Aston Key...

[PetesAMV8]

Hi - I'm sure this topic has been done to death but my search skills seem to be lacking - so sorry in advance for any duplication.

I recently picked up a rather nice Vantage V8 2009, sent a fair bit of time checking it out and after most of the morning at the dealer (not Aston unfortunately) signing papers etc. discovered the original glass key was missing - I was bummed to say the least. I almost tossed the deal but the price was too good and the car too nice.... and I really wanted it.... I've been somewhat freaking out about warranties etc. but I'm having trouble shelling out $4-5K for a 2 year warranty, and after a 'clutch learn' procedure she's running perfectly.... so 'touch wood'.

And to my question..... It did have two of the cheaper remotes, one that was clearly a daily user (pretty worn) and a second that looks brand new but didn't work correctly (batteries okay), it lights the cars instruments panel up, just won't start her up - red dash light glows so I assume it's not programmed correctly and the alarm is still on.... I don't know).

I'll be going past a dealer next week, so will see if they can fix the spare key.. I've been looking around and can get second hand glass keys for about half the dealer price (~ $500-$600). Does anyone know if these can be reprogrammed by a dealer? Assuming they work.... Secondly - there's a UK company selling new glass keys (~$650) but won't ship to the US. I think I can get around that but do you think a dealer here can/would re/program that?

Again - sorry for any duplication and/or novice Q's...

Cheers-
pete

[Jon39]

Welcome Peter,

We always like to see to photographs of Aston Martins. It is not necessary for you to stand by the front wing, like James Bond.

I cannot answer your question, but in case you might be interested, I can tell you why model year 2009 cars often have two plastic keys. The 4.7 was announced in March 2008, and the first customer order deliveries began in September. At that time, the glass keys were not available, so two plastic keys were supplied with the car, and then the glass key was issued to the customers later.

It would be good for you to have the glass key, but I think you already know how much they cost. That is the reason why I never use mine. I am probably bound to drop it.

[Graze01]

Pete

Be careful and do your research on keys

UK and Australia run on 422mHz, U.S. On 315mHz - not interchangeable

Also to reprogram a key they need the code from that key so buying from the Internet is not always a good idea

Don't ask me how I know

Graze

[PetesAMV8]

Thanks Jon - the car was first registered December 2009 so outside that window unless it sat around a dealership for a long time - possible tho' and it does seem logical.

I was looking for something a little more unique (color wise) but ended up with a metallic grey color with black interior - as like 30-50% of them all At least the brake calipers are a bright red so that gives it a nice lift without being garish. The bucket list has one more tick

Cheers -
Pete

Jon39 said:

Welcome Peter,

We always like to see to photographs of Aston Martins. It is not necessary for you to stand by the front wing, like James Bond.

I cannot answer your question, but in case you might be interested, I can tell you why model year 2009 cars often have two plastic keys. The 4.7 was announced in March 2008, and the first customer order deliveries began in September. At that time, the glass keys were not available, so two plastic keys were supplied with the car, and then the glass key was issued to the customers later.

It would be good for you to have the glass key, but I think you already know how much they cost. That is the reason why I never use mine. I am probably bound to drop it.

[PetesAMV8]

Thanks Graze - good advice.... I'd have been very tempted at 1/2 price. I'm slowly coming to the conclusion I'll just stick with the plastic keys.

As an after thought - do you think the internals could be swapped over from a plastic key to the glass one? I've come across a few s/h keys quite cheap that could be cleaned up. Seems reasonable.

Thanks for the advice -
pete

Graze01 said:

Pete

Be careful and do your research on keys

UK and Australia run on 422mHz, U.S. On 315mHz - not interchangeable

Also to reprogram a key they need the code from that key so buying from the Internet is not always a good idea

Don't ask me how I know

Graze

[old phart]

I did just that. Purchased a non functioning glass key on ebay and swapped my plastic internals into it. 30 minute job. Pretty straight forward. I made a tutorial somewhere. Found it - Here's a link.

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/39...

Edited by old phart on Monday 3rd April 16:01

[Jon39]

PetesAMV8 said:

Thanks Jon - the car was first registered December 2009 so outside that window unless it sat around a dealership for a long time - possible tho' and it does seem logical.

I notice in the service records of my car;

16 Dec 2009 Glass Key in Stock to be coded.

It looks as though there must have been a long delay, supplying the glass keys.