Since my family now has two postmodern-era vehicles ('12 5T and '16 3iS), my keyring is getting ridiculous with not one but two giant remote controls dangling from it. Seems like time for an intervention.
For the "5", I can get an ignition key with RFID from the hardware store for about $75 (that still has that giant key head), or they can cut me a normal key for $5. Guess which option I like better?
I just experimented a little and found that in stock form, the RFID transmitter must be very close to the ignition switch in order for the car to start, as in physically holding the thing next to the keyhole while turning the bare key blade with pliers. I've heard talk of securing a transmitter inside the steering column trim to allow the use of a normal key, but I'm worried about the risk of the poor thing falling off and being unable to start the car anyway.
Alternatively, maybe there's a simple way to disable or bypass the RFID system altogether? Any ideas? What solutions have other DIY hackers tried?
For the "5", I can get an ignition key with RFID from the hardware store for about $75 (that still has that giant key head), or they can cut me a normal key for $5. Guess which option I like better?
I just experimented a little and found that in stock form, the RFID transmitter must be very close to the ignition switch in order for the car to start, as in physically holding the thing next to the keyhole while turning the bare key blade with pliers. I've heard talk of securing a transmitter inside the steering column trim to allow the use of a normal key, but I'm worried about the risk of the poor thing falling off and being unable to start the car anyway.
Alternatively, maybe there's a simple way to disable or bypass the RFID system altogether? Any ideas? What solutions have other DIY hackers tried?