Hi all, this might be a bizarre question, but has anyone ever opened up a key (not fob) for a pre-2009 Aston (vantage or otherwise) and if so, does anyone know where the Crystal/transponder chip is located inside the key?

I am currently undergoing a glass key ECU retrofit and the shop needs to open up the old key to transfer the crystal but they do not want to damage the Crystal-in the process. Thus, we are trying to determine the location so that we can cut away from it.

 

The black V shaped portion of the key separates from the portion containing the Aston emblem. I've done it before with pliers. The crystal piece slides into the emblem portion and if you don't squeeze to hard, it will not be damaged. The only problem is... the chip inside the older keys is not the same as the newer keys, so fitment might be tricky. -Tim

 

Wow THANK YOU! The wealth of knowledge on these forums never ceases to amaze me!

interesting about the transponder fitment… Several different resources said it was a simple swap but this may prove more difficult ..

 

The chip in the older keys looks like some weird alien technology lol glass tube with a coil inside. This design came from the first generationFord PATS system. The newer ones are half the length, trapezoid shape, and made of a black composite material.

You can easily transfer a newer plastic remote chip to a newer glass remote assembly. The older keys chip will more than likely fit in the new remotes housing somewhere, but will need to figure out a way to secure it.

 

Great info. Luckily, they were able to get the glass key to work by sticking my old key next to the reader at the same time they pushed start. I'm sure they will be able to secure the old transponder inside the new Crystal key. Again, I really appreciate your help because now they will get the key open today.

 

I assume your guys have swapped PATS readers. Have they tried to connect new PATS reader (the one integrated with the glass key module) to the car circuit? Do you retrofit the electric column lock as well?

 

Pikajew, any chance you can post a detailed picture of the transponder taken out of the key? I wonder if this is 4D60 or 4C class. Thanks!

 

We ended up using the old Pats reader from the steering column for now. Once I buy two new crystal keys and a plastic blank, we will use the new pats reader to reprogram.

Retrofit of electric column lock is impossible because it would require a bespoke programming of the ECU since I'm an 08. The only guy I know of who can do it is Mike at Bamford in the U.K. I'm in Beverly Hills, so no column locking for me.

 

Ill see what I can do. We had to affix it inside the new crystal key reader bezel because the card reader would not pick up the signal when and placed inside the crystal key... it should work on a regular crystal key, but mine was gold plated (along with the bezel ring), which causes interference!

 

Hmm, this sounds quite risky to me as you can fire-up your car with a piece of wood. Just one very technical question. When I look at circuit diagrams it seems to me two wires need to be left open during the conversion. One C0028-3 as the new ignition switch reads a speed signal (C2209-7) locking the key inside, and C0586-3 since the power to the new module (C2209-10) should be taken from C0028-4. I also noticed C2453-5 and C2453-3 should be permanently closed (see the diagram). Is that the way you did as well?

 

I agree, but there is no real risk of another Aston owner accidentally taking my car and sticking their crystal key in the ignition. And there is an even less likelihood of someone trying to stick a piece of wood in the card reader - especially where I live and where I take the car on weekends. Lol

But yes, that's exactly how we wired it. Basically:

-Remove mechanical steering lock

-Wiring of the ignition barrel needs to port across to docking station to give all stages of system power up and engine start. Extend PATS (Passive Anti-theft System) reader wiring to new location (basically lengthen the wiring to the new key retainer)

-Relocate PATS reader (I had to buy an entire wiring loom just to get the connector for the back of the key reader)

-Extend ignition wiring to new location.

-All other wiring for the key reader comes from the original start switch with exception of one illumination wire and the speed reading which comes from the instrument panel. The inputs from crank enable signal (red light) function from current button needs to port across into docking station, and when engine has started, the start signal needs to port across into docking station to inhibit further cranking.

 

Fair enough, it's hard to imagine someone approaching Aston with a wooden stick, lol.


Why do you need to port start signal back into docking station and where do you plug it? I believe the so called "Primary PCM" can inhibit further cranking by cutting off the solenoid (see the wire with green cross).


I agree, getting right socket and plugs is a challenge. How did you manage a plug to the new docking station (12pin one)? It looks volvo like.


The speed/illumination signal, have you soldered it directly to the instrument panel/guard switch socket or you did an extension Y interface? I really hate stripping original wires and love "back-to original spec" ready wiring.

 

You would have to ask Owen at Pasadena Motor Cars who did the install - I wasn't there and didn't ask him to that level of detail.

As for the connector, no one sells it so I had to get a new 09' engine loom from AMBits for around $500 just for the connector... (yes it was an expensive mod, but SO worth it.)

 

 

OK, it looks like 4C class. Many thanks!