replacement QP V key case

[gjwilson]

This is going to sound really obviously for someone that's done this before.

We all know the keys for these cars can be a real pain with them looking a lot older and tatty in comparison to the car!
So, I decided to take action and order one of the replacement keys from our friendly auction site.

They look great and I have swapped over all components, blade, metal connectors and electronic internals.

Remote now looks brand new and works an absolute treat (or remotely locking and opening the car) BUT, and its a bit but, it won't start the car. Pings up alarm fault and will only start with the old case near the ignition. Problem is I cannot see anything else that can be transferred over to the case. What am I missing?

 

[Arfa]

You have left the transponder in the old case. It is a small black rectangle area at one edge of the key covered in what looks like sealing wax. It is next to impossible to get out. The trick is to cut around it as close as you can and then glue the entire assembly into the new case. There is sufficient room in the replacement case but you may need to cut some of the new housing away to enable it to fit.

 

[CatmanV2]

This is the problem.

C

 

[gjwilson]

Ahh i thought that was the issue as its literally the only thing in the case. I thought exactly that, just looked like wax with nothing in it!

Looks like this will be a test of my steady hands!
Wish me luck as I have a feeling that should I mess this up it will be an expensive fix!

 

[CatmanV2]

Ahh i thought that was the issue as its literally the only thing in the case. I thought exactly that, just looked like wax with nothing in it!

Looks like this will be a test of my steady hands!
Wish me luck as I have a feeling that should I mess this up it will be an expensive fix!

Yes, it will be. New key plus dealer (or maybe Voicey time) to tell the car to accept the new codes.

Shouldn't be too hard though.

C

 

[Arfa]

it's actually much easier than you think especially if you have a dremel but it can be done using a hacksaw and file or even something as basic as a serrated kitchen knife. After all you are only cutting plastic.

I believe new key is around £250 + the cost of recoding.

Don't try and get the transponder out of the housing. Cut around the housing c/w transponder and with a little fettling it can be glued into the new key.

 

[gjwilson]

Just wondering, are the transponders the same as the Alfa ones? I know pretty much any auto key cutting place will stock these for a few £ which may be another option for me.

 

[CatmanV2]

Just wondering, are the transponders the same as the Alfa ones? I know pretty much any auto key cutting place will stock these for a few £ which may be another option for me.

Simple answer is 'no', at least not the ones of the same vintage. I seem to recall someone did track them down, but minimum order was several thousand units. And you still need to code it to the car.

C

 

[hodroyd]

Transponders are available, but as said, you need it coding to the car, so using the old one if it's there is best option..!!

 

[hoyin]

Don't want to hijack but since we are talking about keys I find the blue keys to be a bit dated. I like the look of the new Ghibli keys. Wonder if anyone knows if we could do a transplant?

 

[hodroyd]

Anything is possible with the right tackle and key layout..!!

 

[gjwilson]

All done and working a treat.
Not as easy as I had hoped and some real "oh no" moments when I thought I had butchered both fobs beyond repair.
However all done and working great.

Phewww.........!

 

[CatmanV2]

Good show!

C

 

[daverichardson]

Both my key cases need doing, but I am scared I muck it up
So I think I will just keep them out of sight until needed for use

 

[gjwilson]

Both my key cases need doing, but I am scared I muck it up
So I think I will just keep them out of sight until needed for use

I would prob agree, mine were absolutely terrible though or I wouldn't have bothered.
I was luck if mine actually stayed as one piece with them threatening to split into halves every time the key was extended.

Although I have said its not as easy as I first thought, its by no means that bad. I was worried (probably over worried) I would damage the transponder and be in a work of paid.
As it turns out they must be resilient as I used and dremmel (which generated heat) then cut with sharp grips, then sanded to a smooth finish. Survived the lot and car starts on the button

Really shocking for cars of this calibre that the keys go this way but hey, that's another argument!
My 3200 keys looked brand new.................

 

[CatmanV2]

The 4200 transponders have a habit of falling out when changing the battery

C

 

[hodroyd]

Any photo's of finished product gjw..??

 

[gjwilson]

Any photo's of finished product gjw..??

Sure, will post up when I get home.

 

[hodroyd]

Top Man..!!

 

[Arfa]

Both my key cases need doing, but I am scared I muck it up
So I think I will just keep them out of sight until needed for use

Dave I bought a spare casing when I did mine in case I c**cked it up but didn't need it. I'd be more than happy to rebuild one of your keys into the spare case with you to show you how easy it is. I am usually in Middlesbrough a couple of times a month but only live in Wetherby anyway.