When I bought this 2010 DBS Volante it came only with the plastic valet FOB. I was able to obtain the kit to replace the plastic case and buttons. Works fine as ever. Additionally, I obtained a new ECU (glass FOB) and used the Mucar 892BT to program it - works nearly the same as the Think Diag unit.

The result is that the ECU will unlock/lock the doors, open the trunk and turn on the interior lights. It will not though start the car - the text on the dash display indicating “key error.” I did check if any codes were thrown and sure enough, one for the PATS system.

The commentary on the various forums on key FOB programming indicate mostly a flawless process. Thus the inquiry for any ideas toward a remedy? Kindly advise. Thanks so much.

 

There's an immobilizer chip inside the fob that needs to be programmed to the car by a locksmith. Should be easy as long as you have a working key that they can clone.

 

I have been having endless problem programming a new fob for my 08 vantage..got a key and fob from reputable supplier..key is fine..but neither I or the dealership can get the fob to work…

 

So far, all locksmiths here in Raleigh are claiming they do not have the correct software to do the FOB programing. Continuing to search and will update…

 

The dealer will be able to program the ECU for you, should charge you 1 hour of labor.
Or someone local with an AMDS...

 

Yes, though no dealer in Raleigh, only one in NC is in Charlotte. Have not found yet a local shop with AMDS, though there must be one. Searching in progress…

 

Only a set number of keys can be programmed to the car/PATS. If the car already has the max number programmed you need to delete one to replace with a new one. That might be the problem. In any case, I think you must use AMDS to assign the key to the PATS. BTW, reprogramming the FOB to operate the locks has nothing to do with starting the car; they are two separate functions. If you take the battery out of your fully functional FOB, it won’t unlock your doors obviously, but it will still start your car.

 

The max number of keys for the PATS could be a possibility, though I believe there were a possibility of six slots, with four of them programmed, inclusive of my new FOB. Using the Mucar reader, the fully functional FOB is possible to identify among the three other programmed FOBs, as the Mucar will tell you which assigned FOB is generating a signal when a button on the FOB is engaged. Will try deleting one programmed FOB not in use and see what happens.

Still searching a local shop with an AMDS to do this programming if no other option - may need that shop anyway in the future for any work I cannot handle. Will report back.

 

I added a valet fob to my '11 Virage but already had 2 ECUs so was able to use those to program the third to the PATS by just inserting them into the dash slot one after the other.

I used a ThinkDiag to get the lock/unlock bit working on the new fob so now have 3 fully working fobs.

 

That would have been great, but I only have the valet plastic key, so cannot use that easy two key procedure to create a third FOB. I have another OEM AM FOB, just need to set the engine start programing done, as with the Mucar unit, only the locks, lights and trunk opening function can be programmed.

 

Yep, I realise that which is why I said I already had two working ones

I posted in case someone in the future finds this thread and doesn't realise they can do it themselves if they are in the same situation as me.

 

Not only do you need an AMDS, it also needs current factory tech credentials to sign onto the AM server to provide unlock code for the PATS. Probably worth a road trip to a dealer.

 

Very helpful insight - thank you! Not sure where some others are finding locksmiths that can do this work, nor others that claim that FOBs can be fully programmed by some version of the Think Diag. They will program for lights, locks and trunk, but not the engine ignition.

Will contact the dealer tomorrow in Charlotte.

 

I am assuming that I need only to take to the dealer the one working FOB, plus the new non-programmed oem FOB, and not both these FOBs and also the car itself, correct? Kindly advise.

 

Spoke with the Service Advisor at Aston of Charlotte. They can do the programming, as thought and would indeed charge one hour of labor to do the work, but he said they would need the car to complete the programming.

Very kindly, they offered to complimentary come and retrieve the car to do the work - not expected and a wonderful gesture!

With the latest misfire analysis on the Mucar though, while not horrible at only 20-30 misfires or so after 5 minutes at 2K rpm on a couple cylinders, not sure I want to risk driving it 2.5 hours down to Charlotte and back with that going on. So, with only 14K on the clock, but at 25 years old, and the plugs and coils likely factory, time for new ones, along with the breather circuit clean and new a PVC first before making that trip.