[Xaque]

Hey everyone!

As I stated in this thread here, I have been working on getting an Acura "Flip Key" to work with my (our) Crosstour.

I am happy to report that I have gotten it to work, and I am starting this new thread to explain the quick and painless process!

Here is the run down:

First, you'll need the Acura TSX flip key from the '09-'10 model year. (The model year is important because they switched the actual key blade style).

The reason that the Acura TSX key works is because the transponder in the unit is the same as is in our Crosstours... as evidenced by the identical FCC ID on the back.

The Acura Key part # is: 35113-TL0-A00
(That is for Driver 1, For Driver 2 replace the last bit with "A10")

You can order the part directly from the Honda eStore, but it'll run you $177. I spoke to a parts manager at an Acura dealer that was willing to sell it to me for $125, but he didn't have it in stock and I would have had to wait until it shipped in. (I think he said his price for the part was $76, so if you know someone, or are good at negotiating, you may be able to talk down the price even more.)

I ended up ordering mine from iKeyless.com for $99 + $5 S&H.

There was a snafu about iKeyless not having it in stock initially, but as I was emailing back and forth, the shipment of them showed up. The customer service was topnotch (no delays in communication) and I was promptly offered a refund or the option to wait when they thought they weren't going to be in for a little bit.

Next, go to your local Honda dealer and have them cut the Acura blank to match your existing key. I had the key code, but all the parts guy wanted was my existing key.

After it was cut (and I confirmed it worked in my locks) I went over to Service, and had them program it to match the car.

NOTE: It is possible to program the remote portion yourself, but the keys have a transponder in them as well. There have been some write-ups online where people explain a process of removing the existing transponder from the valet key and replacing the one in the new flip... but it's literally a "hack" job.

This is why I opted to just go to the dealer and have the new flip programmed correctly.

Our Crosstours can have as many as 3 remotes, and 6 (transponder) keys programmed for use. This means that I was able to keep my 2 original remote keys, my valet key, and add the flip key.

Also, all that was needed to program the new key was 1 existing key. I was told that since I'm only adding one key, you don't need all of them. (Conversely, if you are programming 2+ keys, ALL the keys you wish to program with the vehicle, such as the valet key, have to be present.)

My local Honda dealer charged me $39.50 for cutting and programming the new key.

After 15 minutes my car was ready and I was handed the working Acura flip key by a very surprised service tech.

The best part is that the Trunk button actually works!

If the vehicle is locked, you can press (and hold) the trunk release button and it will unlatch the rear hatch. I've found that you need to apply upward pressure while you do this, because simply pressing the button wont unlatch it fully. Then, once you are done rooting around you can close the hatch and the vehicle will remain locked.

Needless to say I am very pleased with my new flip key, and would recommend it to anyone. As long as you have a working Crosstour key, and can manage to order the right part number, there isn't any skill needed.

I'd say the hardest part of the entire mod was convincing the people at the Honda dealer to just take me word that it would work, and to try programming it like any other key. (I basically argued with them for 5min about whether it could be done, I finally had to say that I would pay even if it didn't work, and that they need to just "try" it.)

All said and done, the mod cost me a total of $144.40 which I'm sure some people will think is too steep to "fix" something that isn't broken... but I feel over all, it's very inexpensive for a fun and unique key.

Here are the pictures...

As I said in the other thread, I ordered the replacement flip key from eBay for about $15... but after I received it, I figured that the piece of mind that comes with an OEM part, and the fact that some modification was going to have to be done with the eBay part, it was worth it to me to spend the extra $$ on the Acura key.

-Zack

 

[ifonline]

I'm having a hard time understanding the motivation for this. You have a working standard key, and after spending $144, you have a flip key that, when folded up, is almost as long as the standard key and appears to be a bit thicker.

I could better understand doing this if the flip key was smaller than the standard key, but it doesn't appear that way. So, what's the motivation to spend the $144?

 

[pgarci01]

That's pretty good. That flip key is next on my mod list lol. 144 is a good deal compared to some of the prices I've seen. So you have the new Acura key, your 2 old keys, and the valet key? I'm still not clear about what it means to cut the key. So they make the Acura key smaller so it can fit in the ignition?

 

[Xaque]

I'm having a hard time understanding the motivation for this. You have a working standard key, and after spending $144, you have a flip key that, when folded up, is almost as long as the standard key and appears to be a bit thicker.

I could better understand doing this if the flip key was smaller than the standard key, but it doesn't appear that way. So, what's the motivation to spend the $144?

Yes, I addressed this in my post...

Some people are going to think this mod is a waste of money. Some people are going to think it's really neat-o.

In that way it's just like *any* car mod.... hell, there has even been a similar debate regarding the OEM Nav system.

I wanted something "fun" and "unique" and I feel the current Crosstour keys are ugly as sin. And while the folded fob is bulky, now when it's the only thing in my pocket (I don't have it attached to other keys), it isn't poking me.

Plus, now I have a trunk release button as well.

To each their own.

 

[Xaque]

That's pretty good. That flip key is next on my mod list lol. 144 is a good deal compared to some of the prices I've seen. So you have the new Acura key, your 2 old keys, and the valet key? I'm still not clear about what it means to cut the key. So they make the Acura key smaller so it can fit in the ignition?

By "cut" I mean that when you order the key there are no groves in it, this is called a "blank."

The metal part comes as a solid piece of metal. When you take it to the parts dept, they use a machine to carve out (or "cut") the specific groove pattern for it to work in your vehicle.

The reason the requires a '09/'10 model year flip is because the "blank" that it starts with is the same as our Crosstour keys.

And yes, this Flip Key is now working and programmed in addition to the 2 other remote keys and the 1 Valet Key. (So now I have a total of 4 keys)

 

[pgarci01]

Ooooooooooo lol... I'm mad I confused myself so much lmao... Definitely gonna do this mod thanks for the info.

 

[Rodrir]

Does the flip key have the Acura symbol on the other side?

 

[Xaque]

Does the flip key have the Acura symbol on the other side?

Yes it does...

I haven't looked into prying it out yet.

 

[chefmark]

Pretty cool!!! Not a mod I would do but it's pretty good work getting it done. Nice Job!!

 

[CC816]

Very nice. Kudos on the excellent "how to" as well. It's a very tempting mod but my wife may not agree with me when i tell her that this is a good way to spend 144$!!!

 

[Xaque]

Very nice. Kudos on the excellent "how to" as well. It's a very tempting mod but my wife may not agree with me when i tell her that this is a good way to spend 144$!!!

You should just explain to her that it's less than half of one percent of the total price of the car!

You can't afford *not* to!

 

[IQ9]

I guess my ebay flip key now needs a replacement and a factory key is always a great way to go. Thanks for the how to. I have been quoted a reprogram of $175...so we will see if they actually charge that much when they get a copy of the how to and see a dealer invoice for 40 bucks.Thanks again!!

 

[CC816]

You should just explain to her that it's less than half of one percent of the total price of the car!

You can't afford *not* to!

She'd see right trhough that one!

 

[gibnihtmus]

Sorry to bring this thread back to life but what about the immobilizer. I saw on some other forums that the Accord has an immobilizer programed into their keys. Did the Dealership do that too?

And does the key have to be a TSX key or can it be a TL key?

 

[Xaque]

Sorry to bring this thread back to life but what about the immobilizer. I saw on some other forums that the Accord has an immobilizer programed into their keys. Did the Dealership do that too?

And does the key have to be a TSX key or can it be a TL key?

The immobilizer comes into play with the transponder in the key. That's why I had it brought to the dealer to have it programmed.

You can program the lock/unlock buttons to work, but without the dealer software to "add" the new key's transponder to the carputer, it wont work to actually start the car.

As far as which key to use, the part number I listed is the only one I found would work (at the time of the original write-up). The reason being that the actual transmitter in the key must work on the same freq and programming as the car's receiver. This is the case with the key I showed.

Although, it seems that you can use any key you want as long as:

1) The metal blade part is the same diameter/dimensions and
2) The FCC ID number on the back is the same as your original one

Assuming both those requirements are met, you should be able to use any key you want.

All I can tell you for certain is the key (and part number) I listed are assured to work. It's what I've been using successfully this whole time.

There may be other keys out there that would work, but I don't know which ones those might be.

 

[gibnihtmus]

Ok I just bought a TL key with the same FCC ID and I called (didn't go in yet, because I don't have the key) and they said that they would be able to cut it but not program it. What would I have to tell them to at least try it? and I bought my key from an acura dealership.

 

[Xaque]

My first post should outline everything...

The programming process is exactly the same whether it is a Honda key or an Acura key.

I had to assure the service rep that I would pay for his time whether it worked or now... and that I just wanted him to try.

It took some insisting but he finally tried and was shocked that it worked.


Along with the FCC ID make sure the metal "blade" part is the same dimensions. They changed the size of it (diameter I think?) between some models and years.

Let us know how it turns out!

 

[John_Carter6777]

Hey everyone!

As I stated in this thread here, I have been working on getting an Acura "Flip Key" to work with my (our) Crosstour.

I am happy to report that I have gotten it to work, and I am starting this new thread to explain the quick and painless process!

Here is the run down:

First, you'll need the Acura TSX flip key from the '09-'10 model year. (The model year is important because they switched the actual key blade style).

The reason that the Acura TSX key works is because the transponder in the unit is the same as is in our Crosstours... as evidenced by the identical FCC ID on the back.

The Acura Key part # is: 35113-TL0-A00
(That is for Driver 1, For Driver 2 replace the last bit with "A10")

You can order the part directly from the Honda eStore, but it'll run you $177. I spoke to a parts manager at an Acura dealer that was willing to sell it to me for $125, but he didn't have it in stock and I would have had to wait until it shipped in. (I think he said his price for the part was $76, so if you know someone, or are good at negotiating, you may be able to talk down the price even more.)

I ended up ordering mine from iKeyless.com for $99 + $5 S&H.

There was a snafu about iKeyless not having it in stock initially, but as I was emailing back and forth, the shipment of them showed up. The customer service was topnotch (no delays in communication) and I was promptly offered a refund or the option to wait when they thought they weren't going to be in for a little bit.

Next, go to your local Honda dealer and have them cut the Acura blank to match your existing key. I had the key code, but all the parts guy wanted was my existing key.

After it was cut (and I confirmed it worked in my locks) I went over to Service, and had them program it to match the car.

NOTE: It is possible to program the remote portion yourself, but the keys have a transponder in them as well. There have been some write-ups online where people explain a process of removing the existing transponder from the valet key and replacing the one in the new flip... but it's literally a "hack" job.

This is why I opted to just go to the dealer and have the new flip programmed correctly.

Our Crosstours can have as many as 3 remotes, and 6 (transponder) keys programmed for use. This means that I was able to keep my 2 original remote keys, my valet key, and add the flip key.

Also, all that was needed to program the new key was 1 existing key. I was told that since I'm only adding one key, you don't need all of them. (Conversely, if you are programming 2+ keys, ALL the keys you wish to program with the vehicle, such as the valet key, have to be present.)

My local Honda dealer charged me $39.50 for cutting and programming the new key.

After 15 minutes my car was ready and I was handed the working Acura flip key by a very surprised service tech.

The best part is that the Trunk button actually works!

If the vehicle is locked, you can press (and hold) the trunk release button and it will unlatch the rear hatch. I've found that you need to apply upward pressure while you do this, because simply pressing the button wont unlatch it fully. Then, once you are done rooting around you can close the hatch and the vehicle will remain locked.

Needless to say I am very pleased with my new flip key, and would recommend it to anyone. As long as you have a working Crosstour key, and can manage to order the right part number, there isn't any skill needed.

I'd say the hardest part of the entire mod was convincing the people at the Honda dealer to just take me word that it would work, and to try programming it like any other key. (I basically argued with them for 5min about whether it could be done, I finally had to say that I would pay even if it didn't work, and that they need to just "try" it.)

All said and done, the mod cost me a total of $144.40 which I'm sure some people will think is too steep to "fix" something that isn't broken... but I feel over all, it's very inexpensive for a fun and unique key.

Here are the pictures...

As I said in the other thread, I ordered the replacement flip key from eBay for about $15... but after I received it, I figured that the piece of mind that comes with an OEM part, and the fact that some modification was going to have to be done with the eBay part, it was worth it to me to spend the extra $$ on the Acura key.

-Zack

You covered everything in that post. I'm saving this! Thanks for sharing it!!!

 

[Johnnysons]

it looks so cute and does it have the acura symbol on the other side of the key.

 

[blackvl]

My humble opinion, which you can ignore...

Interesting - as an exercise in "can I do that?", but the Honda key fob does everything your reprogrammed Acura key fob does, but without the "hassle" and cost of materials and service, for reprogramming. If I want to open the trunk, I simply press the unlock button twice. I'm not concerned that the door locks open, too. A press of the lock button, locks everything.

Now, if we can get someone to figure out how to improve the Nav programming and features, thru user hacks, I'm all ears!

Vince