An update to my situation... The 2nd key has been found. My dash does NOT ask for a key code when first coming up (with the lost key). As the bike is buried in the shed at the moment (being winter here and all), I've not yet tried the 2nd key yet. From reading here (and on other Guzzi boards), it looks likely the dealer set a code of some sort for the first key. I have a rubber tag on the 2nd key's keyring showing a 8xxxx number. Do all new Moto Guzzi key blanks come encoded with a new unique key number? Or is this tiny rubber tag the likely number the dealer encoded for the first one? I plan to dig the bike out tomorrow and experiment a bit, as the weather is supposed to be decent. I just don't want to get into an immobilized mode with extended screwing around... ;-)
Jim
I don’t know where you have been reading but you’ve got it completely wrong.
I cannot count the number of times I’ve explained this but I will make a note to remember this for reference.
The dash is a very simple computer. It uses an antenna in the ignition switch to read a transponder chip which is encased in the key head.
Each key has a unique transponder code. This is different from the physical cut in the key.
CLONED KEYS are exactly that. Both the physical cut of the key AND the transponder code, is completely duplicated from one key to another. THIS IS NOT HAVING TWO KEYS!
This is having TWO OF THE SAME KEY from the dashboard’s point of view. CLONED KEYS look identical to it. They are indistinguishable from each other.
The rubber tag with the number on it, originally attached to your original keys, is the key CUT CODE. It gives information to a locksmith on how to cut the groves.
The dash is capable of recording 4 unique transponder codes. So, this means that 4 different keys can be programmed into the dash memory. Each of those 4 keys will have the exact same groove cut into them so they fit into the ignition and lock tumblers, but they must have different and unique transponder codes.
The dash requires a User Code to be entered when it was first put into service. It asks for a new code everytime the motorcycle is started until one is entered, then it asks no more.
This code serves a programming function as well as an override function. 2 very different functions
If you have a cut key (one that obviously fits the tumblers), but its transponder is not programmed to the dash, then you can insert the key. The dash will recognize that it is an unregistered transponder (key) and ask you for your User Code. You can then enter the stored user code, and this will override the dash security and allow the unprogrammed key to start the engine. It will also allow you to then program the key to the dash.
If you have lost the user code, you can use the function inside the dash menu, to recover the user code. It requires two exactly cut keys with different transponder codes which have already been previously programmed into the dash memory.
(Remember, you can have up to 4 different transponder coded keys programmed at the same time in the dash.).
So when the menu function of Code Recover is selected, it will ask you for the first key, which you insert and turn on and off, then it will ask you for the second key which you do the same thing. It will then allow you to enter a new code which it will then store in the dash as the new User Code.
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So, in your case…if you have found the second key, it MUST BE ALREADY PROGRAMMED IN THE DASH or it will not start the motorcycle without the User Code.
The ONLY WAY an unprogrammed key will start the motorcycle is with the stored User Code.
You can defeat this whole security system code thing and start the motorcycle by unplugging the dash but none of the dash functions will work and if you plug the dash in on a running motorcycle, the engine will again be stopped and disabled from starting again, instantly.
There is no method available to any Moto Guzzi dealer whatsoever, to remove a user code from the dashboard.
There is no method to reprogram the dash to erase a user code by any Moto Guzzi dealer.
Carmo in the Netherlands, actually systematically opens the dashboard and directly jumpers onto the chip where the user code is stored, and then reads the stored data in the chip, literally bit by bit on the chip. They then reseal the dash and reprogram new keys and/or provide the stored user code to the owner and guarantee their dash repair and reseal for 1 year.
This is how the system actually works.
We should just make this explanation a Sticky for reference. It comes up all the time as motorcycles change hands without keys or codes.