Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Monday April 1, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > Interior & Exterior Modification

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-06-2012, 10:11 AM   #1
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default Titanium STI Key on 06 STI

So after buying some parts for my 06 STI to go stage 2, I threw in the titanium STI key because I just bought a 02 WRX Wagon and thought it would be cool to have. Well after much debate I decided to just try to use it on my STI instead. I mean, it would be nice if it worked...

After much research and asking of some friends, I got everything from "I'd take it to the dealer", to "no one can cut this because it's TITANIUM!!!", or even "I'd take it to a locksmith, they are less likely to mess it up." FYI only the handle part is titanium...the functional part is just standard key material.

So I called two local dealers, one told me that they would cut it, if I had proof of ownership but they wouldn't guarantee the cut because I was supplying my own blank. Another told me that they would but their machine was not working that great and didn't want to mess up the blank, so they recommended a locksmith. Oh and neither of these dealerships parts department even knew what I was talking about when I spoke of a "STI Key", this was very disappointing.

So very confused and not sure what to do, I went to Lowe's to get some ant spray and stopped to talk to the key cutting guy. I asked him about the process of cutting and if he could do it. The guy was very knowledgeable and showed me that their machine works by using the original key to guide the cutting wheels and that's what cuts the blank. So after some more talking I decided I would buy a $2 blank and test it first.

Now I have heard that you can just leave your standard key on the key chain and it will work, but I have not seen it actually in practice. So he cuts the $2 Lowe's blank and I take it out to the car. It not only unlocks my doors, but starts the car with no hesitation! I was very pleased!!!

So I took the STI Key Blank back inside and told him to cut it. You know how this ends, it works and all is good!

Now I will say this...having both keys on the same key ring is kinda goofy and is a load in the pocket to carry around. Also, I did have it not start properly one time out of about 10 times trying it. I think that the original was just too far away from the ignition switch, so I took my time the next time and it started.

Just thought I would write something on here, because most of the information I found was kind of vague. I hope this clears up some stuff for others!
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 10-06-2012, 10:14 AM   #2
Ghost Rider
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 70346
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
2017 Golf R
Deep Black Pearl

Default

its a similar concept to a car starter; you could take a spare and hide it in the dash and not have to carry the other key around.

of course, just like with a car starter, you lose some of that security
Ghost Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2012, 10:17 AM   #3
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Agreed. Still not looked too heavily into where to hide/tape/store the standard key yet. That's what will probably end up happening.

But like you said, you do lose some security by doing that.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:17 PM   #4
05wrxSTiguy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 334426
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oaks,PA
Vehicle:
2005 STI
PSM

Default

so you can have any locksmith cut a key from a blank and your car will start? I thought the 05 and up cars where chipped and need to be dealer programmed?? Thats nice if I can just go to lowes and get one cut for my 05 STi, please tell me if Im reading this correctly, thanks
05wrxSTiguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:30 PM   #5
silvercookie
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 180033
Join Date: May 2008
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Queens, NY, 11385
Vehicle:
2005 WRX
PSM

Default

06 and up have the chips.
silvercookie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:33 PM   #6
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

No. You have to have a "chipped" key.

This is the key I am now using:


The only way to do this is to keep the original key on the key ring with the fancy STI key, or do what I've done now, and mount the original key inside the steering column next to the ignition switch.

So in short, you can't just use a blank from anywhere. All it will do is unlock your doors and trunk.

Last edited by DTM21; 05-18-2013 at 11:27 AM.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:36 PM   #7
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by silvercookie View Post
06 and up have the chips.
05 and up actually.

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/wrxsti2005.html
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:41 PM   #8
05wrxSTiguy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 334426
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oaks,PA
Vehicle:
2005 STI
PSM

Default

it doesnt have to be in the ignition cylinder to pick up the chip in the key??? where did you mount your key? under the plastic cover that surrounds the column?
05wrxSTiguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:41 PM   #9
silvercookie
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 180033
Join Date: May 2008
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Queens, NY, 11385
Vehicle:
2005 WRX
PSM

Default

my 05 does not have a chip.
silvercookie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:51 PM   #10
05wrxSTiguy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 334426
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oaks,PA
Vehicle:
2005 STI
PSM

Default

so now I'm lost dont mean to hyjack the thread so my appoligies for that but does my 2005 STi have a chip or not? Id like to do the titanium key if it doesnt
05wrxSTiguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:52 PM   #11
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 05wrxSTiguy View Post
it doesnt have to be in the ignition cylinder to pick up the chip in the key??? where did you mount your key? under the plastic cover that surrounds the column?
Pretty much. You take the bottom plastic shroud off and place the key right under the switch. I found that you have to mount it with the key facing the driver and as close to the switch as possible. Luckily there is a metal bracket that is used as a wire tray that works perfect

Quote:
Originally Posted by silvercookie View Post
my 05 does not have a chip.
You don't have an STI...WRX's got them starting in 06, STI's in 05.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:56 PM   #12
05wrxSTiguy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 334426
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Oaks,PA
Vehicle:
2005 STI
PSM

Default

do you have any pics? how did you secure the key to the tumbler? Zip tie?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DTM21 View Post
Pretty much. You take the bottom plastic shroud off and place the key right under the switch. I found that you have to mount it with the key facing the driver and as close to the switch as possible. Luckily there is a metal bracket that is used as a wire tray that works perfect



You don't have an STI...WRX's got them starting in 06, STI's in 05.
05wrxSTiguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 10:58 PM   #13
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Here is what I did at first, but soon learned I had to swing it 180 degrees, where the key is facing the driver, but I just used tape and a zip tie.


Last edited by DTM21; 05-18-2013 at 11:27 AM.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 11:02 PM   #14
easterbran
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 307359
Join Date: Jan 2012
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Atlanta,GA
Vehicle:
'05 STi Stage II
OBP

Default

Yep, my 05 Sti needs the chip. Otherwise it will barely start with the "fancy Sti key" and shut off immediately. I took my car recently to a shop to find a boost leak and I got a call later that day saying my car wouldn't start, could be the fuel pump, etc. I was really bummed out, but when I went in to the shop and he handed me the keys I realized that he had been trying to start it with the titanium Sti key! Haha I also had the black key with the chip on the keyring but I guess he decided not to use it? I just took the titanium key off -_-
easterbran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 11:05 PM   #15
easterbran
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 307359
Join Date: Jan 2012
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Atlanta,GA
Vehicle:
'05 STi Stage II
OBP

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DTM21
Here is what I did at first, but soon learned I had to swing it 180 degrees, where the key is facing the driver, but I just used tape and a zip tie.
I'd be too scared of some theif opening up the column to hot-wire the car and finding that! Also it'd be annoying if a bump while driving jostled it out of place and you had to open up the column just to start the car.
easterbran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 11:13 PM   #16
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

There is a slight risk I guess but you wouldn't know it was there. As for it coming loose it's pretty secure. I did leave a screw driver in the car just in case.
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2012, 10:11 AM   #17
Nairb336
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 144642
Join Date: Mar 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Chicago Burbs
Vehicle:
2006 6spd Wagon
SGM

Default

Just saw this, you should be able to slide the chip out of the OEM key and you can fit it into the key fob itself, it will fit if you cut off the flat part that shows on the outside of the key. I know you can cut that part off as I broke mine and found it on the floor, and my chip is still in the key.

This way your key isn't mounted inside the car and what not.
Nairb336 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2012, 10:20 AM   #18
YCT
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 122167
Join Date: Aug 2006
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Chicago
Vehicle:
2008 Mazda CX-9 GT
Liquid Platinum Metallic

Default

^yes, what I did with my key was to remove the chip from the key. I had it taped with electrical tape to the steering column and never had any issues.
YCT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2012, 10:29 AM   #19
vision.dynamix
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 139955
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Boston
Vehicle:
2015 Subaru STI
17Forester / 18Crosstrek

Default

Cut the blade off the key or at least grind the teeth off if youre going to tape it to the column like that.
vision.dynamix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2012, 08:03 PM   #20
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by YCT View Post
^yes, what I did with my key was to remove the chip from the key. I had it taped with electrical tape to the steering column and never had any issues.
I'm game. Have any pictures of this? How to remove it from the key...I'm a little scared of messing it up cause the original keys are crazy expensive!!!
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 10:54 AM   #21
vwown3d
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 69991
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: USA
Vehicle:
Leh Keen Approved
'68 Volvo Amazon

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DTM21 View Post
I'm game. Have any pictures of this? How to remove it from the key...I'm a little scared of messing it up cause the original keys are crazy expensive!!!
If you still have your valet key pull the chip out of that one. That is what I did. Works fine. You can see the little cover under the key. Pull that out and the chips is a black microchip that is glued inside. Just take your time carving or prying it out. I chipped a little corner off my chp and it still works fine transplanted in the fob.

However, not like the OP I had a hard time getting my key cut. I went to the local Lowes and the lady said "oh no, we cant cut that for you.... you could sue us for cutting you a key without the transponder!" haha thanks ma'am.
vwown3d is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 11:45 AM   #22
YCT
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 122167
Join Date: Aug 2006
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Chicago
Vehicle:
2008 Mazda CX-9 GT
Liquid Platinum Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vwown3d View Post
If you still have your valet key pull the chip out of that one. That is what I did. Works fine. You can see the little cover under the key. Pull that out and the chips is a black microchip that is glued inside. Just take your time carving or prying it out. I chipped a little corner off my chp and it still works fine transplanted in the fob.

However, not like the OP I had a hard time getting my key cut. I went to the local Lowes and the lady said "oh no, we cant cut that for you.... you could sue us for cutting you a key without the transponder!" haha thanks ma'am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DTM21 View Post
I'm game. Have any pictures of this? How to remove it from the key...I'm a little scared of messing it up cause the original keys are crazy expensive!!!
I dont have any pics, but take your time and you should be able to get it out. I didnt this a few years ago. When I went with the Sti key and Zerosports push start.
YCT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 01:08 PM   #23
Franchise
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 226068
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: san jose, cali
Vehicle:
2004 subaru sti
silver

Default

dudee i bought my 04 sti a year ago, came with all 3 original keys. A valet key, a master key and the sti titanium key! those came with the car factory back then..I neede to make another one just incase, good looking out on lowes! thats where i'll take my key to get made :P
Franchise is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2012, 02:26 AM   #24
arco
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 57156
Join Date: Mar 2004
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: socal
Vehicle:
2007 V.8 207 STi
Mercedes Polar White

Default

I used to have the titanium key for my 04 wrx and so I bought one for my 07 sti. Good thing I bumped into this thread because I had no idea that the keys were chipped.
arco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2012, 09:10 PM   #25
DTM21
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 100283
Join Date: Nov 2005
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle:
'18 WRX Premium DGM
'05 S2000

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by arco View Post
I used to have the titanium key for my 04 wrx and so I bought one for my 07 sti. Good thing I bumped into this thread because I had no idea that the keys were chipped.
Glad I could help!
DTM21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:56 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.