Thought I’d share a quick and easy mod which I think is pretty cool.

Trawling across the U.S eBay site, I came across a flip-folding key shell for the Galant and Endeavour (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Remodel-Case-Uncut-Flip-Folding-Key-Shell-For-Mitsubishi-Lancer-Galant-Raider-4B-/130918186046?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMitsubishi%7CModel%3AEndeavor&hash=item1e7b54fc3e&vxp=mtr#ht_3144wt_932). It was only $15 so I decided to grab it. Two weeks later the shell arrived from Hong Kong.

It cost me $4 to get the blank key cut at the local cobbler and took just a couple of minutes to transplant the internals from my spare remote into the new shell.

Easy as that. I’m pretty impressed – it looks OEM and the flip key is fun to play with lol

Check it...

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/jackal_021/20130718_133201_zpse1904106.jpg

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/jackal_021/20130718_133209_zps536c1e06.jpg

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/jackal_021/20130718_133218_zps5dcfb73f.jpg

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/jackal_021/20130718_133243_zpsc7675ea2.jpg

Was there a part number on this as I may be able to get these directly out of Japan

Was there a part number on this as I may be able to get these directly out of Japan

No part number unfortunately. I don’t think it’s an OEM part; rather it’s a “remodelled” case.

Ooh I may also do this, never was a fan of our immobilisers with their spongey, spongey ways.

EDIT: Oh wait, I've wandered into the 380 section. Reckon this would work for third gens also?

In a word, no. No way this would work with a third gen.

Hey looks a great mod
Just ordered one
Cheers for the info'

nice find, looks pretty cool

stupid question, but being hong kong ebay item, would there be a possibility of the key being cheap and prone to snapping off in the barrell ?

Nice find. My missus would love this. Thanks.

nice find, looks pretty cool

stupid question, but being hong kong ebay item, would there be a possibility of the key being cheap and prone to snapping off in the barrell ?

First one to find out wins a prize!

Yep, great find mate, my girlfriend's Hyundai has the same thing as OEM, just ordered one to "catch up with the Jones's".

All good gents.
As I said, I’m really pleased with it. It looks and feels OEM. I think it adds a bit of a premium touch as well (Y)


nice find, looks pretty cool

stupid question, but being hong kong ebay item, would there be a possibility of the key being cheap and prone to snapping off in the barrell ?

To be honest, I don’t have any concerns with the strength of the key. Who knows, it might end up snapping off but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap or weak to me.

Thats Great news... Cheers..

Thanks!

Humm does this only work for 380's or can i grab one as well :)

Just ordered mine! Thanks!

Me too :)

Hey looks a great mod
Just ordered one
Cheers for the info'


Nice find. My missus would love this. Thanks.


Yep, great find mate, my girlfriend's Hyundai has the same thing as OEM, just ordered one to "catch up with the Jones's".


Thanks!


Just ordered mine! Thanks!


Me too :)


lol.......seller is going to go nuts and wonder why the sudden interest in this item ,and all from Australia at the same time...goes without saying that i will order one soon as well.

He will probably increase the price
Better get in quick

lol.......seller is going to go nuts and wonder why the sudden interest in this item ,and all from Australia at the same time...goes without saying that i will order one soon as well.

When I posted this yesterday, 59 had been sold - it's now gone up to 74 lol

Mine is on it's way LOL

He will probably increase the price
Better get in quick

Maybe we should invite him to the forum?

He will probably increase the price
Better get in quick

theres a few other sellers with the same thing for a few bucks cheaper anyway. Looks like theyre all getting from same place

I ordered two!

Mines ordered. Looksgood.:happy::gtfo:

Thanks for the info. Been interested in getting a flip key for ages.

took just a couple of minutes to transplant the internals from my spare remote into the new shell.

How was this done?

How was this done?

yeah and how come wont work with a 3rd gen? or is this item similar to a 380 key? ive never seen one

How was this done?

Simple. Open up the standard remote and remove the button assembly then place it in the new housing.

Unlike other cars, the 380's immobiliser transponder is contained within the button assembly rather than buried within the remote itself. This means you can just transplant the internals and not worry about stuffing around trying to dig the transponder out of the plastic in the standard remote.


yeah and how come wont work with a 3rd gen? or is this item similar to a 380 key? ive never seen one

A Third Gen Magna key is a completely different shape to a 380 key.
This flip-key remote works in a 380 because it was designed for the US Ninth Gen Galant and Endeavour 4x4 which the Australian 380 is based on.

In addition, the third gens have the immobiliser transponder in the key fob and not part of the remote so no go unless you detatch the fob and hide it behind the dash and next to the key barrel and then somehow fashion the actual key to fit in the new housing. But, I am sure the buttons positions will all be wrong so keep dreaming.

so keep dreaming.

lol Pretty much this.
I think the current Lancers have the key+remote+immobiliser chip all in one unit, as well. So this may be an option if you have a current Lancer.
Any setup that has the transponder chip in the key head and a separate remote, no way is the flip key any good.

I was going to order one of these, but then I'd want to go out and buy a 380 to match the key. Not yet, one day. lol

lol Pretty much this.
I think the current Lancers have the key+remote+immobiliser chip all in one unit, as well. So this may be an option if you have a current Lancer.
Any setup that has the transponder chip in the key head and a separate remote, no way is the flip key any good.

I was going to order one of these, but then I'd want to go out and buy a 380 to match the key. Not yet, one day. lol

My lancer doesn't need a key...so I'm one step ahead of everyone....lol

@OP, nice little find for the 380 owners. Well done.

:( im jelly now

I have a flip key for the BA, this is MUCH easier!

Was so impressed I just brought one. Thanks and what a great find.

Very cool find my 380 as a new present and I have a flip key....flip key opens, flip key closes, flip key opens..... fun all day long Thanks for the link!

l just brought two now have too wait

Do you think someone could please do one of the DIY guides to swap it over?
I only have 1 key, and if I find a way to break it, I really can't afford to buy a new one!

Do you think someone could please do one of the DIY guides to swap it over?
I only have 1 key, and if I find a way to break it, I really can't afford to buy a new one!

Its really easy, just pry open the key case at the little notch above the unlock button. I used a screwdriver, that will damage the plastic of the old key though, use a softer material if keeping the old key is important. The buttons inside are housed in a plastic unit, just putt that into the new key and its done.

Do you think someone could please do one of the DIY guides to swap it over?

I 2nd this! Along with pictures too, would be fantastic!

My flip keys came today. I am not getting a good response on the boot button when I have it in the new housing. The other buttons are fine, but the boot sort of jams and doesn't respond with a click etc. Works ok outside the housing when I test it.

Also, only the screw at the bottom needs to be removed, so you don't have to mess with the spring, etc for the flip key part.

Dammit, the key cutting guys need the blade removed to cut the other side of the key it seems? So I do have to fiddle with the spring again, and I had just put the Mitsu logo sticker on, covering the screw hole!

It seems that the boot key responds ok when the key is not clamped down and screwed together, but a little more pressure when it's fully closed jams it up.

Dammit, the key cutting guys need the blade removed to cut the other side of the key it seems? So I do have to fiddle with the spring again, and I had just put the Mitsu logo sticker on, covering the screw hole!

It seems that the boot key responds ok when the key is not clamped down and screwed together, but a little more pressure when it's fully closed jams it up.

Have you aligned it correctly? Perhaps there is a bit of misalignment with the holes. See where it is jamming and then use a nail file to enlarge the hole a bit.

It just seems to squish down on that part of the transponder unit too much when it's properly closed. It seems to align ok, and this happens with both the new key cases.

Has anyone's key cutter been able to cut the key while it's still attached? Key King's equipment could not access both sides.

in that case that bit is too shallow. sand base and cover, esp around the opening.

in that case that bit is too shallow. sand base and cover, esp around the opening. btw is there a rubber seal ring? is that in place? that would normally provide a bit more depth.

There is no rubber seal on either the original or the new casing. I'm just wondering why I'm the only one so far to experience this. I was hoping for an easy plug and play solution.

Yep, I should have mentioned that. I found my case to be a little shallow causing the buttons to squash. I wasn't sure if my remote was just a bit dodgy.
A light bit of sanding to file down the inside of the remote fixed it up though.

Regarding the key cutting, you need to fully disassemble the flip key part. This video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWFq1U3N9u8)really helped when it came to putting it all back together.

Ok, thanks for that, I will break out the dremel maybe.

I've already worked out the flip key part as I took the whole thing apart the first time and then realised I didn't need to, but now I do need to so the key can be cut.

All this after I place the stickers over those holes!!!!

Don't use the dremel. You don't want to accidentally go through the plastic. Just use a coarse 100-150 grit sandpaper first and then finish off with 400 grit sandpaper.

Mine arrived today

Mine arrived today too.

Try as I might, I could not get the boot release button to work at all. Sanding, fiddling, you name it, nothing worked.

The solution for me was to ditch the new buttons and replace them with the OEM remote buttons. Now works a treat.

The OEM buttons are a bit faded, but at least they are coated with some sort of sealant.

The conversion buttons might look nice and white & bright by comparison, but I found that after a few presses on the boot release button half of the white paint wore off in no time flat. They are not coated at all.

Also, the OEM panic button looks way better than the conversion version.

So that's my tip - ditch the new buttons and use the OEM buttons.

Mine arrived today too.


The solution for me was to ditch the new buttons and replace them with the OEM remote buttons. Now works a treat.


So that's my tip - ditch the new buttons and use the OEM buttons.

Thanks for the tip - followed your advice and no problems with mine

I'm late to the party but I just ordered mine.

Interesting, I had to sand down the boot release and Panic button for mine to work, Other buttons, might try that...
Mind you my (spare) remote/key is in pretty poor shape, it doesn't hold itself together at all... It a bit broke, no idea how that came about....:/

I'm late to the party but I just ordered mine.
I'm in the same boat haha

got mine yesterday. I feels very much like a cheap Chinese flip conversion haha which it is. I found the flip key buttons worked better than the factory ones in mine. found the quality is a bit low and the key wobbles in the plastic housing too much. it could of been better but I still like it haha

Yes agreed
I have decided not to use mine
Shame

Nice find. I will have to order one as I have broken the casing on one of my keys.

Still waiting for mine to arrive. Hope it's better than what I've been reading....:doubt: Still looking forward to it though. :)

i got mine but had problems with the key one minute turns then the next very hard grr after a couple of times came good found the buttons that came were better in mine, also have a spare if someone wants it pm and we can talk.

Got mine and is working fine. Still don't trust it completely so I'll also carry one of the spares I have. 5 keys in total now LO

Got mine also. Works well. Key abithard to turn in the door but otherwise ok. :woot:

Mine finally arrived on Thursday. had to remove the blank key from the body so I could get the key cut, but that was easy as. Even improved it a little by adding 1 extra twist on the spring when putting it back together. Over all it works like a charm. Buttons are a little sticky, even when replaced with the original ones but it's not a huge issue. The key is a little sticky as well in the door lock and ignition but I assume as it gets used it will wear and smooth over and won't be a problem. Once again, thanks and great find.:)

Cool cool. I’m glad to hear people aren’t having too many issues. I’ve had my key for about a month now and alls going well so far (Y)

For those finding the key to be a little hard to remove, mine was like that initially but it seems to have smoothed out now.

Got mine, and all is well :)

Just curious, how much did you guys pay to get the key cut? I got quoted 35.95 by Mister Minit.... I thought that was insane! I ended up paying $17 at a watch shop, with no guarantee it'd work, because he didn't want to use my blank. All worked fine though :)

I paid $22 for mine to be cut because they had to cut a new key as they didn't want to damage the original key.

I paid $12.50 at a professional locksmith shop. After trying two cobbler/key cutting shops, who both said 'sorry, the new key won't fit in our machine, it's too long'.
The pro shop removed the key blank from the case by knocking out the little pin that holds it in place, then reinserted the pin. No problems at all with a sticky key, in either the ignition or the door.

I paid $20 for two genuine keys to get cut about two months ago. Went back to Mister Minute and they didn't charge me at all. He also didn't have to remove the key from the casing.

Got mine, and all is well :)

Just curious, how much did you guys pay to get the key cut? I got quoted 35.95 by Mister Minit.... I thought that was insane! I ended up paying $17 at a watch shop, with no guarantee it'd work, because he didn't want to use my blank. All worked fine though :)

Wow. I paid $7 at Mister Minit a local shopping centre (Perth). All he wanted was the blank key removed from the remote body as that wouldn't fit into the key cutting machine. The sticky bit I was having is almost gone even with only a couple days of use. I think a couple more weeks and it would be like any other key.

I received my flip key today, had it cut at the Cobbler for $11. I wasn't asked to remove any of the components and he had done it in 15 mins. I managed to keep the buttons that came with the key, I did have to Dremel the sides of the housing as the security chip house was slighter wider than what the housing was, this was causing the buttons to rise to high. Once I slightly Dremeled the sides, the security chip housing fitted nicely and the buttons did not stick at all. I have a Series III VRX, key works perfectly, very happy with it.

The saga continues.

Trying to find someone to cut the key without pulling it apart, since I had stuck on the logo sticker really well, I finally got down to the Mr Minit at the local shops, rather than the two near work.

Without trying, he said he "could" cut it for me, but it would cost $79.95. Yes, I confirmed he was talking about $80. Seems they have a policy to charge that much to cut keys that aren't purchased through them. He said something about knowing it's not right, but it's the way it is.

I am guessing this policy does not run at all Mr Minit shops.

I'll just keep trying.

The saga continues.

Trying to find someone to cut the key without pulling it apart, since I had stuck on the logo sticker really well, I finally got down to the Mr Minit at the local shops, rather than the two near work.

Without trying, he said he "could" cut it for me, but it would cost $79.95. Yes, I confirmed he was talking about $80. Seems they have a policy to charge that much to cut keys that aren't purchased through them. He said something about knowing it's not right, but it's the way it is.

I am guessing this policy does not run at all Mr Minit shops.

I'll just keep trying.

Mate that is total BS, I got mine cut at Mr Minit for about $20 and the key wasn't dismantled at all.

Mine how ever isn't working properly. The boot button is now very firm. Unlocking actually opens the boot also :/

Might open it up and see if the transponder has shifted at all.

Tell me about it, I was hopeful that these guys could do it without pulling it apart, but not for $80. I know that people in this thread, like yourself, have gotten it cut for a decent price and without dismantling. I will just keep looking around.

My boot key is always firm so when I get it properly cut I'll look at removing the problem.

Got one last week , I wont be paying $80 to get it cut what a joke, try elsewhere

don't know what game those places are playing but I got mine cut without being pulled apart n that was $20. reckon I could of got it done cheaper as well if I just asked around

what sort of shop was that at Danny?

mister minit in Mittagong.

Cool, I'll have to keep checking Mr Minits in my area.

Guys, best you dont cut off your existing key as it will be worn, either check in your cars paperwork or contact your local dealer and get your key code from them, any decent locksmith can then cut your new key from this code and it will be 100%

...... Or use your spare key that's never been used like I did and you won't have any issues...

I need to get a 2nd key and remote......how did these flip remotes go? Did any of you who bought them have any issues apart from some minor fitting mods needed? Are they still going ok?

Has anyone bought the transponder from fleabay or did you go genuine?

sean

I used mine for about a week before reverting back to the OEM ones.. There wasn't a quality feel to it and the buttons didn't work properly and the boot would pop open by itself.

I've been using mine for over a year with no problems, just take care when fitting the transponder as the inner walls need filing out to make it fit.