I dropped my keys in the gutter.
My beloved Alfa Romeo Mito is comfortable to ride and drive, but it has blind spots in unexpected places and sometimes I get hurt.
実は先日、道路を歩いていたところ、鍵を落としてしまったんです。なぜ落としたかというと、鍵を入れていたポケットに穴が開いていたから…。まあ、落としてしまったのはいいのですが、運が悪いことに、側溝の蓋取っ手部分の穴からストーンと落ちてしまったんです。ポチャって音まで聞こえました。いやあ、見事なホールインでしたね。それ、ゴルフであったら最高なんだけどさあ。
So, why is it there when gutters these days don’t have so many holes? I got angry, but it was too late. At least, it was a blessing in disguise when I was changing home after finishing my business. It was after I parked my car in the parking lot. If I had dropped it when I was out, I would have been in trouble.
I had to order a new spare key.
もちろん、購入時にスペアキーを受け取っており、それは自宅に保管してあるため、とりあえず当面はその鍵で過ごすことはできます。とはいえ、これで残す鍵は1つ。もしこれも紛失してしまっては大変。あらためて鍵をもう一つ注文することにしました。
But actually, this can be tricky. First of all, the key is not available in Japan. It becomes an order from Italy of the home country. I was told when I bought it that this takes time. It was said to be about several weeks.
クルマの乗る頻度からするとこのくらい時間がかかっても良いので、ディーラーに電話して注文の旨を伝えると、車検証の写しと[highlight]「キーコードの書かれたカード」[/highlight]の写し（共に写真でOK）を送ってほしいと言われました。
This “card with the key code” is something like this, and I always kept it in the car in the case where the car inspection certificate and the instruction manual are kept.
What is this? Recently, although it has been a long time ago, the key of a car has a system that a door can be opened physically, but an engine cannot be started without an electronic authentication through a key. This is called an immobilizer. This key code is needed to electronically authenticate the key to the car when you order a new key.
So the dealer said, “Please do not leave this card in the car, but leave it at home”. Although the card was not a problem because I had a spare key this time from inside the car, it is certainly a big problem when I lose the key and don’t even have a spare key.
If you look carefully, it was written properly on the back of the card.
From now on, I will store them at home and even take pictures of them to preserve them.
Amazing price!
さて、その鍵取り寄せの料金ですが、結論から申し上げますと、なんと[highlight]4万円もするとのこと[/highlight]。びっくり。がしかし、そもそもハイテクな鍵だし、イタリアからわざわざ取り寄せるわけですから、コストは確かにかかるのも納得。外車所有の一つのリスクですね。あと工程料が5,000円程度追加されます。致し方ないので発注して、連絡を待つことにしました。
Electronic authentication of keys at the maintenance facility
After ordering the keys, I was contacted by the dealer again, approximately two weeks after placing the order. They told me that the electronic authentication of the key needs to be done at the maintenance shop and the work takes about 20 to 30 minutes. So I told them my preferred date and time, and went there on Sunday.
In this area of Tokyo, people who have FIAT affiliated cars will probably go to this maintenance shop.
Tell them your name and that you have a reservation, leave your car, and wait.
ちなみにどういう感じで作業するのかを聞いてみました。クルマのハンドル下にあるダッシュボードに専用の端末をつなげて、鍵とクルマの電子認証作業を行うそうです。せっかくだから見させてもらおうかなあと思ったものの、朝食を取っておらず、そのへんのファーストフード店まで行き、腹ごしらえしてから戻ってきたら、もう作業が終わってました（笑）。結局20分弱の作業時間だったと思います。
It doesn’t matter, but they are also a distributor of Abarth. While we were waiting, we had a drink. The coaster was so cool.
Here’s the new key. It’s a little easier to see.
Then I received the newly delivered key. That is the picture above. Actually, it looks a little different from the previous one.
それぞれのマークが白い線で書かれる様になりました。前のものは色は付いておらず、マークが突起していたんです。これはおそらく夜になるとマークが見づらかったための変更だと思います。ということで、このマークの見やすい新しい鍵の方をメインの鍵にすることにしました。
Please be careful not to lose it.
In addition, the final details are as follows. Really, it’s a painful expense.
外車オーナーの皆様、Please be careful not to lose it.。私も気をつけます。
