Time to get a new key - WA/OR area

[Houm_WA]

cutting it with the FOB attached was the key issue (pardon the pun)...I don't know why I didn't think of taking the dang thing off...probably because I couldn't seem to do it! That's why I wound up returning that one and getting the one from BP Utah that had no shank at all. I could easily remove the shank from my original FOB, so that's what I did. Trouble is I only have one working FOB/Key combo right now. I should probably get another empty FOB and put my other shank on it too.

I had the dealer program it and just ate the $200 or whatever it was.

 

[newthings]

My path to a second key and FOB has taken two paths. One was through Columbia Landrover in Portland. Whitt will take your proof of ownership and VIN an order a cut key and FOB. In about 3 weeks it will come and you bring car and all FOB's for a programming. Cost was $260.
The second path was to order a key and FOB from BP Utah. Claimed to be a new FOB. Cost $160+ shipping. Davis Lock and Key, in Beaverton, will cut the blank from an original for $50. Columbia will then program all FOB's for $65.00. One little problem- The FOB would not program. BP Utah sent another for another $160, promising to refund if the FOB's will not program. Columbia will charge another $65. to try again. I know, If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. I will see if BP Utah will cover my incurred extra costs.
The reason I tried the second path was because Columbia was having a problem getting the order through his channels. The problem finally cleared.
I have not found another alternative for less than the Cloumbia LR package.
Time will tell if the BP Utah FOB's will work.
Roy

 

[bbyer]

channels!

.
The reason I tried the second path was because Columbia was having a problem getting the order through his channels. The problem finally cleared. Roy

I regarded the word "channels" as kind of ironic. My dealer had the same problem, (channels), as about a year ago, it took my dealer about two months to get a new cut key out of Land Rover UK.

It seems that about once a year, Land Rover in Solihull has a problem with their replacement key cutting machine and they only find out by shipping a bunch of defective keys worldwide and everyone crying back at them. Then there is a hold on all replacement key blanks until they sort it out. I expect you and your dealer ran into another of those foul ups.

I am surprised that a Honda dealer may have a proper key cutting machine but maybe some Japanese outfit is suppling the ignition cylinders etc. The Honda connection is however good news as that should apply pretty much everywhere then.

I also tried to go around the dealer via one of the leading key shops here. They were certain that they could cut the key, hence they ordered a blank in from their sources, received same, and their machine appeared to do a good job of cutting the blank, but it would not even open the door, let alone turn the ignition barrel. The locksmith had to admit failure but was puzzled why it would not even work in the door.

 

[newthings]

A second new FOB from BP Utah was found to NOT link. The independent Landrover shop, Columbia Landrover, states that the FOB must have the individual VIN loaded for the shop computer to establish a handshake. Without that, the FOB will not be recognized. BP Utah has no means to input a specific VIN. They should not be offering the FOB's for $160. claiming they can be programmed. I now have to try for a second refund. Columbia did not charge for the second attempt. Good guys.
Roy

 

[Houm_WA]

I got a FOB from BP Utah in the past...it worked fine.

 

[newthings]

Mine is an LR3.
What steps did you take to get it to be recognized?
Roy

 

[Houm_WA]

Yeah....I know. I determined that yours was an LR3 since you are posting on an LR3 message board. I got the FOB (no key shank) and put one of my other shanks on it. Then I took it to the LR Dealership (along with my other two FOBs) and got it re-programmed. Done and done.

It's imperative that the FOB has never been used again. Now that you've had two failures I'd question whether the guys at Columbia Rovers have actually done this successfully in the past.

 

[newthings]

The first cycle at Columbia was with a new fob and key from the OEM source through Columbia. I had to submit my VIN and proof of ownership. So, new fobs from two sources. one loaded with my VIN and one not. Plus my original. The Columbia computer performed the linking of the two OEM fobs. The BP Utah would not be recognized. The OEM dealer may have additional means to input the VIN and then do the link, but Columbia does not. OEM Portland Landrover submits the order and the fob comes with the VIN installed. IF your experience is what it takes to get the fob done, BP Utah should make the steps clear to the customer that the OEM dealer must do the programming at the VIN entry level and then do the link to the car. I only mentioned my LR3 to avoid any possible misunderstand about model differences, not to insult your intelligence.
Roy

 

[Houm_WA]

I'm just bustin' your chops, Roy. ....and I guess I'm suggesting that Columbia isn't capable of doing this.

 

[newthings]

What dealer did you use?
Roy