DIY Flip Key Conversion without Reprogramming - Guide with pictures
Great photos and instructions. I would love one of these for my XKR and I have two keys and FOBs. Unfortunately, I only really have one hand; I have very bad nerve damage in my left arm and hand, making it impossible for me to do this type of work. Too bad, I have an X-Type and always loved that flip key FOB. Thanks for the procedure.
Mark
Mark
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 801
Likes: 77
From: North Northumberland England
Hi guy's, just to clarify a couple of things for me so I may have full understanding of the job. The way I see it is:
1) The transponder and key are for starting the car.
2) The main body of the remote is for operating the locks and boot/trunk and lights.
3) 1 & 2 are separate items in their own right and could be used separately.
Can someone confirm this please.
Many thanks,
Arty
1) The transponder and key are for starting the car.
2) The main body of the remote is for operating the locks and boot/trunk and lights.
3) 1 & 2 are separate items in their own right and could be used separately.
Can someone confirm this please.
Many thanks,
Arty
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 120
Likes: 32
From: East Haddam,, CT
Sliding a little off topic leads me to a question. I bought my car (2003 XK8) with only one key. I recently purchased an inexpensive 'programmable' key from ebay. Can that key be cut by a professional locksmith to lock/unlock the trunk [boot] and doors if it isn't programmed/paired with my working key? I want the key as a backup to get in the car only. What happens if the cut but unpaired/programmed ebay key is mistakenly inserted into the ignition in an attempt to start the car? Would that start attempt scramble the security program rendering the factory key useless?
RB
RB
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 129
Likes: 27
From: Surprise, AZ
I purchased a used FOB on Ebay with a number of CWTWB1U243.
Even after putting in a new battery, cleaning all of the contacts, and going to my local auto parts store to test the FOB (which tested fine by the way), it won't chirp and take the program.
I have two original fobs, and both work fine and will reprogram just fine using the above programming procedure.
Anybody have any ideas?
I guess there's always the chance that someone switched the circuit board with a non-USA version before they sold it to me.
The numbers on the circuit board are: CPCP G3 94V-O along with a sticker that states: 3365.
Can anyone who has done this modification verify the circuit board numbers to help me determine this?
My XK8 is a 1999, so maybe it's just the year of vehicle that I have that won't play nice with the new FOB???
I'm stumped.
Even after putting in a new battery, cleaning all of the contacts, and going to my local auto parts store to test the FOB (which tested fine by the way), it won't chirp and take the program.
I have two original fobs, and both work fine and will reprogram just fine using the above programming procedure.
Anybody have any ideas?
I guess there's always the chance that someone switched the circuit board with a non-USA version before they sold it to me.
The numbers on the circuit board are: CPCP G3 94V-O along with a sticker that states: 3365.
Can anyone who has done this modification verify the circuit board numbers to help me determine this?
My XK8 is a 1999, so maybe it's just the year of vehicle that I have that won't play nice with the new FOB???
I'm stumped.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 55
From: Barrington Rhode Island
Bummer. Doesn't work anything?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 55
From: Barrington Rhode Island
Sliding a little off topic leads me to a question. I bought my car (2003 XK8) with only one key. I recently purchased an inexpensive 'programmable' key from ebay. Can that key be cut by a professional locksmith to lock/unlock the trunk [boot] and doors if it isn't programmed/paired with my working key? I want the key as a backup to get in the car only. What happens if the cut but unpaired/programmed ebay key is mistakenly inserted into the ignition in an attempt to start the car? Would that start attempt scramble the security program rendering the factory key useless?
RB
RB
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 355
Likes: 112
From: Vancouver
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to check in and say that it's been about 18 months since the mod, and my key still works as it should. The key fob is solid, haven't had a single issue with the transponder, and in the meantime the fob has been dropped, handled in the rain, and properly abused like any other key.
Glad to hear it's working well for everyone else too.
Cheers
Just wanted to check in and say that it's been about 18 months since the mod, and my key still works as it should. The key fob is solid, haven't had a single issue with the transponder, and in the meantime the fob has been dropped, handled in the rain, and properly abused like any other key.
Glad to hear it's working well for everyone else too.
Cheers
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 11
From: New York
Nice to see some creative ingenuity in the thread here and see the mod holds up well!
I Had ordered a key fob myself as I was prepared to undertake the project myself, but then got to the the post indicating the earlier 2000 and prior year models simply can't be programmed, and in turn canceled my purchase.
Nevertheless cool mod!
I Had ordered a key fob myself as I was prepared to undertake the project myself, but then got to the the post indicating the earlier 2000 and prior year models simply can't be programmed, and in turn canceled my purchase.
Nevertheless cool mod!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 219
Likes: 32
From: Shreveport, LA
My new flip key is done! Thanks again pomosv.
To add a couple tips to this DIY project,
(1) I recommend cutting the old key to fit the flip base as short as possible while still being able to put that notch into the key to hold it secure. My first attempt left the tip of the key rubbing the chrome edge at the end of the key channel. You'll notice that pomosv also removed his round key ring from the FOB because there is no way this old XK8 key will fit with it still attached. Since I carry a lo-jack transmitter also, I opted to use a 'string' type attachment I had lying in a drawer.
And (2), competent Dremel skills are an advantage for this project (which I do not excel), where neatness counts in cutting the black plastic of the fob itself.
To add a couple tips to this DIY project,
(1) I recommend cutting the old key to fit the flip base as short as possible while still being able to put that notch into the key to hold it secure. My first attempt left the tip of the key rubbing the chrome edge at the end of the key channel. You'll notice that pomosv also removed his round key ring from the FOB because there is no way this old XK8 key will fit with it still attached. Since I carry a lo-jack transmitter also, I opted to use a 'string' type attachment I had lying in a drawer.
And (2), competent Dremel skills are an advantage for this project (which I do not excel), where neatness counts in cutting the black plastic of the fob itself.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 219
Likes: 32
From: Shreveport, LA
Certainly a great mod that I will undertake as an afternoon project while watching one of the football games this weekend.
I just called the local yard that has many fobs for "dem jagwars" for $20. I'll pick up a couple after work since we're only working half day today.
I just called the local yard that has many fobs for "dem jagwars" for $20. I'll pick up a couple after work since we're only working half day today.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 904
Likes: 184
From: san jose
I got two flip key fobs off eBay, both accepted programming from my car. As one of my keys does show wear I am going to have a new key cut (less transponder) and use it with transponder from worn key. Will go see local locksmith on Monday who I am told can do this.
Last edited by stevepaa; Mar 5, 2016 at 08:33 PM.