New style flip key!

[JuneBug]

After getting stabbed in the thigh one too many times by the sword-like remote key, I decided to get one of the flip out "switchblade" keys. Browsing Ebay and looking at the "Autobot" key and the original flip key reviewed on the forums, I found this one which I had not seen before:

Toyota 3 button Flip Key Shell Hilux Rav4 Corolla Camry | eBay

So I figured WTH and ordered it for $16. I'll report back here when it arrives from China.

[RTexasF]

Looks pretty slick.

[g_rav4]

I have both this new style "Lux" version, and the "autobot" version. I had purchased the new one a few weeks ago.

I prefer this new "Lux" version.

It has a more high-end feel, and looks more luxurious, due to the chromed metal side pieces. The new version is solid and weighs slightly more than the autobot.

I really like that it has 3 separate remote buttons, rather than the single membrane of the autobot. The buttons work better, in my opinion.

The flip mechanism and internal compartment fit is fine. I had the key cut by a local locksmith - again, everything went smoothly with no problems.

The only minor complaint when compared to the autobot is that the key blade has a slight "brass" finish, whereas the autobot's blade shows bright chrome (actually I don't know how long the blade's finish would last anyways). But this is very minor and is only noticeable if you are picky.

Overall, I'm very happy with the new "Lux" version flip key.

Originally Posted by junebug1701

After getting stabbed in the thigh one too many times by the sword-like remote key, I decided to get one of the flip out "switchblade" keys. Browsing Ebay and looking at the "Autobot" key and the original flip key reviewed on the forums, I found this one which I had not seen before:

Toyota 3 button Flip Key Shell Hilux Rav4 Corolla Camry | eBay

So I figured WTH and ordered it for $16. I'll report back here when it arrives from China.

[JuneBug]

Originally Posted by g_rav4

I have both this new style "Lux" version, and the "autobot" version. I had purchased the new one a few weeks ago.

I prefer this new "Lux" version.

It has a more high-end feel, and looks more luxurious, due to the chromed metal side pieces. The new version is solid and weighs slightly more than the autobot.

I really like that it has 3 separate remote buttons, rather than the single membrane of the autobot. The buttons work better, in my opinion.

The flip mechanism and internal compartment fit is fine. I had the key cut by a local locksmith - again, everything went smoothly with no problems.

The only minor complaint when compared to the autobot is that the key blade has a slight "brass" finish, whereas the autobot's blade shows bright chrome (actually I don't know how long the blade's finish would last anyways). But this is very minor and is only noticeable if you are picky.

Overall, I'm very happy with the new "Lux" version flip key.

Thanks for the review, g_rav! I was hoping the sides were metal and not plastic. Did you put the immobilizer chip in yours? If so, where's the best spot for it?

[g_rav4]

There is a spot already built in for the transponder! See the picture.

Originally Posted by junebug1701

Thanks for the review, g_rav! I was hoping the sides were metal and not plastic. Did you put the immobilizer chip in yours? If so, where's the best spot for it?

[veliksam]

Gonna try this one. Thanks!

[JuneBug]

Well, the flip key arrived in the mail today. It took 16 days to make the trip from China. Packaging is minimal--foam wrapped in a padded envelope. First impressions were very good--it seems well made with a little heft to it because of the chrome plated metal frame. At first glance it looks like a fancy cigarette lighter!

Before doing anything with it, I brought it down to my local locksmith shop and asked if he could cut it. He said he wasn't sure if it would fit on his machine, but it did and he cut it with no problems. He charged me around 2 bucks to cut it, and I went outside and checked it in the door, and the ignition cylinder. It worked fine on both sides, so I went back home and took it apart. There are 4 tiny screws holding it together, 2 that secure the spring/key blade side, and 2 for the compartment that holds the remote module. It came with 4 spare screws, a swivel eyelet, and a stick-on Toyota emblem. The screws that hold the spring side are in the indent for the emblem, and when you remove them the spring will tend to push the housing apart. Also in this end is a recess for the immobilizer chip.

Ah, yes, the immobilizer chip. Opening the Toyota key and transferring the remote module to the flip key was a piece of cake--it fit perfectly. But they used a lot of glue on my immobilizer chip. I had to carefully Dremel out the plastic surrounding it without damaging the chip itself. It was like a dentist trying to extract a tooth without cracking it. Finally got it out intact with an Xacto knife. I thought I might have to glue it into the flip key housing, but it was a snug fit and there is a plastic ridge on the opposite cover that keeps it in place. When putting the spring side cover on you have to spin it around 1 rotation to charge the spring, then hold it down while securing it with the 2 screws. Finally, secure the larger cover with the other screws and stick on the Toyota emblem. I then went out to the RAV to test it and it works great! Not a bad deal for 16 bucks and the shipping's free as long as you're not in a hurry. Here are a few pics:

As received:





This is how it looks in the driver's door:



And in the ignition in the OFF position:



And in the RUN position:



And on the desk:

[mrswans1]

Looks good, just ordered one, $12.99.

[veliksam]

Can you post and update on this, like is it still firm and intact or did it start to fall apart? I had the autobot flip key and after 6 months it turned to crap! Hope this one is better cause I ordered one.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[JuneBug]

Originally Posted by veliksam

Can you post and update on this, like is it still firm and intact or did it start to fall apart? I had the autobot flip key and after 6 months it turned to crap! Hope this one is better cause I ordered one.

I've been using the flip key for 1 month now and I love it! It's very well made and feels substantial, not cheap at all. Even the buttons have a better feel than the factory unit. I'll probably order a second one and convert my other key.