New Style Flip Key

[junebug1701]

Originally posted July 1st, 2011:

After getting stabbed in the thigh one too many times by the sword-like remote key, I decided to get one of the flip out "switchblade" keys. Browsing eBay and looking at the "Autobot" key and the original flip key reviewed on the forums, I found this one which I had not seen before:

Ebay flip key

So I figured I would take a chance and order it for $16. I'll report back here when it arrives from China.

-------------------

Today, July 16th, 2011:

Well, the flip key arrived in the mail today. It took 16 days to make the trip from China. Packaging is minimal--foam wrapped in a padded envelope. First impressions were very good--it seems well made with a little heft to it because of the chrome plated metal frame. At first glance it looks like a fancy cigarette lighter!

Before doing anything with it, I brought it down to my local locksmith shop and asked if he could cut it. He said he wasn't sure if it would fit on his machine, but it did and he cut it with no problems. He charged me around 2 bucks to cut it, and I went outside and checked it in the door, and the ignition cylinder. It worked fine on both sides, so I went back home and took it apart. There are 4 tiny screws holding it together, 2 that secure the spring/key blade side, and 2 for the compartment that holds the remote module. It came with 4 spare screws, a swivel eyelet, and a stick-on Toyota emblem. The screws that hold the spring side are in the indent for the emblem, and when you remove them the spring will tend to push the housing apart. Also in this end is a recess for the immobilizer chip.

Ah, yes, the immobilizer chip. Opening the Toyota key and transferring the remote module to the flip key was a piece of cake--it fit perfectly. But they used a lot of glue on my immobilizer chip. I had to carefully Dremel out the plastic surrounding it without damaging the chip itself. It was like a dentist trying to extract a tooth without cracking it. Finally got it out intact with an Xacto knife. I thought I might have to glue it into the flip key housing, but it was a snug fit and there is a plastic ridge on the opposite cover that keeps it in place. When putting the spring side cover on you have to spin it around 1 rotation to charge the spring, then hold it down while securing it with the 2 screws. Finally, secure the larger cover with the other screws and stick on the Toyota emblem. I then went out to the RAV to test it and it works great! Not a bad deal for 16 bucks and the shipping's free as long as you're not in a hurry. Here are a few pics:

As received:

This is how it looks in the driver's door:

And in the ignition in the OFF position:

And in the RUN position:

And on the desk:

[Phoenix999]

Thats interesting.... a car key, I had forgotten what they look like ;)

[Cyker]

Nice

[junebug1701]

The button marked "HOLD" is the panic alarm. Holding that button down for 1-2 seconds sounds the horn and flashes the lights. That's the only alarm we get standard on the North American models.

[webleymk3]

That is superb... it really should be the standard key...