How-to bypass the chip key

[coastalcop]

Admittedly my google/search fu is lacking, but after two search strings I figured I would post this. I have a hard time keeping track of keys ( and I want several spares). So did my son when he was at home. To that end I began a search of chipped key bypass.

Among the candidates was reprogramming a f-150 chip ( cut the key off the chip) to activate the bypass on my concours 14. There were several other cars ( Miata, mr2 Spyder, amongst others including the Jeep now)

This is a low tech approach, and is not advised if you don’t have at least one chipped key spare. You have been warned.

Pics to follow.

Step one, take your chipped key and explain to the key cutter that you are very aware that the non chipped key they are cutting won’t start the Jeep. Go outside and make sure the key turns the lock ( might start for >3 seconds before shutting off)

Step two: go home and pull the shroud around the steering column ( the bottom half is the on you want)

Step three: place your “chipped” key against the locking cylinder at 12, 3, 6 , and 9 o’clock positions while trying to start the Jeep with the non chipped key. Note whichever works best.

Step four: ziptie chipped key in the position it works best at ( mine was close to 12) and button the steering column back up.

Enjoy only paying 2.99 a key for spares, while still having a hidden key if you lose all your kit in a storm or at the casino . You can still get home in your undies


As I said I’ve done this or variations of this to tons on my vehicles ( attempting to steal them would be unhealthy . ). And I might not recommend it where autotheft is an advanced art. Day to day though this is a pretty easy hack.

Hope you like.

 

[06TJ35's]

I had this similar problem with my dads 2003 VW Eurovan. The second day of owning the vehicle my dad lost 1 of 2 main keys. We went to TWO dealerships to get a second pair. Dam techs couldn’t program the new keys at either dealership. My dad didn’t know what to do. We had 2 keys made but will not turn on the car because they had no chip . Then I came up with two options either Take the chip out of the key and tape it next to the steering column like you did. Second find a place inside the Eurovan to store the main key and open the doors with the non chip key. My dad opted for the second option. Our problem was fixed we just spent $6 on the non chipped keys. Volkswagen was charging us $150+ for a key they couldn’t program. I got my dads money back and told the service writer they need new techs

 

[mrblaine]

I had this similar problem with my dads 2003 VW Eurovan. The second day of owning the vehicle my dad lost 1 of 2 main keys. We went to TWO dealerships to get a second pair. Dam techs couldn’t program the new keys at either dealership. My dad didn’t know what to do. We had 2 keys made but will not turn on the car because they had no chip . Then I came up with two options either Take the chip out of the key and tape it next to the steering column like you did. Second find a place inside the Eurovan to store the main key and open the doors with the non chip key. My dad opted for the second option. Our problem was fixed we just spent $6 on the non chipped keys. Volkswagen was charging us $150+ for a key they couldn’t program. I got my dads money back and told the service writer they need new techs

Does anyone really care if someone steals their Eurovan?

 

[coastalcop]

Does anyone really care if someone steals their Eurovan?

Most of mine were soft top conversions , BUT I don’t live/stay in high likelihood theft areas. Many moons ago I was forced to stay in a 29 bucks a night motel ( I was tired and all I could afford then). My 70 mustang slept outside . Funny thing about those old mustangs. You couldn’t take the key out unless you were in reverse. The shift to reverse rotated a locking collar on the steering column allowing you to take out your key.

So you remove the linkage from the the tranny and when you park it ( or need reverse). You grab the column and give it a twist. You’re either backing up , or if your parking, the stick shift appears in neutral.

Couple that with a high po 302 ( ok powerful for the era . ) and anyone trying to Hotwire my ride is suddenly tracking backwards at 15-20 mph ( given starting idle and starter)

Slept like a baby that night ( except for the roaches, and sleeping in my bag on top of the covers )


This hack is for those without the high crime concerns. If I was I one of those areas I would weld a couple links inside the cab to lock the shifter/ wheel to with a padlock, give them something to see and say “ screw it, let’s fund something easier”. Good for a night, but not two as they might come back with the right tools for the job.

With theft it’s a time/reward equation, push the time out and they go elsewhere.

In my uniform time, most thefts were from unlocked vehicles. Leave a yeti cooler or Calcutta reels in the back of the boat/ truck overnight and they would grow legs.

Easiest question is whether I would leave the same amount of cash laying wher whatever it is. Is placed under the current security. If no, move or harden the security .