Another key fob rebuild post?

[BlackBart]

"Today’s automotive transponder system consists of the electronic chip key, the antenna ring (induction coil) around your ignition, your car’s computer (ECM – Engine Control Module), and the immobilizer. Once a programmed key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and turned to the ON position, the antenna ring sends out a burst of energy through radio frequency. The transponder chip will absorb that energy and send back a radio frequency signal, the identification code, to the antenna ring. The antenna ring sends that ID code to the car’s computer. If the ID code from the key matches the ID code in the computer’s memory, the immobilizer is disabled and the vehicle will start. "

So it has no power source - it's induction.

Apparently the first one was developed by GM in 1995 as people kept stealing Corvettes.

[- Pete -]

I would avoid a cheap transponder/chip, the quality is unknown and lifespan will probably be around the 1-year mark. Then you’re digging your key shell apart to replace the transponder again. Member Yagger has high quality transponders which he sells for $8usd. You would, of course, need to get it married to the antenna/ring inside the steering column though.

As far as I know, the moment the integrity of the capsule is compromised, it is no longer good.

[BlackBart]

No, I wouldn't buy that ebay one I posted, I was just digging around trying to figure out what's inside and how they work. So it's a transistor chip and a coil.

So why glass?? That's the whole problem here - we're all wrecking the chip trying to fix a broken flip key.

Are you sending key blank cases, your antenna ring, and a new chip to Yagger?

[- Pete -]

I suppose it’s an intentional design, like the banjo bolt - keeps things interesting for us loyal folk who like DIYing

Nope, I don’t send anything anywhere. You need 1. A laptop, 2. Internet connection, 3. DiCE unit (ViDA software not needed nor is it used in this case). You provide him your VIN, he remotes in (using Anydesk or similar program) to your laptop, installs the software (which he created) on your desktop, then reads vehicle via DiCE unit which is connecting your laptop to the OBD2 port. It all takes just a few minutes. He acquires whatever keyless entry coding that is needed to allow the new “remote” PCB to lock/unlock your car. He applies that to the “new” keyless PCB.

Basically, you get a new uncut switchblade key (whole key) that includes keyless functions. Once you get it in the mail, you’ll need to have it cut. Once cut, he then remotes back in to sync the keyless PCB with UEM & new transponder to the antenna ring.
Edit: the new key has the new transponder already embedded in it, no need for you to perform anymore exploratory key surgery.

It sounds like a lot of monkey business when I write it all out. Let me put it this way - I am doing 3 new switchblade keys through him for less than what it would cost for 1 (key cost, cut, coded, software, transponder sync’d to ring) at the dealership. My keys should be here this week.

Edit 2: Currently I have 3 keys, only 2 of which can actually start cars (1 per car = NOT ok). I am having him send 3 new keys and 1 additional ID48 transponder chip. My original switchblade key (the one that that I broke the transponder on) will receive the new transponder and he will sync that with the antenna ring. This will give me a total of 6 working, chipped keys for 2 cars (3 keys per car).

If you choose to go this route, get in contact with Yagger. I can provide you with my DiCE unit to save you that expense. You just need to pay shipping both ways & return it undamaged.

Edit 3: for your one key, you only need a new transponder & it synced to your antenna ring. That being the case, you could just buy a transponder from Yagger & have him clone it remotely. You’d still need DiCE to do it though. Good conversation to chime up with him, he’s excellent at explaining his processes.

[patcal]

I bought new transponder chips and a new key fob. Repaired my 2 non-functioning fobs (neither transponder worked and one had a bad spring on the flip key). Also bought 2 aftermarket cases.

Neil.

Curious where you bought the chips?

[scot850]

I believe it was either ebay or Aliexpress. I don't have the info to hand now but I will see if I can find it again.

Found the thread but the link to Aliexpress has expired:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=73709&hilit=Key+Fob

Here is a link to Aliexpress and the ID48 transponder chips:

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?ca ... +chip+ID48

Neil.

[scot850]

On Ebay I see a full uncut key without the fob but with a transponder chip in a small pocket. Those are about $7-8 each. You could buy one of those and either have it programmed to your car and attach to a fob, or remove the chip and fit it to your current fob.

Neil.

[BlackBart]

Took one last try to verify. I did the lock-unlock five times thing (old wives tale?), it didn't start, and the dash info screen said "start prevented." So I think that's official, the chip is ruined.

[- Pete -]

Yes, I believe so. I am just hopping on the laptop with Yagger to program my new keys (had them cut at the Volvo dealer, $10/key was a pleasant surprise). I will post back.

[BlackBart]

I’m very slowly working towards getting the VIDA-loaded laptop, which would allow me to do this as well.