Many Mitsubishi car owners find themselves needing to program a new or aftermarket remote. Whether you’ve purchased a flip key for convenience or need to replace a lost or damaged remote, understanding the programming process is essential. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to programming your Mitsubishi car remote, drawing upon practical experience to help you get back on the road quickly.
Understanding Your Mitsubishi Key System
Before diving into the programming process, it’s helpful to understand the two main components within your Mitsubishi key system that need attention when dealing with remote functionality: the transponder and the key fob.
The transponder is a small chip embedded within your key. This chip is programmed to your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) and is crucial for starting your vehicle. Without a correctly programmed transponder, your car will crank but not start.
The key fob is the remote portion of your key, responsible for locking and unlocking your doors, and sometimes opening the trunk. This part communicates with your car’s Body Control Unit (BCU). Programming the key fob allows you to regain remote access to these functions.
Programming Your Mitsubishi Flip Key: Step-by-Step
This guide assumes you are converting to a flip key and have an existing aftermarket key. The process involves transferring the transponder from your old key and then programming the key fob.
Part 1: Transponder Transfer
If you have an aftermarket key that currently starts your Mitsubishi, it contains a programmed transponder. To use a new flip key, you’ll need to carefully transfer this transponder.
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Open Your Aftermarket Key: Locate the seam on your existing aftermarket key. Using a razor blade or a similar tool, carefully cut along this seam to open the key casing.
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Locate the Transponder: Inside the key, you’ll find a small black chip, often housed in a white holder. This is the transponder.
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Remove the Transponder: Gently remove the transponder chip from its holder. Handle it with care as it is a delicate component.
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Prepare Your Flip Key: Open your new flip key. You’ll find a small, often unused cavity near the button that flips out the key blade. This cavity is designed to hold the transponder.
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Insert the Transponder: Place the transponder chip into the designated cavity in your flip key. Ensure it fits securely.
It’s crucial to have your flip key blade cut before disassembling your working key. If you haven’t, a cut key and the transferred transponder near the ignition switch are sufficient to start the car in the interim.
Part 2: Key Fob Programming
To program the key fob functions (lock, unlock, trunk) of your flip key, you’ll need a used Mitsubishi key fob circuit board. These can often be found online.
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Obtain a Used Mitsubishi Key Fob: Search online marketplaces for a used, uncut Mitsubishi key that includes the internal fob circuitry.
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Dismantle the Used Key Fob: Once you have a used key, carefully take it apart to remove the fob circuit board from its casing.
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Install the Fob Circuit Board into Your Flip Key: Integrate the circuit board from the used key fob into your flip key. The flip key should be designed to accommodate this.
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Program the Fob (OBDII Port Method): Mitsubishi key fobs can often be programmed using a paper clip and the OBDII port, which is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Refer to your Mitsubishi owner’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your model, as the exact procedure can vary. This usually involves using a paper clip to bridge specific pins in the OBDII port and then following a sequence of key turns and button presses to program the fob to your car’s BCU.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully program a Mitsubishi flip key, transferring both the essential transponder for starting your car and the key fob functionality for remote access. While specific steps may slightly vary depending on your exact Mitsubishi model and the type of aftermarket key you are using, this guide provides a solid foundation for understanding and executing the programming process. Remember to always prioritize caution when handling delicate electronic components and consult your vehicle’s manual for the most accurate instructions.
