were on your test drive. They really want you to buy a new 500 and use your 81 as a trade in. By fiddling with your 81 they are trying to reduce your trade in value.

Na, just kidding. Remove the license plate, at mid point laterally between the holes and about 2 or 2.5 inches down drill a small 1/8" hole. Use a tiny screw driver to pop the mechanism. You can also try using a flat blade screw driver on the key hole in order to rotate the whole lock cylinder which would also pop the trunk open.

Do a forum search, I cant remember if its 2 or 2.5 inches down.

[boogiedude]

I've tried the drilling method without any success. It wouldnt work for me. you can push out the top right plastic receiver for the license plate mounting screws and use a coat hanger to pop the linkage from there. I tried a good hour through the drilled hole and couldnt get it. Got it with the screw hole in about 3 minutes

[So Cal Mark]

the drilled hole has worked every time for me, I've had to do it on several cars

[tartan18]

When I found that the PO drilled the hole ... I have been thankful since I discovered that entree (Spoken as a French Person) still works. Viva la France. Well ... no ... cheers to Italy

[Sunracer]

The lock cylinders are not very precise. Often another FIAT key can be twisted and jiggled a bit and will open the trunk. Another trick is to remove the lock cylinder, take off the clip that holds the tumblers in place and remove them (careful they will fall right out easily!) now put the lock back in. Now any key that fits will turn it, but on one but you needs to know that : )

[spiderron81]

Thanks for the help.

I didn't find anything about the drill placement. Does anyone remember if it's 2" or 2 1/2" ? I did joke with the sales people about what they had done.

I was wondering while I was there if the "sport" wheels from the 500 would fit on my Spider?

Thanks,
Ron

[grittracing]

the wheels are 4x 98 but you may have problem with the center fit. Been waiting for a friend to bring a rim over for me to try (since feb) so it may be a while. As far as keys go i learned on my very 1st car in 1985. Have a spare door and or trunk key hidden some where on the car. And in my case not a bad idea to have a spare ignition key hidden inside the car also. Sure enough the both keys paid off at freakout. Lost my keys for a few hours. Till i went threw my dirty jeans pocket for the 3rd time

[124JOE]

the 1/4inch hole is 2 inchs in the center
place a screwdrver in and angle the tip up
when you feel somthing push handle tward drivers side as the screwdriver should pop the latch open
fill hole with black rtv sylicone or somthing waterproof.joe

[spiderron81]

Awesome,

Thanks everyone. I will let you know how I did.

Regarding the starting problem, losing electric suddenly, Could there be a short in the alternator? I noticed recently that it was getting a bit noisy. Replacing it is on my to do list. It may have jumped to the front of the line.

Thanks Again,

Ron

[TX82FIAT]

Since it is a FIAT spider unique method of entry by drilling behind the plate a lot of people that have done this simply get a plastic plug/Grommet to put into the hole so that it is water tight. In the event you ever lock yourself out of the trunk again you can take the plate off and pop the plug. I would not reseal the hole permanently.

[124cso]

..... simply get a plastic plug/Grommet to put into the hole so that it is water tight. In the event you ever lock yourself out of the trunk again you can pop the plug. I would not reseal the hole permanently.

I would, and perhaps fix the plate more securely, if this method is widely known !

Spend $5 or $10 and get a spare set of keys. Perhaps hide the Ignition key in the trunk somewhere and get one of those small magnetic boxes to hide the door/trunk key underneath or twitch it to something underneath with picture wire. At least if someone finds that, they are unlikely to find the ign key & take the car.

Murphy's law says that if you go to that effort, you will never need to use that hidden key !

[TulsaSpider]

Hell I just removed my lock lol

[maytag]

Hell I just removed my lock lol

Me too! I added a door-lock actuator to pop it open with a hidden pushbutton in the passenger compartment. When I add the keyless entry, I'll make that one of the contacts.