We had the ignition unit (where the key goes) replaced on our '01 TL. We now have separate keys with different patterns for the door locks and the ignition.

Can a blank chipped key be cut with the door pattern on one side and the ignition on the other (like you used to be able to do with older Fords) so as to be able to carry only one key? The cost of the key w/ programming is more than I'm willing to cough up for an experiment that might not work.

Thanks.

 

Real question is: Why you don't just use the FOB to unlock the car?..

 

The real answer is it's my wife's car and I would like to carry only one key for when I need to drive it. She has a fob but I don't want to add the bulk to my pocket if at all avoidable.

 

Then get another FOB? You already have a pair keys for the new ignition don't you?


Its going to be a real headache to have different key patterns for Door and Ignition a FOB will alleviate the issue with the door key at least.

 

That is an option.

But does anyone know for sure whether the two-sided key trick will work or not?

 

Very interesting thought. I have heard of keys working one way up and not the other way up - presumably because one side has been worn down too much. This would tell me that the lock cylinder still only checks one side, which means that your idea of having two different keys made into a single key by using different sides of the blank should work. In fact, my wife's '84 Porsche 944 has a different key for the door lock than the ignition (door was replaced and lock wasn't changed out), and I am now going to get a new blank key and do exactly what you're asking about.

 

Here's how I would check:

Just go to the hardware store or any dealer and have them cut you a non-programmable key the way you want it. Of course, you can't use the key since it can't be programmed but a blank should confirm whether or not this idea will work. If it works, great. If not, you're only out $2

Or, call the dealer.

Now that I think about it, the dealer should have the ability to cut you a blank on the spot. Many years ago, the Honda dealer did this for me. I was fascinated that they didn't need a grinder like what you see at the stores. They used a manual key cutter like this one:

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/4...ter-b-font.jpg

 

Great idea about using a hardware store blank to test it.

 

Why couldn't they key the new ignition to your old key. I had a 2000 Integra someone tried to steal. They destroyed the ignition trying to get it to start. Shop that did the work keyed the new ignition to my old key and it was programed to read my old chipped keys. No new keys where needed.

 

Anyone have info on how to take apart key fob to swap out key blade? My key fob for 08 TL was "run over" and transmitter/Fob case came apart. Fob still works but I need to tape together. I want to buy a used one on ebay so I would need to swap out the key blades if that's possible...Thanks

 

I can now say with authority that on a 1984 Porsche 944, both sides of the key must be cut the same to turn the ignition. Darn. One side worked fine for the driver's door, and the other side worked fine for the passenger side door, but I could not get the ignition to turn with either orientation of the key. Too bad. No idea if this carries over to the TL or not, just sharing my recent experience.