Commodore VX Keyfob

[rweiss]

The little soft rubber blisters covering the (lock/unlock) "buttons" on the key for a VX Commodore have perished and need replacing.

My local Holden parts dealer says the entire keyfob needs replacing and reprogramming at the not insubtsantial cost of $80 . . . which is to fix basically a 5 cent piece of rubber. Surely there has to be another option?.

On a similar note, the same dealer says the "battery" (I assume that there is a battery in the keyfob) cannot be replaced which also (how suprising) requires a new key . . surely this cannot be correct!

I would greatly appreciate someone's advice on this.

regards,
rweiss
Perth, WA

[shawie]

im with you but i just used my spares now i dont think you should have to get a whole new key but you never know with holden

[Ron]

Unfortunately it is, I`m going to have to replace mine very soon as well

[IIV8II]

$80? Damn, I paid $120


yep, battery is a built in non replaceable five-year jobbie

[NuffNuff]

http://www.users.on.net/~ddrgente/key.jpg

Sadly, it is time to retire the old key to spare duties. :wave:

I wonder what the VE keys will look like. Hopefully the higher specs will have some fancy flick job, certainly better then having a hip replacement after sitting on a key this size.

[AnthonyHSV]

The little soft rubber blisters covering the (lock/unlock) "buttons" on the key for a VX Commodore have perished and need replacing.

My local Holden parts dealer says the entire keyfob needs replacing and reprogramming at the not insubtsantial cost of $80 . . . which is to fix basically a 5 cent piece of rubber. Surely there has to be another option?.

On a similar note, the same dealer says the "battery" (I assume that there is a battery in the keyfob) cannot be replaced which also (how suprising) requires a new key . . surely this cannot be correct!

I would greatly appreciate someone's advice on this.

regards,
rweiss
Perth, WA

Have the same problem with my VT II

[SCiFiRE]

Ive replaced the battery with one bought at dick smiths before, its not hard. maybe i should do a tech article on it *lol*

[JMEVXSS]

The timing of this thread is uncanny as my 'unlock' button rubber also wore through and feel off just over the weekend.
I remember looking into a replacement key a little while back for my VS Calais and from memory the only fix was basically a new key for around the same price as above.
Cheers

[VX2VESS]

Ive replaced the battery with one bought at dick smiths before, its not hard. maybe i should do a tech article on it *lol*

but getting it to stay together after cracking them open for long periods isn't easy. keys get chucked around etc they usually come apart again.

maybe i should inquire for a deal on keys for LS1 members getting keys done. we only have 2,000 of them in the warehouse, another 2,000 odd spread in the stores.

[bobbyvtls1]

if its a good enough deal, ill take 2, both my normal and spare are rooted

[rweiss]

http://www.users.on.net/~ddrgente/key.jpg

Sadly, it is time to retire the old key to spare duties. :wave:

I wonder what the VE keys will look like. Hopefully the higher specs will have some fancy flick job, certainly better then having a hip replacement after sitting on a key this size.

Yep, that is exactly what mine looks like. Without wanting to be melodramatic, surely this is a case of price gouging? How can a manufacturer justify $80 (or one respondents $120) for what is basically a 50 cent part. Surly there must be some law against what is basically a ripoff?

rweiss
Perth, WA

[VooDoo]

lol, i swapped to the spare key yesterday. Weird timing this thread. Same issue.

[VX2VESS]

Yep, that is exactly what mine looks like. Without wanting to be melodramatic, surely this is a case of price gouging? How can a manufacturer justify $80 (or one respondents $120) for what is basically a 50 cent part. Surly there must be some law against what is basically a ripoff?

rweiss
Perth, WA

ah probably since the cost price is in the mid $30's from the supplier. other cars are worse, texas keys head cost price is $50, some other more.

so add on the retail and programming cost, equipment costs, logistics costs. $80 is a fair price for the seller, $120 isn't

[rweiss]

ah probably since the cost price is in the mid $30's from the supplier. other cars are worse, texas keys head cost price is $50, some other more.

so add on the retail and programming cost, equipment costs, logistics costs. $80 is a fair price for the seller, $120 isn't

Actually, I was referring to the little rubber blisters over the lock/unlock buttons, if I had to buy the whole key fair enough. But the question is, why can't I just buy the rubber covers (blisters) without having to buy an entire key? It's like having to buy an entire car due to a faulty spark plug :(

regards
rweiss
Perth, WA

[slucas]

you can pick up a new key head off ebay for 30 odd dollars ......wont break the bank:diddy:

[Steakman]

Actually, I was referring to the little rubber blisters over the lock/unlock buttons, if I had to buy the whole key fair enough. But the question is, why can't I just buy the rubber covers (blisters) without having to buy an entire key? It's like having to buy an entire car due to a faulty spark plug :(

regards
rweiss
Perth, WA

Its funny, is everyone having these problems with the keys? Not only is the rubber worn but my unlock button requires pushing it at a funny angle for it to work, while the lock and boot buttons work instantly. What not funny is the rediculous price for a replacment key. If we do get a special price I'm ordering at least 2 more at the rate these ones are wearing out. :bash:

[V8R]

you cant buy the rubbers because the key is a sealed unit..

[holdentech12655]

I hope your only replacing the remote head and not the whole key!
at our dealership we include swapping the key head and programming it to the vehicle for the retail cost of the key head.

[vyssls1]

any workshop with a carman scan, also the bosch scanner, can also code keys as well, also locksmiths can code keys, and also the dealership.

[Steakman]

any workshop with a carman scan, also the bosch scanner, can also code keys as well, also locksmiths can code keys, and also the dealership.

Good to know!

[AID-222]

how about this

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Commodore-3-Remote-Key-Head-VR-VS-VT-VX-VY-VZ_W0QQitemZ4607407538QQcategoryZ102360QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

[Steakman]

how about this

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Commodore-3-Remote-Key-Head-VR-VS-VT-VX-VY-VZ_W0QQitemZ4607407538QQcategoryZ102360QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

So after you buy the key you still need to get it coded to your car?

[rweiss]

you cant buy the rubbers because the key is a sealed unit..

Are you sure? my VX keyfod has 2 phillips headed screws which I presume (I haven't tried) you unscrew and open the keyfob?

Also, I presume that when you change over the keyfob (the head unit) you keep the metal key (which presumably is unique to the car); which implies that you buy just the keyfob which you to open to put in your old key which also implies that you can open the (keyfob) head unit ??

cheers
rweiss
Perth, WA

[bpm]

the 2 screws hold the key into the key head. you arent supposed to open the key up. if u do you will have to glue it back together. i cant see why people wont pay 50 buks for a new key head.

[XsPwr2W8]

I recently some keyfobs and got 2 keys re-programed for my VY and found that the carman sacn and other aftermarket scanners would not program anything above VX, only a Tech2 with the most recent update would work. I ended up getting holden to do it for $20.

BTW. I still have several pontiac and chev keyfobs spare if you dont want to buy off ebay

[mmciau]

My case slightly different!

The VS key ring section has worn through on my wife's set!

Has any one dared to attempt repairs?


Mike

[Jphdg]

Nope but here is a good tip that is working really well for me and is saving my fob from breaking.

Use a very small black plastic zip tie on the key and keyring and pull it together. Cut the remaining plastic lead off flush and your set. This allows you to attach a standard metal keyring to your key without it actually being put through your key. This prevents it from wearing or breaking when pressure is placed on your keys. It also allows the keyring to sit flat with your keyfob and does not bulk your pockets as much either .

works a treat!! :yup:

[rweiss]

the 2 screws hold the key into the key head. you arent supposed to open the key up. if u do you will have to glue it back together. i cant see why people wont pay 50 buks for a new key head.


Your right, $50 for a new key is fine, however, $50 (actually heard prices from $80 to $120) for a couple of little rubber blisters covering the "lock/unlock" buttons on otherwise perfect key is a ripoff.

Simple, design these so they can be opened and have a replaceable battery!

. . . . . but wait 25,000+ Commodores per year (is that how many they make nowadays?) need a "new" key to replace battery or worn buttons every (say) 5 years at average $100 each; assuming $50 profit for GMH/dealer and you have an easy $1.25M per year (once the first 5 years are up).

Nice little earner! just not very good for the customer.

My 10c worth.

rweiss
Perth, WA

[vyssls1]

I recently some keyfobs and got 2 keys re-programed for my VY and found that the carman sacn and other aftermarket scanners would not program anything above VX, only a Tech2 with the most recent update would work. I ended up getting holden to do it for $20.

BTW. I still have several pontiac and chev keyfobs spare if you dont want to buy off ebay

yeah true, they havnt released software for the carman scan or the bosch scanner for vy key coding and body control module, carman supposed to be released this month or next month they reckon. bosch no news yet.

[HJCoupe]

Just do what i did! Use silastic!
Clean up the old bits of the rubber with a blade and then push in the silastic with your finger. Put some spit on the end of your finger to clean up the silastic into shape.....Let the key cure for about a day or two. Mine has been going for months without a problem at all.
....that'll be 50 bucks thanx!!!!!

[rweiss]

how about this

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Holden-Commodore-3-Remote-Key-Head-VR-VS-VT-VX-VY-VZ_W0QQitemZ4607407538QQcategoryZ102360QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem


Just ordered 2, one for my wife and myself (both keys stuffed). Not a big fan of ebay, will see how the transaction goes, certainly $39+$5postage+$25 reprogramming seems a better deal than the $120? + charged by the dealers.

Hope it works out or I could be buying from a dealer yet!

[holdentech12655]

VY & VZ key reprogramming procedure has been changed from erlier models you now have to get TIS approval before programming can be performed.
This is an extra security mesure introduced by GM.
You have yo plug in the Tech2 to the vehicle get its details unplug it from the vehicle take it to the PC download the TIS security clearance plug it back into the vahicle then the new key head can be reprogrammed. Fun Huh?:evil:

[rweiss]

VY & VZ key reprogramming procedure has been changed from erlier models you now have to get TIS approval before programming can be performed.
This is an extra security mesure introduced by GM.
You have yo plug in the Tech2 to the vehicle get its details unplug it from the vehicle take it to the PC download the TIS security clearance plug it back into the vahicle then the new key head can be reprogrammed. Fun Huh?:evil:

Who else can do this? Are we limited to Holden Dealers only or can any service agent with the appropriate equipment do this?

Any recommendations? (northern Perth area?), time taken (can it be done on the spot), ballpark costs? . . . advice gratefully appreciated!

The "conspiracy theorist" in me suggests that this is a measure introduced by GMH to limit these types of services to Holden Dealers; limit competition and jack up the prices.

I could also be wrong (I'm sure I saw aliens in Area 52 last night) but with GMH nothing surprises me (ramblings of a jaded Commodore owner).

regards,
rweiss
Perth, WA

[maloo_]

New Mitsubishi Pajero replacement key is $2200 odd; as i read in the Melbourne Herald Sun a couple of weeks ago. Holden ones are quite cheap.

[VX2VESS]

Who else can do this? Are we limited to Holden Dealers only or can any service agent with the appropriate equipment do this?

Any recommendations? (northern Perth area?), time taken (can it be done on the spot), ballpark costs? . . . advice gratefully appreciated!

The "conspiracy theorist" in me suggests that this is a measure introduced by GMH to limit these types of services to Holden Dealers; limit competition and jack up the prices.

I could also be wrong (I'm sure I saw aliens in Area 52 last night) but with GMH nothing surprises me (ramblings of a jaded Commodore owner).

regards,
rweiss
Perth, WA

sounds like it they are at it again trying to make themselves the only ones that can do certain things.

http://www.minit.com.au/pages/sub-key6.html

[Super Snake]

http://www.users.on.net/~ddrgente/key.jpg

Sadly, it is time to retire the old key to spare duties. :wave:

I wonder what the VE keys will look like. Hopefully the higher specs will have some fancy flick job, certainly better then having a hip replacement after sitting on a key this size.

I have a 2005 AH Astra, and I really like the key it has. You can push it back into the remote, just like a flick knife. It's great because it is easier to put into your pocket.

[vyssls1]

same as mazda as well.

also alchin locksmiths can do vy and vz key programming here in sa, he done my chev keys to fit, theyve got different software.

[SS--SS]

mate of mine got the key head off ebay for $40 odd & holden(heartland in Castle hill) charged $50 to program it..So I think ebay option doesn't work out any cheaper..