The Emergency Key Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Discussion
I've not read the manual regarding this but isn't that key just to get in when the battery is flat and therefore the alarm won't go off.
What I have done is changed the battery in my glass key which is not a 1 minute procedure and would be impossible without a very very small screwdriver (the one I used had been machined down specifically for this job!). The glass key stopped working one journey after returning from an airport late at night 50 miles from home. If it had happened AT the airport I think I would have had no choice but to call a recovery service which seems a bit crazy. Anyone here been stranded like this and consequently carry a tiny screwdriver and spare battery around with them (but not in the car)? Or should we remember to change the battery, say every 3 years? Or always carry both keys??
What I have done is changed the battery in my glass key which is not a 1 minute procedure and would be impossible without a very very small screwdriver (the one I used had been machined down specifically for this job!). The glass key stopped working one journey after returning from an airport late at night 50 miles from home. If it had happened AT the airport I think I would have had no choice but to call a recovery service which seems a bit crazy. Anyone here been stranded like this and consequently carry a tiny screwdriver and spare battery around with them (but not in the car)? Or should we remember to change the battery, say every 3 years? Or always carry both keys??
Yes and no, I have the key in a magnetic holder stuck under the car. My concern mainly is loosing the glass key when I am away from home.
Thank you very much for the info on the key battery. It clearly is not mentioned in the owners manual.
I also assume that you do not get a low battery warning on the dash before they key is totally dead.
Thank you very much for the info on the key battery. It clearly is not mentioned in the owners manual.
I also assume that you do not get a low battery warning on the dash before they key is totally dead.
I called the dealer an hour ago and they said no Aston Martin's do not have the low battery warning for the fob's. They said on each annual service they replace the batteries on them so I said then one obviously needs to bring both. 
Even though both my batteries showed full charge on the battery tester I replace them with new one's. Probably do the same every two years or so.
Even though both my batteries showed full charge on the battery tester I replace them with new one's. Probably do the same every two years or so.
Edited by aregg on Thursday 21st September 21:57
Called the dealer back and asked how would I shut the alarm off if I open the door with the emerency key and the answer was you can not.
Since evidently Gen 2 cars do not have a battery disconnect switch I just need to keep a suitable size spanner in the car to disconnect the battery to stop is shouting.
In short Aston martin in their wisdom consider the emergency key's only use to be when you have a dead battery.
Since evidently Gen 2 cars do not have a battery disconnect switch I just need to keep a suitable size spanner in the car to disconnect the battery to stop is shouting.
In short Aston martin in their wisdom consider the emergency key's only use to be when you have a dead battery.
Would love to but where can I get a programmed plastic fob without having to part with an arm for it.
The metal key cost just under $200, the used plastic ones are running at $200 and then there is a question of where to get it programmed.
My local dealer will not reprogram used keys period. Evidently there are some automotive locksmiths that can but I have not been able to locate any.
Adding insult to injury all the used ones on eBay are sold as is with no return and no guarantee of functionality.
Of course I could keep the plastic one that I use in the car and use the glass one but somehow that does not feel right to me.
Maybe I should locate where the fuse for the alarm is and just pull that when needed.
The metal key cost just under $200, the used plastic ones are running at $200 and then there is a question of where to get it programmed.
My local dealer will not reprogram used keys period. Evidently there are some automotive locksmiths that can but I have not been able to locate any.
Adding insult to injury all the used ones on eBay are sold as is with no return and no guarantee of functionality.
Of course I could keep the plastic one that I use in the car and use the glass one but somehow that does not feel right to me.
Maybe I should locate where the fuse for the alarm is and just pull that when needed.
Doesn't inserting the FOB in its receptacle turn off the alarm? A functioning FOB battery is not required to start the car. The batt is only needed to operate the FOB functions. I use the plastic key while driving (don't want it popping out and damaging anything) and the crystal key to carry. The plastic key stays in the car. Emergency key hidden externally.
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