[Old phart]

So when my car was shipped out they only sent the valet key with it. The glass one is on it's way this coming week. It's just me, but I want spares. I bought a used glass and valet key (I know I'll have an adventure trying to get them re-programmed). My valet is pretty well used and the rubber pad is torn on the lock button. I figured I could gut my valet and put the parts into the newer one. Then I got to thinking why not put the valet guts in the spare glass key.
Anyway, I've taken both apart to see what is possible. Looks like it is doable. And looking at the glass taken apart you basically have a metal/plastic/glass shell around the actual remote module. Been looking for a good reason to purchase a 3D printer Looks like you could fairly easily make your own version of the outer shell bits.
I thought the metal side rails were some kind of electronic connection to the circuit but they are not touching anything. I did notice that the little metal/ceramic? piece by the battery has the same number on it(B-05230) in both the glass and valet. Wondering if these are matched sets that have something to do with programming the keys?
Any words of wisdom or insight appreciated - besides "WTF are you doing!"

 

[Old phart]

Ps

Looking at last picture it appears the glass circuitboard is smaller. Bad perspective. They are both the same size. And if you flip it over there is a 5th, apparently unused, button on the bottom of the circuit board. Guessing for either the missile launcher or ejection seat.

 

[V12 volante man]

I think you are definitely on to something, keep up the good work mate. hope it works

+1 Wayne. very interesting indeed

Its typical that the selling dealer only sent the car with one key!!!!! Why they do this I will never know but at least you will get it.

Regards,

 

[Old phart]

Myth Busters

So I swapped out circuit boards and now my new 'spare' glass key does everything but start the car.

Took the original valet key and took out the circuitboard and battery, put it back together and it started the car!

Conclusion - That little piece of ceramic/metal is somehow authenticating the car to start.

Looked up ferrite cores - It looks like that little guy is basically an RFID - The ferrite cores used for signals have a range of applications from 1 kHz to many MHz, perhaps as much as 300 MHz, and have found their main application in electronics, such as in AM Radios and RFID tags.

To be continued......

 

[Old phart]

Myth Busters 2

Done!

That little chip is the key to start the car. And it has to be located exactly where it is in the fob. Tried having it just near the starter button and no go. Put it in the fob next to the old chip and no go. Had to take the chip out of the used glass key and transfer mine from my valet into the same slot. Varoooom!
I now have a glass key and when the other is delivered this week will have two. Taking it to jeweler tomorrow to buff out the little chips.