94 replies to this topic

[p4cks]

In my pursuit to avoid the dealers like the plague I contantly look for alternatives to the day to day problems of running a VX. This time it's the spare key issue. Originally I had thought that they were only available from the dealers because they have a transponder chip in them and would need coding to the car. This would cost you £27 for the key, then £30 to programme it. (That is assuming you have the Security Pass which is another £30 if you haven't!)

Then I found that I could buy a key from the dealers unprogrammed, for £27 and programme it myself with my OP-COM reader. Money saved, and I was quite pleased with myself at that point.

However, now I have found >these< on eBay which are identical to the VX key (ours are the '296' type and sometimes this is stamped into the key) for £9 delivered, then can be cut for a couple of quid locally then programmed via the OP-COM reader. Win, as they say

For info purposes this is the Security Pass which normally is with the leather owners folder, and is the size as a business card;


This is the aforementioned uncut transponder key


OP-COM reader (plugs into the car, then into your laptop via USB cable) which are £25 from eBay


and the dealer

[techieboy]

and the dealer

Sorry but had to quote that pic.

[ChrisS1]

Nice one thanks! Oh and hahaha

[Mangham54]

Top man Mr P4cks. Just ordered two, so need to order the card from Vauxhall and then I may have to pop round to yours and let you programme mine.

Beer will be offered.

[Mike (Cliffie)]

And the process from the Op-Com is what? I am really daft so speak s-l-o-w-l-y please.

[jonnyboy]

Can you program the key just using the code in your security pass then? I need a spare for mine

[Mangham54]

Can you program the key just using the code in your security pass then? I need a spare for mine

Technically Jon it is the other way round. The key has a fixed code and you programme the car to accept the immobiliser chip in the key.

[Mike (Cliffie)]

Can you program the key just using the code in your security pass then? I need a spare for mine

Technically Jon it is the other way round. The key has a fixed code and you programme the car to accept the immobiliser chip in the key.

Thanks, now I understand. So you will need two new keys with the same code otherwise your original key will not work...?

[p4cks]

Top man Mr P4cks. Just ordered two, so need to order the card from Vauxhall and then I may have to pop round to yours and let you programme mine.

Deal. I need the Pass too. Might go for it this weekend if I have time. Remember though, you will need the V5 and proof of your identity to show the dealer.

And the process from the Op-Com is what? I am really daft so speak s-l-o-w-l-y please.

The OP-COM plugs in to the car's ECU (in the passenger footwell) and to a laptop to the other end. When the OP-COM programme is open on the laptop there is an option to programme a new key. The key needs to be cut, and in the ignition with the ignition on. Once you've typed your security code into the laptop, it will send a signal through the OP-COM reader into the ECU and into the key so it programmes it to your ignition.

[jonnyboy]

Right so you need the car. What other uses does the OPCOM have? Fault code reading? Might be worth getting one

[p4cks]

Can you program the key just using the code in your security pass then? I need a spare for mine

Yep. Needs cutting first though, of course.

[p4cks]

Right so you need the car. What other uses does the OPCOM have? Fault code reading? Might be worth getting one

Fault code reading and warning light resetting. Very useful and especially as the whole thing costs less than the dealers charge for just plugging the fucker in at their place.

[jonnyboy]

I have an ODB reader actually do I just need the program for the laptop in that case? (cough cough)

[Mike (Cliffie)]

I have an ODB reader actually do I just need the program for the laptop in that case? (cough cough)

Downloadable from the internet I believe.

[jonnyboy]

Just aquired something called OP Tech 2 should that do the key programing?

[p4cks]

I have an ODB reader actually do I just need the program for the laptop in that case? (cough cough)

Downloadable from the internet I believe.

>Correct<. Bottom of the page.

[theotherjonnymac]

The joys of ebay. What did we do before it

[techieboy]

Just aquired something called OP Tech 2 should that do the key programing?

Good luck getting that to work.

I never managed to get OP-COM working with a generic OBDII interface. Worked a treat the soon as I bought an OP-COM branded one of eBay for £10 though. YMMV

[p4cks]

So you will need two new keys with the same code otherwise your original key will not work...?

Not necessarily, no. As long as you have the security code, a lap top and the OP-COM you can programme any new key with a transponder.

[jonnyboy]

cheers p4cks will give this a go at the weekend