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HeelToe Switchblade Key and Service: Reviewed.

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Old 06-19-2011, 01:53 PM
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So not so good if the key is lost ...

Last edited by EL_PIC; 06-19-2011 at 02:03 PM.
Old 06-28-2011, 11:08 AM
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Marcus doesn't just treat you like a customer. He treats you as a friend.
He'll be in business for a lonnnggg looonngg time with his cust. service skills.
Old 06-28-2011, 11:22 AM
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I want to get one, but im not trying to spend $180 on a key just yet.
Old 06-28-2011, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by ACON
I want to get one, but im not trying to spend $180 on a key just yet.
Trust me, when I think about it, I can't believe I do...but other than the car itself...the thing I touch see and use the MOST on a daily basis is the key. I smirk a little every time I see my nicely organized keychain and I get to flip the key out when I sit in the driver's seat. It's the little things...I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

Originally Posted by flyromeo3
Marcus doesn't just treat you like a customer. He treats you as a friend.
He'll be in business for a lonnnggg looonngg time with his cust. service skills.
Absolutely...I agree with that 100%. Man of his word too...I might add.

Originally Posted by EL_PIC
I dropped my '11 MDX Switch blade key between the driver seat and console. Its not visible - like vaporized thro prob under the console or in seat belt cover - very very strange !!!

How does Heel Toe know how to cut and program for your car ???
That download is kinda lengthy ...
Put your driver seat all the way forward and look under from the passenger rear, it's probably logded up front near the seat bracket/bracing.

Originally Posted by Roger555
I would do this for sure if I wasent installing the 5902
Roger, who are you kidding...you KNOW you'll be doing this mod very very soon.

Originally Posted by MyBabysBaby
Do all replacement OEM cars have the memory function for your seats, etc? I saw an OEM sb for Acura on ebay, asked the guy if it had memory and he said no. I found that hard to believe.
If it doesn't specify the memory 1 or 2 and doesn't have memory then it is the cheap ebay knockoff. Can you save a couple of bucks by going that route, sure...but to me....it can't look KINDA OEM. It either looks OEM, or it looks like a total knockoff. I'd rather have my traditional key and separate FOB then a cheap version of the real thing. Just my opinion, of course!
Old 06-28-2011, 12:10 PM
  #45  
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heeltoe switchblade key has been awesome! very happy with the service (did the whole package including cutting and removing the chip, dealer here wanted to charge an arm and possibly leg!)
Old 06-28-2011, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by rockstar143
If it doesn't specify the memory 1 or 2 and doesn't have memory then it is the cheap ebay knockoff. Can you save a couple of bucks by going that route, sure...but to me....it can't look KINDA OEM. It either looks OEM, or it looks like a total knockoff. I'd rather have my traditional key and separate FOB then a cheap version of the real thing. Just my opinion, of course!
This is not necessarily true...replacement bases from Acura that come without remotes are not labeled on the back. However, there is still a difference between a ebay and an Acura one. It takes a trained eye, but I know by now. I've had a few people send me some cheap keys to work on that I needed to return.
Old 06-28-2011, 03:14 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by MrHeeltoe
Thanks for the writeup!

Another thing on the ebay deal....we have handled and worked with those keys (people have tried sending them to us trying to pass them off as real Acura ones) but we can always tell the difference. Honestly, follow the parts.


Heeltoe key:

American Honda sells a key to local USA dealer, who sells it to me. Then I take it to a local fab subcontractor for the machining. I do the swapping and cutting, then pay my employee David to ship it. Lots of USA jobs involved.


Ebay:

Buy a key that ships from Hong Kong or wherever to a guy who then ships to you, if they don't actually ship direct to you from Hong Kong.


So, the $40 goes a LONG way to help American businesses, and you get a better part with WAY better service.


Food for thought...
Question and again sorry as this may have been answered somewhere on the forum. Do you use a current key to cut the new one or is the Vin number used to pull the original? The reason I ask is because my key is a little worn out and I would like to get a new one.
Old 06-28-2011, 08:45 PM
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I stand corrected, Marcus.

Above: He actually states a worn out key is actually better to use as a model to cut. I don't think he uses the vin to make the cut.
Old 09-14-2011, 07:43 AM
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Hey marcus; would like to know how much it would be to get one of these keys cut and programmed & shipped.
Old 09-14-2011, 10:37 AM
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He may not check this thread too often. Best bet is to go to his website and use his "contact us" link. He gets overloaded with PM's too.
Old 09-14-2011, 10:43 AM
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Thanks man; just "submitted" a "ticket" . i actually work at the dealership and can get a key for cheap. just wanna get some more info..trunk and panic buttons work still too right? lol
Old 09-14-2011, 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MrHeeltoe
Hey there, per my sig we don't PM, but at the same time we have a rotating banner in the header of the page that you can use to see our key and link through to the order page where pricing is. There is a phone number available as well to call for info.

949-295-1668

Marcus
I just bought a 07 TL-S and I just realize they gave a key that doesn't work in my car. How much will it cost me for a new key(use the same remote fob) and get it cut and maybe programed. Can you do this?
Old 09-14-2011, 08:15 PM
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Yes sir...everything works like if I had an 07 or 08.
Old 09-14-2011, 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by rockstar143
<snip>... "It's just a key" I kept telling msyelf...but what the hell...I want one! ... <snip>

<snip>...Second attempt came to me recently. I'd been thinking about trading the car in here and there, but don't want to go back in the hole $30K at this point... <snip>
Unless I am reading this totally wrong, but what you were saying is buying another car just for fancy keys was an option.
Old 09-14-2011, 11:40 PM
  #55  
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is there an acura logo or anything on the back of the new SB key fob? I'd kind of prefer that.
Old 09-15-2011, 10:55 AM
  #56  
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you were reading it all wrong...lol. both statements were totally unrelated. wanted the new key...AND was thinking about a new car for a while.
Old 09-15-2011, 11:12 AM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by rockstar143
Yes sir...everything works like if I had an 07 or 08.

are you talking to me?? what i need to do to get this done, pm me the price for this job if you can. Thanks!
Old 09-29-2011, 09:40 AM
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They keys we offer are factory Acura keys, direct from the dealer! Truly authentic keys!
Old 09-29-2011, 10:06 AM
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^^^listen to the man, he speaks truth! I love this key...even months later, i'm still elated to pop it out and flip it open every day.
Old 09-29-2011, 12:16 PM
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Hey Marcus,

can you PM me the price for a switchblade key cut/programmed/shipped to KS 66062....

I got the original switchblade from a group buy that csmeanance had about 2 years ago...the dealer messed up the key as he aligned it from the tip as compared to the mark....hence the key goes in but doesnt turn....is there a way you can fix that ?
Old 09-29-2011, 12:20 PM
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^...pricing information is available on the website.
You might find the answer to your question quicker than waiting on his reply
Old 09-29-2011, 01:19 PM
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^^^swoosh, would HIGHLY recommend going to his site and putting in a "ticket" to have him reply. He doesn't check the forum often.
Old 09-29-2011, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by flyromeo3
^...pricing information is available on the website.
You might find the answer to your question quicker than waiting on his reply
Originally Posted by rockstar143
^^^swoosh, would HIGHLY recommend going to his site and putting in a "ticket" to have him reply. He doesn't check the forum often.
Thanks fellas....just did that
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Old 09-29-2011, 02:22 PM
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Glad you're getting it fixed finally...I know you'll be happy.
Old 09-29-2011, 02:34 PM
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^^^ after such a review I had to....you owe me the $$$ for the fix LOL....

great thread J...
Old 10-05-2011, 09:05 PM
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This doesn't include Immobilizer programming right?
Old 10-06-2011, 03:05 AM
  #67  
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So nothing yet on making this work for the cls ? I was told the alarm wouldn't work ?
Old 10-06-2011, 06:34 AM
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It does include immobilizer programming...it is as if the switchblade fob is now meant for your car. This is the RIGHT way to do it.

About the CL, I'm really not, sure man. I don't see how/why your alarm would be any more complicated than a 3G.
Old 10-06-2011, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by rockstar143
It does include immobilizer programming...it is as if the switchblade fob is now meant for your car. This is the RIGHT way to do it.

About the CL, I'm really not, sure man. I don't see how/why your alarm would be any more complicated than a 3G.
I bought to memory 1 from dealer for $100 each & I can't use them but that was 9 months ago. Lmk if they can ?
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/...h/fbd338ad.jpg
Old 10-06-2011, 08:59 AM
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Ok, I don't want to speak FOR heeltoe here...but I think YES, you can. He can take the key you bought and mill it down on the sides (which the dealership told me was impossible) and then he cuts it to match your key (send it the most worn in one you have) and swap over the immobilizer chip from him. OR, you can get it shaved down by him and take it to the dealer and pay them for cut and program. Which will leave you with an extra backup since you won't need to destroy your old key to get the immobilizer out (IIRC).

Again, go on the heeltoe website and put in a "ticket" to ask him a question, that's the fastest way for a respone IMO.
Old 10-06-2011, 04:38 PM
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Read my sig!
Old 10-06-2011, 06:58 PM
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todja...now you done made papa mad!
Old 05-18-2014, 11:58 AM
  #73  
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Anyone have info on how to take apart key fob (08 TL ) to swap out key blade? My key fob (driver 1) was "run over" and transmitter/module part came apart. I can swap out transmitter/module but I need to know if the key blade can also be swapped. Fob still works but I want to buy a used key fob on ebay and swap out the key blade if that's possible...Thanks
Old 05-18-2014, 07:35 PM
  #74  
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Originally Posted by saggipaul
Anyone have info on how to take apart key fob (08 TL ) to swap out key blade? My key fob (driver 1) was "run over" and transmitter/module part came apart. I can swap out transmitter/module but I need to know if the key blade can also be swapped. Fob still works but I want to buy a used key fob on ebay and swap out the key blade if that's possible...Thanks
the part that covers the mechanism connected to the silver button lifts up since its clipped on. Under it are 3 size 0 Screws that are a pain in the rear to remove! Remove these and you can take the blade out!
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Old 05-19-2014, 12:16 PM
  #75  
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I'm afraid to ask cause I think I know the answer (the screw heads may strip) when you say p.i.t.r, have you done or know someone who has removed the screws and how much of a pain? Much obliged for your input.
Old 05-19-2014, 10:14 PM
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I have quite a bit of knowledge on this subject so I will chime in.

#1. Marcus's customer service is top notch! He is by far the best seller of aftermarket TL parts.
#2. There is one legit seller on eBay for the real 07/08 TL Type S key that works for 04-06 models. He sells OEM keys that are milled, just like Marcus does. I know this because I purchased a key from him (I had him cut it too). It works in all cylinders (door, glove box, ski door and ignition). The key can be purchased here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-ACURA-TL-SWITCHBLADE-KEY-FOR-04-08-ACURA-TSX-TL-/141084517217?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20d94ae361&vxp=mtr
His price is very similar to Marcus's. So if you are the question asking type, go ahead and order from Marcus.

Here is some info on the key swap (when ordering from either place):
-The immobilizer chip is needed from an original key to start the car (only Marcus offers this service) unless you get the new immobilizer chip programmed. The original key can still open the mechanical locks and turn the car to accessory mode but it will not be able to start the car.
-The FOB has to be programmed to the car (the instructions for this are posted in the above eBay link). Up to 3 FOB's can be programmed to the car at once. Any and all FOB's that you want to work will need to be programmed at once (including those that were already programmed).
-It is possible to buy a used switchblade key, have a new blade installed (to have milled). Marcus also offers this service.
-Only have 1 key? Go to a store that cuts & sells keys, have them cut a blank metal key for you (one without a immobilizer chip). Send this key to Marcus, so he can duplicate it on the milled switchblade key. Then either do the chip swap yourself (need a cutting wheel or dremel, a small Phillips screwdriver and some patients) or have a dealer/locksmith program the immobilizer chip in the new switchblade key.

Some more info:

To disassemble a switchblade key you need a small Phillips screwdriver and something to pry the top of the key off with. Here is how to open the key:
Remove the Phillips screw on the bottom of the key. Then the FOB section will come out. Then the top of the key can be removed (this is the section with the silver button which allows the key blade to flip out), this part is stuck on with double sided sticky tape. Then there are 3 more Phillips screws; on a new key these were fairly easy to remove, on a used key I ended up stripping one of the screws (although I did get it out). You can now remove the blade. On the back side of the blade there is a small black lid/cover, this is the cover for the immobilizer chip, once you remove this the immobilizer chip can be taken out (this is a PITA).
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