VXR8 Key Replacement

[H5V VE]

Hi

Have got a completely new key shell for my VXR8 key and have dutifully swapped over the little green circuit board and the key blade from my old key into the new one.

However, whilst the car will unlock and lock happily from the new key, if you put it into the ignition, then an "engine immobilised" message comes up on the dash.

Now, either this thing is far cleverer than I gave it credit for and can spot a new key shell or I have missed a bit somewhere but there appears nothing else to move over.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Phil

[StefanVXR8]

The key fob has a tiny immobilizer chip in it and without transferring that it won't work. Be careful though because if you damage it trying to remove it and it's your only key, you will need to pay for two new complete keys to be programmed!

The little chip is generally moulded in and very, very hard to remove intact.

Stef

Edited by StefanVXR8 on Thursday 25th September 14:21

[H5V VE]

Thanks

Any idea which bit of the key it lives in?

I guess that the only other option is to get the new key re-programmed? Can that be done if it is already tied in to a different car?

[StefanVXR8]

If it's a genuine key fob then the chip is located at the top I think. It will look like a solid block of plastic. Reproduction key fobs have a little slot to put it in when you separate the case.

I'm really not sure if you can get an 'old' one reprogrammed to another car, I can't see why not to be honest............

Stef

[B5ELF]

StefanVXR8 said:

If it's a genuine key fob then the chip is located at the top I think. It will look like a solid block of plastic. Reproduction key fobs have a little slot to put it in when you separate the case.

I'm really not sure if you can get an 'old' one reprogrammed to another car, I can't see why not to be honest............

Stef

You can get the car reprogrammed to accept a new chip. It basically involves plugging a tech2 in while the key is inserted to get the ecu to accept the rfid signal from the chip.

[pah250]

Just for info, Walkinshaw can provide and code new VXR8 keys

[H5V VE]

Thanks guys

Thing is, i really wanted to replace the entire key shell (clearly including the transponder bit) but I guess that i could swap that bit back ( having swapped the key blades back as well).

I already have my current key working quite happily so not sure if the car can accept 2 different key identifiers?

[B5ELF]

H5V VE said:

Thanks guys

Thing is, i really wanted to replace the entire key shell (clearly including the transponder bit) but I guess that i could swap that bit back ( having swapped the key blades back as well).

I already have my current key working quite happily so not sure if the car can accept 2 different key identifiers?

Yeah it can accept multiple, not sure on the limit though.

[ringram]

You can teach it to like the new key.

Jfgi is your friend..

[S800VXR]

http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=27&...

[H5V VE]

Thank you for that

I havent got the car right now but will give it a go next weekend when I get it back.

[EssexVXR8]

Just get the chip from old key shell it'll be fine, won't be a chip in your new shell to programme to.

[H5V VE]

EssexVXR8 said:

Just get the chip from old key shell it'll be fine, won't be a chip in your new shell to programme to.

Yes there will.

Its a genuine VX key from an old keyset that was replaced.

[B5ELF]

H5V VE said:

EssexVXR8 said:

Just get the chip from old key shell it'll be fine, won't be a chip in your new shell to programme to.

Yes there will.

Its a genuine VX key from an old keyset that was replaced.

If you can get it to your local vx dealer they will program it for free. Had to do the same with my corsa when I lost the key. Got a replacement key cut at a local garage using the key code and then used The AA to get me to the dealer and they sorted it out 😊

[H5V VE]

B5ELF said:

f you can get it to your local vx dealer they will program it for free. Had to do the same with my corsa when I lost the key. Got a replacement key cut at a local garage using the key code and then used The AA to get me to the dealer and they sorted it out ??

I'm liking the sound of that :-)

Thanks

[EssexVXR8]

H5V VE said:

Yes there will.

Its a genuine VX key from an old keyset that was replaced.

,,!!,,?? Don't make sees with your first post, thought you were just putting a new case on old key and hadn't transferred chip into new case !

[H5V VE]

EssexVXR8 said:

,,!!,,?? Don't make sees with your first post, thought you were just putting a new case on old key and hadn't transferred chip into new case !

Sorry for the confusion.

To clarify.

I have my original key, which is somewhat worse for wear and I have a new Vx key that came from a different lockset but is cosemtically perfect.

So I have swapped the little green circuit board from my old key to the new one, and I have also swapped over the key blade. So, in theory, its all ready to go.

However, it appears that there is still a chip somewhere in the new key case (in the bit that the key blade fits into) that is keyed to the old car, not to mine. As Stefan says, its looks nigh on impossible to cleanly open this case to swap the chip so reprogramming the key to the car looks like the way forward.

[EssexVXR8]

In that case by putting the old case on top of the new case easier to tape it to it, and trying to start the car should work, if not wrap the case in tin foil and then put old case on top, you can then take to dealer to reprogramme