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RR Sport key fob disassembly

17K views 21 replies 6 participants last post by  Jose Magno  
#1 ·
Has anyone disassembled a RR key fob (pictured)? I have a cut blade and need to get it into a FOB, that i plan to buy on ebay, but it seems like these FOBs are very touchy and hard to work with. Any advice would be most appreciated!
 

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#4 ·
I have been considering getting another key too, but I thought it is impossible to program a used fob... are you purchasing a new one on ebay? Let me know if it works for you, I might be interested in doing the same if everything works out and the price is right .

Also, I did not think you had to open the fob to install a new blade, but I could be wrong on that.
 
#5 ·
opotamus said:
I have been considering getting another key too, but I thought it is impossible to program a used fob...
You are correct about that. Once the EEPROM chips in these fobs are mated to the immobilizer of a certain vehicle, they cannot be reprogrammed (by anyone, dealers with diagnostics or independents alike.) New fobs can, but what you often find for sale on eBay is used fobs with a new blank / uncut key attached to them, to make them look brand new... So it's an iffy purchase at best. If it turns out to be a used fob, the best you can do with it is opening the door through the emergency lock with the cut key blade, and programming the remote to lock/unlock doors etc., but you will not be able to start the car.
 
#7 ·
thanks for all the comments and help. I didn't realize a "used" fob could not be reprogrammed, so it looks like my quest may stop there. The fob i received from ebay was a different serial number than my working key, so i was thinking that was the problem. The chances of getting a brand new un-programmed fob off ebay, are slim to none, i'm guessing, but i'll keep my eyes open. The actual replacement blade i had cut does fit in my ignition and turns, and i my electronics turn on, but it does not start the engine. Anyway, any more advice is welcome and i'll keep you posted on my quest!
 
#8 ·
BPUtah is a reputable outfit that sells new, "virgin" remotes for 06-09s, minus the key blade: http://www.bputah.com/LR3/Land_Range_Ro ... emote.html

Although to be honest you'll likely end up spending close to what you would have by ordering a new key fob from your dealer without the hassle, by the time they are done charging you for their programming fees, which you'll have to cough up one way or another.

Keep us posted.
 
#10 ·
Usually it is in the $300-400 range, depending on what they charge for labor / programming locally. The hardware is normally $200-250 or so (that includes the key blade, cut over in Europe and shipped to your dealer after you provide your VIN and proof of ownership), and that's the real ripoff as there is maybe $10 worth of rubber, circuit boards, chips and key blade in that remote. Plus, you need to wait at least a week or two before the key arrives from the UK or wherever it is that they cut it. Programming of a new key fob could then be done by any indy shop equipped with IDS, Faultmate or other diagnostics tool (not necessarily by a dealer.) A dealer will usually charge an hour minimum, even though the entire diagnostic session to enable a new key takes only a fraction of that, which is about $130 around here. :roll:

Don't forget to take all remaining keys with you (if you have more than a single spare) whenever the new key is being programmed and paired to your car. Any keys you leave behind will automatically be deactivated as an anti-theft measure and then you'll really feel like an idiot. :wink:
 
#11 ·
I have some conflicting reports. Can a once programmed circuit board/transponder be "reprogrammed" to a new RR to be able to start the engine or just unlock the doors? I have been told i would need a "new, never programmed" fob to be able to start my engine, but then i have also read the used fob can be "re-programmed" for my RR and be able to unlock doors and start the engine. Can anyone shed any light on this?
 
#13 ·
umbertob said:
lionheart44 said:
I have also read the used fob can be "re-programmed" for my RR and be able to unlock doors and start the engine.
Unlock the doors, yes. Start the engine, no. Trust me, there is no way a used fob can ever start the engine of a car it wasn't originally programmer for.
Face it Umberto, no matter how many times we post this info the legend of eBay will always win out over facts.
 
#14 ·
Ok, thanks again for all the help... If i buy a new fob from british parts of Utah for 155 and put the blade i have in it, is my only option to then bring all keys to a land rover dealership and have them programmed or can i program them myself or go somewhere besides a dealership to have them programmed to unlock AND start the RR?
 
#15 ·
Dealers and independent equipped with T4/Testbook, IDS or other up-to-date aftermarket diagnostic program (such as Faultmate) can program a brand new, never before programmed fob with your car configuration profile and enable it to start your engine AND remotely lock/unlock doors, etc. What they can't do is overwrite this information after the key is programmed.
 
#17 ·
Once again thanks for the help. Whats the best way to go about finding an Independent? Would that be like a used dealership or a custom car shop that does like stereos and remoter starters? I live in Massachusetts (about an hour from Boston and 30 minutes from Providence, RI), are there any in this area that anyone knows about that can program all my keys and also any ideas on price? Thanks
 
#18 ·
Whoever you pick, they must be authorized Jaguar / Land Rover dealers or independent shops equipped with up-to-date diagnostics for your car (ask them, they'll tell you right away if they can do it or not.) Car stereo shops are normally not equipped with such software, which is quite expensive and specifically made to interface with the latest Land Rover bus. Hopefully someone local to you can chime in with some suggestions.
 
#19 ·
i didnt see the other question, but i had my key blade cut at a locksmith place that has high end equipment, cost me 30 bucks. And BP utah has the fob listed as 155 when i checked. Granted, 30 + 155 + 70 to have it programmed at a dealer is better than 300+ if i went through the dealer for everything, But i was looking to keep this as low cost as possible, preferably under 200 (seems like a long shot)
 
#20 ·
Dear friends.
I'm trying to compile every tip for a battery replacement for my RRS '05 key fob. I have the new shell, I will use the old blade and battery is still to be received (this is supposed to be the one http://www.ebay.es/itm/VL2330-Recha...SPATCH-/281263914056?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_Batteries_SM&hash=item417ca2bc48).
I think I got it but I only need to know if the battery requires to be welded as I've read somewhere else. In that other's forum, looks like the new battery just only fits on the housing for the designated purpose of the card.
I have searched by the forum and I hadn't found any clear pic... but maybe I've missed something.
Is there someone who made it with a happy ending? :???: