How to Swap Transponders from USDM key to JDM key
Jun 14, 2007, 07:11 PM
#1
How to Swap Transponders from USDM key to JDM key
Okay, this write up is for those of you who have purchased a JDM Evo Key, and can't get it to work w/ your evo.
I have an 05 Evo 8. I could not get mine to program using the basic method. I didn't want to spend 50 bucks to gamble on Hawaii Mitsu being able to program the key to my car, so I decided to just swap the transponders from one of my original keys.
Some of you on evom have had no problem having the dealer program their keys, I don't know if I couldn't because mine is an eight, but other people have confirmed that the transponder from the JDM key does not work w/ USDM ignitions.
First: the tools
Single edge razor blade/tool, Jewlers Phillips head screwdriver, and Jewlers Flat head screwdriver (not shown), I actually used a different crafstman screwdriver, but I put this picture in so everyone does not ask me what a jewlers screwdriver is.
Using the razor, cut along the seam line, starting from the shoulder of the key. It makes it easier if you cut off the loop that holds the key ring, since you wont be using this key anymore anyway.
I suggest starting from the left side (w/ the diamond star facing you), since the transponder is on the right side.
As you can see, you can now access the inner part of the key- the White plastic part:
To fully seperate it, You will need to cut a little rubber part that goes through the key- I'm guessing since the key was molded into the rubber.
after sliding the inner key out, you will be left w/ the next picture, I've outlined in black where the transponder is located.:
You will need to flip it over, and carefully cut a little white tab. You could also cut along the black line, but the plastic is really hard, and you don't want to damage the transponder, this way is a little easier.
The hole in this part, is where the white tab was cut out, and the black rubber plug was removed. You can now use the flat jewlers screwdriver to gently pry the metal part of the key out of the plastic part- there is a little black glue holding it in.
with the metal part of the key removed, you can now use the jewlers screwdriver to GENTLY pry the transponder out of it's home. The top of the transponder was where the rectangle ended, and use the screwdriver, to lightly "wiggle" the transponder out the hole in the bottom.
Now use the phillips head screwdriver to take off the back cover of the JDM key.
You can see the JDM transponder on the right side of the cover, after removal
I debated over what the best way to remove the transponder, I don't suggest using the screwdriver, since it could damage the plastic, and I don't reccomend just using pliers to yank it out either.
Best way, was to use the single edge razor w/ the flat side against the transponder to separate the transponder from the plastic, once one side is separated, it comes out very easily.
replace JDM transponder w/ USDM transponder, I didn't glue mine in, because I wanted to make sure it worked o.k.
at this point, put it back together to double check that the transponder is working in your ignition before you do any gluing.
I had no problems.
I hope this helps any of you people out there doing the swap; as for programming the remote, it programs the same way as the USDM remote, in fact, I had the remote programmed before the key.
here is a link on EvoM's how to section:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=104792
Thank's to member AUSS1E for that write up, and to member antics22 for the confirmation that this could be done.
One more note: Apology for the pics being a little on the blurry side, My camera was not charged, and I had to use my phone.
I have an 05 Evo 8. I could not get mine to program using the basic method. I didn't want to spend 50 bucks to gamble on Hawaii Mitsu being able to program the key to my car, so I decided to just swap the transponders from one of my original keys.
Some of you on evom have had no problem having the dealer program their keys, I don't know if I couldn't because mine is an eight, but other people have confirmed that the transponder from the JDM key does not work w/ USDM ignitions.
First: the tools
Single edge razor blade/tool, Jewlers Phillips head screwdriver, and Jewlers Flat head screwdriver (not shown), I actually used a different crafstman screwdriver, but I put this picture in so everyone does not ask me what a jewlers screwdriver is.
Using the razor, cut along the seam line, starting from the shoulder of the key. It makes it easier if you cut off the loop that holds the key ring, since you wont be using this key anymore anyway.
I suggest starting from the left side (w/ the diamond star facing you), since the transponder is on the right side.
As you can see, you can now access the inner part of the key- the White plastic part:
To fully seperate it, You will need to cut a little rubber part that goes through the key- I'm guessing since the key was molded into the rubber.
after sliding the inner key out, you will be left w/ the next picture, I've outlined in black where the transponder is located.:
You will need to flip it over, and carefully cut a little white tab. You could also cut along the black line, but the plastic is really hard, and you don't want to damage the transponder, this way is a little easier.
The hole in this part, is where the white tab was cut out, and the black rubber plug was removed. You can now use the flat jewlers screwdriver to gently pry the metal part of the key out of the plastic part- there is a little black glue holding it in.
with the metal part of the key removed, you can now use the jewlers screwdriver to GENTLY pry the transponder out of it's home. The top of the transponder was where the rectangle ended, and use the screwdriver, to lightly "wiggle" the transponder out the hole in the bottom.
Now use the phillips head screwdriver to take off the back cover of the JDM key.
You can see the JDM transponder on the right side of the cover, after removal
I debated over what the best way to remove the transponder, I don't suggest using the screwdriver, since it could damage the plastic, and I don't reccomend just using pliers to yank it out either.
Best way, was to use the single edge razor w/ the flat side against the transponder to separate the transponder from the plastic, once one side is separated, it comes out very easily.
replace JDM transponder w/ USDM transponder, I didn't glue mine in, because I wanted to make sure it worked o.k.
at this point, put it back together to double check that the transponder is working in your ignition before you do any gluing.
I had no problems.
I hope this helps any of you people out there doing the swap; as for programming the remote, it programs the same way as the USDM remote, in fact, I had the remote programmed before the key.
here is a link on EvoM's how to section:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=104792
Thank's to member AUSS1E for that write up, and to member antics22 for the confirmation that this could be done.
One more note: Apology for the pics being a little on the blurry side, My camera was not charged, and I had to use my phone.
Jun 20, 2007, 01:36 AM
#4
even the local dealer has a locksmith do all their keys for them (I heard they had a problem w/ key theft, so they outsourced keymaking!!!)
Jun 21, 2007, 09:48 PM
#5
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Any chance you could open up your key and see if the US transponder's part numbers match the JDM transponder's? If the numbers match, then it's the same transponder and it will be programmabe by a US dealer. I'd just hate to hack up a key if I don't have to.
The part numbers on my JDM transponder is:
top row - PCF7936AS
bottom row - VD7X60 93
The part numbers on my JDM transponder is:
top row - PCF7936AS
bottom row - VD7X60 93
Jun 22, 2007, 02:01 AM
#6
Any chance you could open up your key and see if the US transponder's part numbers match the JDM transponder's? If the numbers match, then it's the same transponder and it will be programmabe by a US dealer. I'd just hate to hack up a key if I don't have to.
The part numbers on my JDM transponder is:
top row - PCF7936AS
bottom row - VD7X60 93
The part numbers on my JDM transponder is:
top row - PCF7936AS
bottom row - VD7X60 93
middle row VD3F30 38
bottom row- Dn06190
my usdm transponder just one set of numbers- big, w/ no brand name.
B-04014.
My dealer said there was no guarantee, and I wasn't going to spend 60 bucks for failure, also, my key should have been able to program in using the 2 key method.
Also, one of my keys was breaking already- the alarm case was falling apart, and the rubber ring holding the key to the ring was craccked more than half way through.
Last edited by mrbkkt1; Jun 22, 2007 at 02:03 AM.
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May 7, 2009, 04:44 PM
#14
i'm interested. how much? i only ask 'cause my key seems to be getting held up in the ignition.. i'm HOPING it's the key.. not the cylinder..
a key is cheaper.
so.. this trick will also work if i buy a key/cylinder from another evo? i can swap transponders and be on my merry way?
assuming i can glue the US key back together, that is....
Dec 27, 2009, 09:38 PM
#15
I'm bringing this back from the dead because I need more info and the pic are gone. has anyone done it recently? and do you have pics? I'm looking at the JDM key and would like to have the remote on the key. No biggy but it would free us space on my key ring.
Last edited by rdtech; Dec 27, 2009 at 09:45 PM.