I must be missing something here. Why not just buy a functional key from your dealer?
I must be missing something here. Why not just buy a functional key from your dealer?
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
Cost: $195.00 for the key, $10.00 for cutting, $55.00 for programming.
The key I bought on e-bay cost me $99.00, my local locksmith cut it for free, and my local Mitzi dealer informed me it can't be programmed to the car. After I complained to the e-bay seller, he refunded me $50.00.
So, for $40 I got a key that works perfectly - except for starting the car. Why spend $260 for another key when I can just "fix" my car to work with the $40 key I already have, when I activate the cruise control.
I'm cheap and greedy, and more concerned about someone stealing the $2500+ tools I have in the car (when I'm working) then someone stealing the car itself. The loss of the tools would be more harmful then losing the car - without the tools, I won't need the car.
Theft prevention?
I leave my key in the ignition.
My spare is on a hook just inside the door at my house.
The door is unlocked.
When I bought the house in the early 80s I asked about the key they didnt have one.
During some remodeling in the late 90s I replaced the door and lock set the key is with the spare keys by the door.
I lock it if I'm going on vacation for more than a few days.
You should move some where better
Haha I see your point. I kinda like our neighborhood well enough. I guess I could move somewhere 'better' - however that is defined - but I'm not sure it would help another forum member get their key working properly again.
I still tend to think that automobile manufacturers have been using some form of security device for many decades now for a reason, nice neighborhood or not.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)
My Mirage (My Little Roller Skate) is the first vehicle I've owned that required ignition keys be programmed to the vehicle; all my previous vehicles, the keys needed only be mechanically compatible. I always lock my car, even in my own driveway. I'm not too worried about immobilizing the immobilizer, as long as the security alarm system continues to work.
Now (dragging this thread back on to topic), I've ordered the doo-hicky from Daox (he shipped it today) and the brake switch from Mitzubishi parts. I went to download the ETacs decoder program and xHorse drivers, only to discover they're NOT FREE. And paying for them only enables them for a limited time; they're not expensive ($35.00 and up), but the limited time is very disappointing. It may still be less expensive then paying a dealer to do it, but still, I was hoping for free or cheap and good till the wheels fall off.
What exactly isn't free anymore?
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
I have all my parts and am ready to install this weekend. I downloaded the ETACS program and the XHorse drivers for free. I have not installed them yet. Do you have to do an in program purchase before they work? Was also wondering if this ETACS software will allow me to enable the fog lights and any other factory stuff that was not enabled?
Here is a list of settings that ETACs allows you to change.
ETACS Tweaks?
Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block
Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)
An item of note, I went to install the brake light switch and discovered I already had the switch with the extra contacts. I guess I have a spare now! All items are installed, I have the software loaded on my Windows 7 Pro X64 laptop, but can not get the drivers to install. I click the MVCI for Toyota msi file in the Xhorse folder and it begins installation, but then it stops after a minute and says installation incomplete because of an error. I recieved a disk with my cable and tried the driver from it, it also does the same thing. Any ideas?
When I went to the provided link, there was no place to just downlod the software; I would have to first buy a time-limited subscription to get to a download link. Perhaps the link had been hijacked; when I get the time, I'll do a search for other sources of the software.