Ever wonder what makes a Smartkey smart? *pics*

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ever wonder what makes a Smartkey smart? *pics*

Posted: 2/13/2012 9:51:25 AM EDT

The second key for the wife's 04 Murano was broken by the previous owner, rather than shell out for a new key, I was going to make a plastic sleeve for it.
Then I decided to pop it open, here's what I found.

I think I'll get a regular copy made, mill a pocket, and epoxy the transponder in :-)

Posted: 2/13/2012 10:22:31 AM EDT

[#1]

Damn, what did the previous owner do? Let their dog chew on the keys every minute they were out of the ignition?

I'm hard on my edc stuff but damn.

That's neat, those keys are expensive especially from the dealer. I have gone to ACE Hardware for work and gotten a chip key made for like $60 or so, they can program most keys but I'm interested in what you come up with.

Posted: 2/13/2012 11:35:36 AM EDT

[#2]

That's the problem, they're way too expensive to have a copy made if it works just fine

Now I'm thinking, I do have a 3' chunk of 1" x 1" titanium at home, maybe I'll get fancy and mill up a 2 piece shell

Posted: 2/13/2012 3:09:05 PM EDT

[#3]

Yep, eBay sellers have been doing this for awhile. There are some very innovative key fob designs out there with blank transponders that you can program and have the key physically cut at Lowe's or Home Despot.

Posted: 2/13/2012 5:26:32 PM EDT

[#4]

tape the transponder to the underside of the steering column and just use regular $2 keys from any hardware store. Worked in my jeep

Posted: 2/13/2012 6:08:59 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
tape the transponder to the underside of the steering column and just use regular $2 keys from any hardware store. Worked in my jeep

Yep, or as we were taught open up the steering column cover and tape it right over the key cylinder. Re-install cover and use cheap generic key.

Then again just making a fob on the same key ring sound kewl too. I wonder if someone could mill out the back of a 'dillo and use that?

Posted: 2/14/2012 1:27:33 AM EDT

[#6]

With the latest cars, you don't even need to fumble around with a bulky key ring to start the car. Just push a button.

Posted: 2/14/2012 3:39:20 AM EDT

[#7]

That's a good idea about taping the chip near the ignition. Any idea on the range?
I may do that until I get a chance to draw up something.

Posted: 2/14/2012 3:02:30 PM EDT

[#8]

My impromptu test shows a couple of inches max.

Posted: 2/14/2012 9:36:16 PM EDT

[#9]

Some keys have the smart thing in a little glass pill looking thing.

My next new car will have the SmartKey that you don't need to take out of your pocket.

Posted: 2/15/2012 2:55:23 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
That's a good idea about taping the chip near the ignition. Any idea on the range?
I may do that until I get a chance to draw up something.

I opened up the column and taped it on the inside of the lower half. 2-3 inches from the key

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Posted: 2/15/2012 2:55:23 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
That's a good idea about taping the chip near the ignition. Any idea on the range?
I may do that until I get a chance to draw up something.

I opened up the column and taped it on the inside of the lower half. 2-3 inches from the key

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Posted: 2/15/2012 5:11:53 PM EDT

[#12]

I gotta see you mill a pocket with that turning insert!

Posted: 2/15/2012 5:21:10 PM EDT

[#13]

+++GREAT idea to tape transponder near the key area.+++

One twist that has worked well for me when negotiating for a new car is to demand that the dealer's bid (in writing) clearly include a total of four or five fully functioning key fobs / transponders. I figured that will get me the lowest cost for spare "keys" and avoid the hassle of being without a fully functioning key.

Posted: 2/15/2012 5:45:03 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
One twist that has worked well for me when negotiating for a new car is to demand that the dealer's bid (in writing) clearly include a total of four or five fully functioning key fobs / transponders. I figured that will get me the lowest cost for spare "keys" and avoid the hassle of being without a fully functioning key.

That's what I should've done. When I bought my truck it only came with one key, and wouldn't you know it, it's a transponder key.

It's going to cost a little over $200 to get another one programmed.

Posted: 2/15/2012 10:23:27 PM EDT

[#15]

One twist that has worked well for me when negotiating for a new car is to demand that the dealer's bid (in writing) clearly include a total of four or five fully functioning key fobs / transponders. I figured that will get me the lowest cost for spare "keys" and avoid the hassle of being without a fully functioning key.

That's a great idea. I can't imagine that keys cost much for a dealer, and certainly saves you money in the long run.

Posted: 2/15/2012 11:17:32 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
tape the transponder to the underside of the steering column and just use regular $2 keys from any hardware store. Worked in my jeep

This does work great most of the time. If your vehicle uses a separate keyless entry remote, then the remote will most likely not work with the chip permanently installed in the car. Most keyless remotes will not work if the car senses that the keys are in the ignition.

Posted: 2/16/2012 4:16:17 AM EDT

[#17]

One thing to consider about taping the transponder pellet to the column somewhere, and I'm putting my tin foil hat on for this, is that it potentially makes your car easier to steal since you're bypassing the factory anti theft measures. In the one-in-a-million chance that your car gets jacked, whenever (if ever) recovered and inspected, your insurance company may frown on that.

Posted: 2/16/2012 7:02:11 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
I gotta see you mill a pocket with that turning insert!

I've got mad skillz yo!

It was just something handy to set it on.

She does have remote start, I'll have to try and see what it does.

Posted: 2/16/2012 4:58:02 PM EDT

[#19]

I just want a simple stamped metal key. I don't need a key costing over $60. My dad's 1965 Plymouth never got stolen.

Posted: 2/17/2012 6:56:16 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:

Quoted:
tape the transponder to the underside of the steering column and just use regular $2 keys from any hardware store. Worked in my jeep

This does work great most of the time. If your vehicle uses a separate keyless entry remote, then the remote will most likely not work with the chip permanently installed in the car. Most keyless remotes will not work if the car senses that the keys are in the ignition.

There is usually a separate wire connected to a switch inside the lock cylinder that activates 'keysense'

Posted: 2/17/2012 7:16:13 AM EDT

[#21]

Have the chip implanted in your forearm.

Posted: 2/17/2012 12:22:36 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

I just want a simple stamped metal key. I don't need a key costing over $60. My dad's 1965 Plymouth never got stolen.

Ford blank transponder keys are like $10+ on eBay:

New style: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Logo-OEM-PATS-Transponder-Chip-Jewel-Key-Blank-/140595944584?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item20bc2bdc88

Older style: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Logo-OEM-PATS-Transponder-Chip-Key-Blank-597602-/130523636047?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item1e63d0a14f

If you want expensive, look at some of Chrysler's keys with the stupid Infrared signal - the batteries are not cheap!!

I prefer the keyless entry fobs and pushbutton ignition. Just keep the fob in your pocket somewhere and never have to fumble with keys again.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ever wonder what makes a Smartkey smart? *pics*

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