Are you looking to upgrade your Mitsubishi car key or dealing with a used car that came with a basic aftermarket key? Many Mitsubishi owners, especially those with models hitting the used car market, find themselves wanting a more convenient or modern key solution. This guide will walk you through the process of converting an existing aftermarket key and programming a used key fob to work with your Mitsubishi vehicle. This DIY approach can save you money and provide a satisfying upgrade to your car’s remote system.
Understanding the Key Components: Transponder and Fob
Modern car keys are more than just metal blades; they contain electronic components crucial for security and convenience. Two key parts to understand are the transponder and the key fob.
The transponder is a small chip, often black and encased in plastic, that is programmed to your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). It’s essential for starting your car. Without a recognized transponder signal, your Mitsubishi’s immobilizer system will prevent the engine from starting.
The key fob, on the other hand, is the remote control part of your key. It contains the electronics to lock and unlock your doors, and sometimes open the trunk. This communicates with your car’s Body Control Unit (BCU).
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Your Mitsubishi Key
This process involves combining parts from different keys to create a functional flip key with remote capabilities. You’ll need your existing aftermarket key and a used Mitsubishi key fob.
Extracting the Transponder Chip from Your Aftermarket Key
- Carefully open your aftermarket key: Locate the seam on your aftermarket key. Using a razor blade or a thin, sturdy tool, carefully cut along the seam to open the key casing.
- Locate the transponder chip: Inside, you should find a small black chip, often housed in a white plastic holder. This is the transponder chip.
- Remove the transponder chip: Gently remove the black chip from its holder. Handle it with care as it’s a crucial component.
Installing the Transponder in a Flip Key
- Obtain a compatible flip key: Purchase a flip key designed for Mitsubishi vehicles. These are readily available online.
- Locate the transponder cavity: Open the flip key casing. You’ll find a small, often unused cavity near the flip mechanism button. This is where the transponder chip will be placed.
- Insert the transponder chip: Carefully insert the transponder chip you removed from your aftermarket key into this cavity in the flip key. Ensure it fits securely.
Programming the Key Fob
To gain remote locking/unlocking functionality, you’ll need a used Mitsubishi key fob and to program it to your car.
- Acquire a used Mitsubishi key fob: Search online marketplaces for a used “cut” Mitsubishi key that includes the fob section. “Cut” in this context means the key blade is already cut, but we are primarily interested in the fob electronics.
- Dismantle the used key fob: Carefully take apart the used Mitsubishi key to remove the fob circuit board from the diamond-shaped plastic housing.
- Install the fob into your flip key: Integrate the circuit board from the used key fob into your new flip key. Flip keys are often designed to accommodate these standard fob circuit boards.
- Program the fob using the OBDII port: Follow instructions specific to your Mitsubishi model to program the key fob. These instructions often involve using a paper clip to bridge pins in the OBDII port under your dashboard and cycling the ignition key to enter programming mode. Note: Search online for “Mitsubishi key fob programming OBDII” and your specific model for detailed steps.
Conclusion
By carefully following these steps, you can successfully convert to a flip key and program a used key fob for your Mitsubishi. This DIY project offers a cost-effective way to upgrade your car key and gain the convenience of remote locking and unlocking. Remember to handle the electronic components with care and to research the specific programming procedure for your exact Mitsubishi model to ensure a smooth process.
