D3 key

[RobMichelle]

Gday all, I tried searching but can’t find info which I’m sure would be here somewhere but I use my phone so not sure if that’s why.
Is it worth buying the keys off eBay that are programmable and apparently can be cut by a locksmith for 50 odd bucks, or is it better to get one through dealer for $426 that is cut from vin in uk and half programmed and finish off with nanocom?
Anyone tried cheap option or just bite bullet and get from dealer.
Rob

[Tombie]

The cheap ones have never given me grief.
Is it the fob that’s damaged or the circuit as well?
Or are you just chasing another key?

[Narangga]

Anyone tried cheap option or just bite bullet and get from dealer.
Rob

Yes. Key blade can be cut by any locksmith. You either need the key code or a straight key to copy.

Ebay fob's and transponders (circuit boards) are fine as long as it is the same frequency as your vehicle.

My Nanocom has done multiple encodings on multiple vehicles from Ebay transponders.

[RobMichelle]

Thanks for replies, just after another one Tombie, this one has damage to rubber bit, just like having 2 just incase.

[RobMichelle]

So how do I know the frequency of the vehicle to get correct key?

[Narangga]

If it is only the case that has deteriorated then you do not need the transponder or a key blank.

A new empty fob will take the key blade and transponder (printed circuit board) from your current unit. It may need re-learning (as Nanocom calls it) to match it to the vehicle again. I say may, as when I change the battery in my fobs they do not need relearning as they work immediately with the vehicle. HTH.

[RobMichelle]

I will be getting a new key and fob, so I have 2 keys we don’t like only having only 1.
You mentioned earlier the need to ensure the fob is same frequency as vehicle, how do I check frequency of vehicle please?
I’ve looked in manual to no avail about to check owners manual that car with car in glove box

[DiscoDB]

In Australia should be 433 Mhz. I believe 315 Mhz was for North America.

[maxperformance]

From my experience the eBay keys are totally hit and miss. There will be 3 problems:

1. Key blade is not as the same shape, width, thickness as a LR needs. So many Locksmith refuse to cut the key off eBay, it's funny but real in Sydney. That means even if they cut it for you, you have no certainty or guarantee if it can work with the physical key.

2. The transponder might have problem by itself or not working full operation or hiccup that you can not claim anyone else but only eBay seller but that's only after you spent money for programming and they won't accept responsibility.

3. The quality of folding fob and case is a question too. It might feel very loose, flimsy, or broken out of the box.

So it might be good to bring your car to local Locksmith and ask if they can provide fully done key which if YES then price would be a lot easier.

[eddy]

1. Key blade is not as the same shape, width, thickness as a LR needs.

The key fob purchased through Ebay has worked well,easily programmed using Nanocom but the blank was too soft to be cut in the 'specialised' machine.
Resolved by using the Ford key blank HU101.

[101RRS]

I wanted to carry my spare fob key in the car in case I lost the main one when away some where. I went to a locksmith and asked them to just cut me a new key blade so that if I lost a fob I could gain access through the passenger door to use the spare one.

Most of the locksmiths did not carry blanks and did not want to do the the job but I did find a "industrial" locksmith who carried blanks and was able to cut it - works fine if a bit expensive.

None of the locksmiths actually had LR replacement fobs (with electronics and transponder) and advised to buy genuine $$$$$$$$

Garry

[DiscoDB]

1. Key blade is not as the same shape, width, thickness as a LR needs.

The key fob purchased through Ebay has worked well,easily programmed using Nanocom but the blank was too soft to be cut in the 'specialised' machine.
Resolved by using the Ford key blank HU101.

+1 here....when I had mine cut they also just used a Ford blank which I then fitted to the LR eBay Fob.

Bought 2 so far off eBay - lock smith cuts key and then I program myself. One transponder I dropped onto the pavement and it stopped working. Glad it wasn’t an OEM fob I dropped....

When I buy I just look for a local seller who has good reviews. Any probs you know they will help sort.

[RobMichelle]

Got the new key off eBay cut today [emoji106] works in the ignition no problem, now purchased D3 program for nanocom awaiting new lead and program to program key etc