Modern Vespa

... without any luck. Twice the dealer was able to do it successfully an I did it once. We had both the original black key and the spare key working. The next day, on all three occasions, the spare key didn't work. Seems to have lost the program.

The dealer consulted with Vespa USA after the 2nd failure. Now he'll call again next week.... arrrgg.


Has anyone here successfully programmed a spare key on the current model 300?

Paul

The master key is black now instead of reddish brown? Didn't it come with a master key and a blue key already programmed?

You need the master key to program a new key.
Red or Brown.

I understand about the master key, yes the scooter came with a master and another key. I want a spare to carry on the bike for when I loose the original key when doing a ride about.

We tried the process described in the owners manual and a modification to that process provided by Vespa support. Still the spare key won't hold the programing for more then a few hours. I'm thinking maybe bad electronics in the key or on the scooter. Your thoughts???

Paul

Since it's a new scooter and still under warranty I presume, you're right to keep the dealer and Vespa working on it.

The only thing I'll add is to be sure the scooter's battery is fully charged during the programming operation, sufficient to keep the input voltage at the ECU up to at least 12 volts. Low voltage could cause errors.

Good luck!

My point is, are you using the master key? Because you stated you were using a black key to program and master keys have never been black for Vespa or Piaggio.

And is this a Vespa part or aftermarket key?

The Piaggio provided keys have a fixed code RFID chip in them. There's nothing there that can 'fade' or be programmed. It's the ECU that gets programmed to the key's code.

I'm still confused by your 'black key' comment.

Piaggio is also using a black key with a transponder chip now. It's a crapshoot what they are going to send when you order blue keys.

https://scooterpartsco.com/recambi-scooter/pontedera/oem-vespa-keytransponder-1b004718

That's not what I said.

Of course I'm using the RED master key. The original non-master key as well as the spare are indeed black. Yes. it's an is a Vespa key, purchased it from the dealer.


FYI....The run key on my 2013 GTs 300 Super was also black.

Paul

Duplicate deleted..

There is a work around you can send you key off and have it cloned, then you at least have a spare till you figure out why it isn't working.

Thanks for the suggestion, never heard of key cloning???

I have the master as a backup if needed.

Paul

First off, make sure there is a little transponder symbol on the key you are trying to program. The problem with the new key is that it looks just like the key that won't program, and if someone isn't familiar with them, they might have ordered the wrong key.

What I have found is that sometimes you aren't opening the circuit by inserting the master, but closing it, so what you are doing is closing it, inserting the blue keys, then opening it again. If yo try it again and it won't program, insert the master, do the on off bit, insert the master again, same thing, then the keys you want to program, then the on off bit again with the master.

Deductive reasoning.

Try another key, after that try the cloners. I'm sure they will work with you even if your not a Jedi.