Mitsubishi Space Star x reg

[Theresa52]

Hi all - please can someone advise me. I have an old Mitsubishi Space Star X reg. The rubber top has come off the key leaving the hard black top on top of the actual key. Therefore, I have nothing to put a key ring through and it is only a matter of time before I lose it. It is not remote control and just opens the door (central locking) and I put it in the ignition and turn the key to start the engine. Pretty basic stuff. I have just phoned Timpsons who have told me that they cannot repair the top of the key. They said the key has a chip in it and they can cut another but as it has a chip in it, it will cost £105 . What does the chip do then? He said if I put a new cut key in the ignition it will turn but will not start the engine. Is this correct? Sounds odd to me.

[Baldchap]

Immobiliser.

[Jonny_]

The chip is called a transponder, and on most cars from the mid to late 90s onwards a key transponder is used to operate the immobiliser.

As long as you still have the plastic part, you're fine.

On a car that old, rather than spending a fortune on a new key, I'd be thinking more along the lines of using some strong epoxy glue to attach a keyring to the key.

[Johnnybee]

You should be able to get some sort of key cover with a key ring attached, try eBay.

[SimonTheSailor]

Show us a picture of it to help us understand.

[Theresa52]

Not the prettiest key fob, but it works. I took part of a specs neck cord with a looped end and tied it round the key firmly, then wound a lot of insulating tape around it. Seems pretty secure.

[finishing touch]

Assuming that the corner far right edge is metal ......

[VanDiesel99]

if there's a key number on the other side, keep a note, then at least you'll improve your chances of getting a replacement if you should ever lose it

[Theresa52]

Thanks for your advice - there is no number anywhere on it.