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I'm new to the TL community and I REALLY don't like the separate key / keyfob remote that came with the early 3G TL's. I much prefer the later (all-in-one) switchblade key as shown below.
I've seen several Ebay listings for these keys which are about $40 new, and uncut.
I know I'll need to have the dealer cut the key and I'll have to program it with the steps shown in the Owners Manual, but do these have the RFID immobilizer "pill" in the key? These are sometimes referred to as a "transponder".
With my Audi, I could buy a replacement key pretty cheap, but the security pill in the key had to be read and programmed by the dealer with their special computer because of the immobilizer, and that made the prospect of getting new keys quite expensive.
Wondering if I will run into similar issues with this car?
I think I've heard of some people who had taken the innards out of their old keyfob and putting it in a newer style key, but this seems like more work than it's worth.
Perhaps one can just move the immobilizer "pill" over??
On my Audi the pill was glued into the key, making it virtually impossible to remove and put into a new key without breaking it... bastards!
If it's fairly easy swap this over, can someone point me in the right direction of a good online write up showing how it's done?
i recently buy an additional remote/key for my 08 TL. i had to have the key cut and programed for it to start the car. The manual programing that you can do turning ignition on/off multiple times only works for lock and unlock the doors and alarm, but the chip programing have to be with a special scanner. i went to an independent key shop, didn't have to go to the dealer. i dont have an 04-06 key but i think you cant use that key with the new remote case. also keep in mind that key #1 and #2 are for the memory seat, so be sure to buy the one that you need.
Thanks for sending this... This is way more work than I'm looking to do, however.
I think I'm a little confused... It looks like he did all this work to avoid having a new key cut (so he could use his old blade).
There's a difference between cutting the key and having it programmed by the dealer... One is a basic charge that any locksmith can do, and the other only the dealer can do with their computer.
It looks like from the photos, he could have just had a new key cut and swapped his old responder chip over to the new key!??
Cutting a key costs money. If you are opening up your old key for the chip, destroying it essentially, why not just use it in the new key fob? That way you know it fits perfectly in the ignition without any issues!
That is some financially and environmentally conscious modding!
as far as i know, there where no flip key option for his vehicle model, so hi has to mod a TSX or RSX key and inmoviliser into a TL flip key case. Also look for an independent key shop, dealer will rip you off.
The blank of the switchblade is thicker than the old style. Won't fit ignition. You can buy them from Heeltoe but the price is way too much, just for a key blank imo.
The blank of the switchblade is thicker than the old style. Won't fit ignition. You can buy them from Heeltoe but the price is way too much, just for a key blank imo.
Ah, I see... That would be a bigger issue.
What about this one piece Honda key? I'd be fine with that, but not sure. Maybe I'll just buy one and see what they look like.
Bunch of generic ones on Ebay for pretty cheap.
Thoughts? Anyone tried this one?
I guess the other consideration is if the FCC frequency used by the RF transmitter is a match. Hope that would still work.
