leo221

Hi all,

the other day I was browsing ebay and came across someone selling blank key fobs compatible with our car. So, I bought it and did the mod. my goal was to cut the key and program the fob, then transfer the immobilizer inside the valet key to the new fob. just want to share with you all.

here's the blank key I got from ebay. honda logo but I don't think it's OEM part. the quality is pretty good. no panic button on the outside but it is available inside. it came with a new immobilizer. you can pay to program it but since I'm transferring the valet key's chip. didn't need it.


here's the inside. panic button not exposed. this picture was took after I got the key cut. but I did the fob programing first and made sure it worked before cutting. using this instruction, https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/programming-remote-transmitter-keyfob-3g-garage-l-079-a-556315/



here are my keys. another black key not shown. the valet key is going to be destroyed.


cut the key around from the side, using small flat head pry open. tip, get a sharp blade the plastic is very tough.


here's the prize. I left some plastic casing ouside the immobilizer because the space in the new keyfob is bigger than it. this makes sure it doesn't rattle and I didn't want to put glue on it.


drop the chip in and I have a working key. key cut at homedepot and they didn't charge me money. the blank key fob was 40 bucks free shipping. tested all working. http://sdrv.ms/1cUqx8T

YeuEmMaiMai

doesn't the valet key limit engine power?

alexb92

I've never heard of this.

jo-nathanpham

Great mod, and the key looks great and way less cumbersome than the 04-06 keys!

Makes me excited to get my milled 07-08 switchblades cut and programmed (sent one of the switchblades off to HeelToe to get a cut blade replaced with a milled one)!

Out of curiosity, are the black keys supposed to be the driver 1-2 key, and the gray one the valet? If so... I guess I just learned that my car came with just the valet key for me to use, and the original owner must still have the originals.

GRAF-FITI

no. unless engine power is kept in the glove box.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

Nice job, I did something similar with a switchblade key

leo221

yes. the car originally came with two black keys and two fobs. they are driver one and two. the gray key is a valet key that doesn't work on glove box because it has thicker metal. oem keyfobs are cheaply made as you can see.

the blank switch blade keys are going for $125 on ebay these days. I'm not willing to put that much for it ever. even 40 buck is more than I wanted to spend. I didn't need another key, just want to do it for fun. there are lot of switch blade blanks require laser cutter for much cheaper price. can those be cut to use on 04-06 TLs?

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

I bought my switchblade used off ebay for like 35$

It looks almost brand new, and obviously already cut for another car.

The only extra thing (in addition to swapping immobilizer) is you'll have to cut the blade from the old key and swap it to the switchblade.

I used this guide:

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-2004-2008-124/diy-guide-tl-switchblade-key-60-photos-671520/

leo221

thanks for the link Mr 16. man that's a lot of milling work for modding switch blade key. I guess I'm totally fine with the static key. only took about 25 minutes.

leo221

found a problem. this new key I made is not linked to customized settings like OEM driver 1 and driver 2 fobs. customization menu says"customizing not available until linked to remote". I searched around and found that you can press hold lock and unlock button to link/unlink a driver. but I did the same on this key, while holding lock and unlock buttons at the same time the led doesn't do anything. anyone know what to do?

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

I would imagine since it's not an OEM key, it wouldn't have the Driver link feature.

GKinColo08TL

No, it won't unlock the glove box, that's all.

cpm06wdptl

I don't think driver 1 and 2 settings are linked to the key. On the back of the original TL keyfobs it should be labeled driver 1 or 2 so my thinking is that the factory keyfob is linked. I'm probably wrong though

leo221

yes this mod key cannot be programmed as driver 1 or 2.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

the setting only controlled by the fob not the key

acurazz

Thanks.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

doesnt sound that much like a success lol

Drei

iTrader: (2)

^

I agree, needs a title change lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

not a failure tho

if you never valet, or have no need to EVER use that grey key.....pretty cool mod to do under $100...if you're ever bored....


in 4 years of owning the TL, ive never used the valet key.

polobunny

Ya ain't going to the nice restaurants!

(I'd rather park my own car too)

Slpr04UA6

^this, last sentence!


I would Always rather park my own car!


I upgraded to the switchblade years ago. Yeah, a little pricey the route I went, but I've never looked back! Also had a friend at a dealer that cut/programmed for cheap, so in the end it was worth it.

jonXjon

Does anyone know if they still sell these if so can someone post the link?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^do an ebay search...
of course they sell honda keys/fobs

jonXjon

Yea but I’m asking if they still sell these compatible keys for the tsx

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^it's a honda accord style key that was modded...

so, all you have to do is search for blank honda key fobs on ebay. find one, any one...then mod it.

jonXjon

This key has the grooves already cut into and the accord ones don’t. Locksmiths charge around 100 just to cut those grooves if they still sell this exact key I hope I can find it

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

You're looking for a milled key fob which then you have to get cut, it's an expensive process.

leo221

your best bet is to get the following two parts, use one of your acura keys, mod yourself. you need to file off extra metal from your key, then drill a small hole to fit the kit. transfer a new fob core, and use your own transponder. only 12 bucks plus some time. I don't have the TL car anymore it served me well for 180k+ miles.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-2003-20...ss!92692!US!-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Button-Re...YAAOSw2QtdK~Ie