3G TL (2004-2008)
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

2008 Acura TL Switchblade Key waaay tooo HUGE !

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-02-2008, 07:27 AM
  #1  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 Acura TL Switchblade Key waaay tooo HUGE !

Just recently purchased a new 2008 Acura TL, Type S. I hate these stupid huge key fobs, and I don't feel like hassling with the switchblade mechanism, folding and unfolding it like a knife each time I get in and out of the car.
I am considering simply using the gray valet key, but I wouldn't have any of the remote lock and unlock features any longer.
Does anyone know if there is an after-market key that is smaller (with remote buttons). This is like carrying around a frick-in fork in my pants!
Old 10-02-2008, 07:30 AM
  #2  
JnC
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (12)
 
JnC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bedford, MA
Age: 44
Posts: 6,961
Received 351 Likes on 227 Posts
You can use the valet key and get a key FOB from ebay for 04-06 models, program the fob and you are good .
Old 10-02-2008, 07:40 AM
  #3  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Interesting. I'll search ebay and see how big the 04-06 fob is.
Thanks.
Old 10-02-2008, 07:44 AM
  #4  
Drifting
iTrader: (1)
 
Trew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Age: 52
Posts: 2,562
Received 10 Likes on 7 Posts
Holy backwards technology, Batman!

And to think so many people are trying so hard to change their key fobs to switchblades.
Old 10-02-2008, 07:56 AM
  #5  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JnC
You can use the valet key and get a key FOB from ebay for 04-06 models, program the fob and you are good .
OK, I found the 04-06 fobs on eBay for about 20 bucks (sometimes less), and they say "Free Programming". How would I actually get it programmed, and is it going to cost $? Dealer?

Also, is the gray Valet key going to be limited in any way that I should worry about? Oh I don't know, something unimportant like the car automatically shuts down after 2 miles when driven by a Valet parking attendant.
Old 10-02-2008, 08:02 AM
  #6  
JnC
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (12)
 
JnC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bedford, MA
Age: 44
Posts: 6,961
Received 351 Likes on 227 Posts
^^ Not sure about the valet key limitations, check Owners manual for details on that .As far as programing the fob goes then it will probably comes with instructions on how to program it, I have done it in the past and is very simple, just cant recall what the exact sequence of events it is to program it.
Old 10-02-2008, 08:03 AM
  #7  
USDM -> JDM
 
AZN.M3NACE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bellevue, WA
Age: 35
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
No the gray valet key should be fine, so no need to worry about it... it's just an extra program keyed for back up just incase you lost both your main memory keys...
Old 10-02-2008, 08:07 AM
  #8  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JnC
^^ Not sure about the valet key limitations, check Owners manual for details on that .As far as programing the fob goes then it will probably comes with instructions on how to program it, I have done it in the past and is very simple, just cant recall what the exact sequence of events it is to program it.
So it sounds like this is a "do-it-yourself" type of pairing operation with the 04-06 remote and the car. No trip to the dealer needed, then.
Great!
Are you double-dog sure that these old 04-06 remotes will work on the 2008 TL Type S ? I mean, we're talking about me putting a LOT of money down for this remote ($20) on eBay!
Old 10-02-2008, 08:23 AM
  #9  
Safety Car
iTrader: (1)
 
vinnier6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: dallas
Age: 55
Posts: 3,577
Received 33 Likes on 32 Posts
are you one of thoes guys that cary a wad of keys on your key ring...if so then thats your problem....i cary just the switchblade key itself and nothing else....so to me its not a problem....
Old 10-02-2008, 08:28 AM
  #10  
JnC
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (12)
 
JnC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bedford, MA
Age: 44
Posts: 6,961
Received 351 Likes on 227 Posts
Originally Posted by smckenna
So it sounds like this is a "do-it-yourself" type of pairing operation with the 04-06 remote and the car. No trip to the dealer needed, then.
Great!
Are you double-dog sure that these old 04-06 remotes will work on the 2008 TL Type S ? I mean, we're talking about me putting a LOT of money down for this remote ($20) on eBay!


Well dont quote me on this but I am pretty sure that it does since the 07-08 switchblade key fob works with 04-06 TLs, I know this because I just purchased a switchblade key for my 06 TL so yeah you should be good. The process of pairing is pretty simple and you wouldnt need to go to the dealer.
Old 10-02-2008, 09:05 AM
  #11  
Three Wheelin'
 
holografique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Age: 49
Posts: 1,793
Received 937 Likes on 487 Posts
interesting, so instead of carrying one item, you want to carry 2 items that together equal more than the size of the single switchblade key.

I have an 06' and can't tell you how annoying it is to carry both a key and a keyfob. I'm in the process now of switching over to a switchblade key.

you might want to rethink your strategy and take a look at the total size of what your switching to before you make a switch. just a suggestion.

Old 10-02-2008, 09:10 AM
  #12  
Three Wheelin'
 
holografique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Age: 49
Posts: 1,793
Received 937 Likes on 487 Posts
fyi, the 04-06 keyfob is just slightly thinner than the 07-08 switchblade key, but otherwise it's the same size....so you'll now be carrying that "and" a seperate key...
Old 10-02-2008, 09:31 AM
  #13  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JnC
Well dont quote me on this but I am pretty sure that it does since the 07-08 switchblade key fob works with 04-06 TLs, I know this because I just purchased a switchblade key for my 06 TL so yeah you should be good. The process of pairing is pretty simple and you wouldnt need to go to the dealer.
Thanks! That's all I need, then. This issue is resolved!
Old 10-02-2008, 09:35 AM
  #14  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by holografique
interesting, so instead of carrying one item, you want to carry 2 items that together equal more than the size of the single switchblade key.

I have an 06' and can't tell you how annoying it is to carry both a key and a keyfob. I'm in the process now of switching over to a switchblade key.

you might want to rethink your strategy and take a look at the total size of what your switching to before you make a switch. just a suggestion.

My son has a 2004 Acura MDX, and it looks exactly like the remotes I just saw on eBay that I'll be buying. I can tell you for sure that this 2008 switchblade FOB is way bigger compared with the 2004 remote (both thickness and length). This is even more painful because I refuse to become a slave to my key fob and unfold and fold it every darn time I get into my car. Call me lazy, but it just seems like work and an extra hassle to me.
It all comes down to personal preference, I guess.
Old 10-02-2008, 09:56 AM
  #15  
Senior Moderator
 
csmeance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Space Coast, FL
Posts: 20,877
Received 2,004 Likes on 1,424 Posts
Originally Posted by smckenna
My son has a 2004 Acura MDX, and it looks exactly like the remotes I just saw on eBay that I'll be buying. I can tell you for sure that this 2008 switchblade FOB is way bigger compared with the 2004 remote (both thickness and length). This is even more painful because I refuse to become a slave to my key fob and unfold and fold it every darn time I get into my car. Call me lazy, but it just seems like work and an extra hassle to me.
It all comes down to personal preference, I guess.
the 04-06 key should work, but the limitation with the valet key is that you cannot open the glovebox or trunk pass-through locks, and as well you may run into issues with the shifter release in the event your car need to be towed,
Old 10-02-2008, 10:09 AM
  #16  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by csmeance
the 04-06 key should work, but the limitation with the valet key is that you cannot open the glovebox or trunk pass-through locks, and as well you may run into issues with the shifter release in the event your car need to be towed,
Thanks for the detailed information. I never lock my glove box, and I'll just have to bring the collossle-sized key on any days I'm going to need to open the pass-thru. I'll just have to call my wife to bring the key if I get in a wreck and they need to tow my car.
Thanks again, everyone!
Old 10-02-2008, 10:21 AM
  #17  
Senior Moderator
 
csmeance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Space Coast, FL
Posts: 20,877
Received 2,004 Likes on 1,424 Posts
Originally Posted by smckenna
Thanks for the detailed information. I never lock my glove box, and I'll just have to bring the collossle-sized key on any days I'm going to need to open the pass-thru. I'll just have to call my wife to bring the key if I get in a wreck and they need to tow my car.
Thanks again, everyone!
BTW, if you need the instructions on how to program you unlock/lock buttons heres a link to them:

http://www.switchbladekeys.com/files.php

document name is "How to Program Remote"
Old 10-02-2008, 10:49 AM
  #18  
usc
Racer
 
usc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SoCal
Age: 49
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
If you think 1 switchblade is annoying. Now imagine having 2 on the same key chain. (I'm sure someone out there is sporting more than 2.)
Old 10-02-2008, 10:52 AM
  #19  
Safety Car
iTrader: (2)
 
CarrieLynn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,596
Received 57 Likes on 35 Posts
My previous car was an 05 Accord. When I bought the car I was like OMG is that my key, it's huge. It was not a switchblade but the lock/unlock/panic buttons were built right into the key. After about a month opr so I got used to it and didn't even notice it anymore.
Maybe you will get used to it...
Old 10-02-2008, 11:15 AM
  #20  
Loving my 08 TLS!
 
TypeSDragon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Age: 47
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
That's why Acura shouldn't be cheap and get Keyless ignition. There is a whole thread in the 4G forum that the new TL only has the keyless ignition with the Tech model only. Talk about cutting corners. Shame on you Acura!
Old 10-02-2008, 11:25 AM
  #21  
it's me, Alan Rickman.
 
timmahh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: noitacol
Age: 40
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Ehhh.. I prefer the switchblade vs having a giant sharp key in my pocket and an additional item on my key ring [04 FOB]

also.. have you seen Volvo's key fob?!?!?!



friggin green giant compared to the Acura one!
Old 10-02-2008, 01:12 PM
  #22  
School or Mods???
 
2000DEP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Age: 36
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fleshy
Ehhh.. I prefer the switchblade vs having a giant sharp key in my pocket and an additional item on my key ring [04 FOB]

also.. have you seen Volvo's key fob?!?!?!



friggin green giant compared to the Acura one!
eeewwww...
Old 10-02-2008, 05:22 PM
  #23  
邵樂百
iTrader: (2)
 
firstacuratl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 609
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Wink Volvo FOB is uber-safe...lol

^^^ I bet that FOB is the "safest" on the planet though ... won't pierce your balls whilst in your pocket I rented an S60 while in LA recently ... that FOB is HUGE!
Old 10-02-2008, 05:42 PM
  #24  
07 TL type S NBP!
 
modificata3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SD, cali
Age: 39
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
anyone know how to convert out system to the keyless systems. I know the RL uses one (or so I thought). Would there be a way to do one aftermarket on our cars? That is one behind the curve feature of the TL is the key....
Old 10-02-2008, 10:11 PM
  #25  
all work and no play
 
MWalsh9152's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wakefield, Ma
Age: 49
Posts: 13,916
Received 134 Likes on 97 Posts
what annoys me the most is the fact that the button to release the key is so damn big, when I put the key in my pocket it always ends up opening up
Old 10-02-2008, 10:18 PM
  #26  
Burning Brakes
 
paliknight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NJ, USA
Age: 35
Posts: 975
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Originally Posted by MWalsh9152
when I put the key in my pocket it always ends up opening up
thats really the only problem which i hate about the key. everything else like size and etc is cool.
Old 10-03-2008, 06:39 AM
  #27  
Cam Shafty
Thread Starter
 
smckenna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Age: 62
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fleshy
Ehhh.. I prefer the switchblade vs having a giant sharp key in my pocket and an additional item on my key ring [04 FOB]

also.. have you seen Volvo's key fob?!?!?!



friggin green giant compared to the Acura one!
Ahhh!!! EVERYBODY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES !!!
Old 10-03-2008, 11:22 AM
  #28  
Three Wheelin'
 
holografique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Age: 49
Posts: 1,793
Received 937 Likes on 487 Posts
Originally Posted by smckenna
Ahhh!!! EVERYBODY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES !!!
hehehe....that Volvo switchblade looks like a freagin grenade...
Old 08-01-2009, 04:18 PM
  #29  
Intermediate
 
skoolboi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Rosemead, California
Age: 37
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For those with the switchblade keys that came with the 08 TL do you guys have this problem as I do?

My key is kind of jiggly and wobbly when its put into the ignition. When its not in the ignition it seems that the spring inside is kind of worn out or something, the key doesn't really fold all the way in anymore little portion kind of sticks out unless I push it in.

It's not really that big of a deal, I was just wondering if this happens to other people. I guess I shouldn't have been flipping it in and out so much when I first got it
Old 08-01-2009, 05:02 PM
  #30  
Suzuka Master
 
Rick_TL-S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,237
Received 1,201 Likes on 689 Posts
Are you serious? Is it really too much effort to press a button & then stick the key in? Wow.
Originally Posted by MWalsh9152
what annoys me the most is the fact that the button to release the key is so damn big, when I put the key in my pocket it always ends up opening up
+1. That's really my only issue with it.
Old 08-01-2009, 05:16 PM
  #31  
RPF1+RS3 FTW
iTrader: (6)
 
AnthraciteAspec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: 818|310
Age: 43
Posts: 4,543
Received 273 Likes on 179 Posts
Only problem I have with my switchblade is that sometimes I hit the button to flip the key out while its in my pocket. The button should be more like a flat switch that you press upwards so it cannot be activated from within my pocket by accident. Anyways I have both setups the 04-06 key and fob and the newer switchblade, and I prefer the switchblade more.
Old 08-02-2009, 08:03 AM
  #32  
Intermediate
 
BELLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Age: 66
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
On the good side, it's tough to lose at that size, however on the bad side of things, I find it hard to fit in the trunk of my O8 T.L.
Old 08-02-2009, 08:20 AM
  #33  
Pro
 
218TL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: West Point, NY
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
you realize once you get a new remote paired with the valet key it'll be the same size as the remote fob right.
Old 08-03-2009, 08:54 AM
  #34  
Three Wheelin'
 
Oswald Vater's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Key West
Age: 69
Posts: 1,874
Received 96 Likes on 75 Posts
I carry both my 08 TL fob and my wife's 09 ody key/fob on the same chain. Hers is the separate key/fob like the early 3g TL's. I guess it is a matter of preference but I prefer the switchblade style to the separate style.
Old 08-03-2009, 10:18 AM
  #35  
Senior Moderator
 
LoveMyTL-S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: St. Cloud, FL
Age: 67
Posts: 11,995
Received 361 Likes on 316 Posts
Switchblade in left pocket, other key chain in right pocket. I don't want to scratch up the FOB with the other keys.
Old 08-03-2009, 02:01 PM
  #36  
Former Sponsor
iTrader: (1)
 
MrHeeltoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pac Northwest
Posts: 6,944
Received 509 Likes on 323 Posts
Get an 03-07 Accord key. Its a regular key with buttons on it.
Old 08-03-2009, 02:12 PM
  #37  
RPF1+RS3 FTW
iTrader: (6)
 
AnthraciteAspec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: 818|310
Age: 43
Posts: 4,543
Received 273 Likes on 179 Posts
Originally Posted by LoveMyTL-S
Switchblade in left pocket, other key chain in right pocket. I don't want to scratch up the FOB with the other keys.
haha I do the same thing, I don't want my switchblade getting scratched up. I wear Levi's so I have the small pocket on my right side. Acura switchblade goes in there. All the other keys go in my other pocket.
Old 08-10-2010, 05:21 PM
  #38  
Cruisin'
 
bisaballer12's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by AnthraciteAspec
Only problem I have with my switchblade is that sometimes I hit the button to flip the key out while its in my pocket. The button should be more like a flat switch that you press upwards so it cannot be activated from within my pocket by accident. Anyways I have both setups the 04-06 key and fob and the newer switchblade, and I prefer the switchblade more.
Hmm..Maybe they should have made the button flush with the surface of the FOB instead of sticking out
Old 08-10-2010, 05:34 PM
  #39  
Instructor
 
gdong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 141
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Just a suggestion, but if you hold the button and then run the blade across your pant leg it's very easy to close the key with one hand.
Old 08-10-2010, 06:14 PM
  #40  
Suzuka Master
 
rossv1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Macon,GA
Age: 31
Posts: 5,840
Received 850 Likes on 673 Posts
Thata way to revive a thread.


Quick Reply: 2008 Acura TL Switchblade Key waaay tooo HUGE !



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:24 AM.