I am in a bit of a dilemma here. I’ve bought my very first motorcycle from a dealer (a Thundercat) and it’s absolutely perfect. It was advertised with a Meta Alarm (M357v2) which is fully fitted and also works beautifully.
However the bike came with only one remote control. I’ve tried to get a duplicate but the Meta dealers told me this would be impossible without the alarm code. This means that if I lose the remote, or if simply the battery runs out I wouldn’t be able to use the bike.
I’ve called the dealer about this code but they don’t have it. They said that they tried to contact the previous owner but that he is on a business trip and they don’t know when he’ll be back. This has been like this for nearly 2 months. I’ve called them every two weeks since and that’s their answer.
Meta says that the code should be passed on when selling the alarm. Can I claim that the alarm, which was advertised in the ad for the bike, was not sold as complete and claim back the cost of replacing it? am I being too anal?
PM CharlyBR600-RR
He does login here anymore for some reason but he is still an active member of LB community and definitely the man to talk to when alarms are concerned…
my old car had an immobiliser and only one key. i went to fiat who said it would cost a lot, but some guy from the back of his van cut it and has some machine where he puts your key in one slot and a microchip capsule in another slot and copies the code over.
only works for single coded cars [mercs and porsches have rolling codes]
bt yeah if there is a actuall code in digits im sure someone can make you a duplicate key. google it!
I’d have gone with “don’t buy it in the first place”.
But then again, I’d also go with “shouldn’t the dealer sort this out for you so you’re satisfied with your purchase” rather than leaving you up sh!t creek without a paddle…?
My mate Paul deals with Meta alarms - if you want a quick answer on how much a new one would be or to get 1 programmed just give him a quick ring 07770 794445
I’ve checked with META and online and there is no way of getting new fobs without the code. I’ve looked online and I can’t see ways around it to be honest.
The thing is I’ve (wrongly) assumed that getting a new key would simply be a matter of giving the alarm company the serial number of the alarm, or taking the bike to them. I wasn’t told this when purchasing the bike.
I don’t think the dealer was dishonest, they probably didn’t know this either. My argument is that the alarm is not complete without its code.
I don’t have the original V5 anymore, I’ve sent it to the DVLA right after the purchase as I need a V5 in my name to get resident parking.
I’ve called Paul, he says the same thing as META that there is no way of getting new fobs without the code. The only solution is to replace the alarm (approx £170).
So when you are being sold an alarm, even if it comes with the bike, can you reasonably expect the dealer to supply you with the all the master codes? Or was it my responsibility to make sure?
I think the dealer knew full well that certain alarms need a code, how many bike dealers have not dealt with bike alarms ? Sounds like a fob off if you’ll excuse the pun
If they used the alarm in their advertising to sell the bike then it must be complete and have all the relevant information with it.
I’d complain and ask the dealer to help you rectify the problem, perhaps pay half each or come to some sensible half way agreement.
But believe me you are F***ED, That alarm card is very important and states on there if I remember rightly that (It cannot be replaced) So if your battery dies or drops voltage the alarm will enter sleep mode, Then without the code its bye bye bikey!!!
