The AK90 key programmer is a tool that has gained popularity among car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, particularly those working with BMW vehicles. If you’re wondering “What Kind Of Car Can Be Programmed With Ak90?”, you’re in the right place. This article dives into the capabilities of the AK90, drawing from real-world experiences to give you a clearer understanding of its applications.
Based on firsthand accounts, the AK90 is primarily used for programming keys for BMW vehicles, specifically those within the EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System) range. One user successfully utilized the AK90 to program new keys for their 2005 BMW X3 (E83). This experience highlights the AK90’s compatibility with certain BMW models and years.
However, a critical aspect of successful key programming with AK90 isn’t just the tool itself, but also the quality and type of transponder chip used in the new keys. The user in question initially faced issues with unmarked chips sourced from online marketplaces. These chips, despite being programmed with the AK90, failed to start the vehicle. The solution came when they switched to PCF7935AA (ID44) chips obtained from a reputable source. This underscores that for a 2005 BMW X3 (E83), the PCF7935AA chip is the correct type and crucial for the AK90 to function effectively. It’s important to note that different BMW models and model years may require different chip types. Always verify the correct chip for your specific vehicle before attempting key programming.
The user’s experience also clarifies a common misconception about the AK90 programming process. Contrary to some beliefs, writing back to the EWS after programming new chips with AK90 software is not necessary in many cases. The process successfully employed involved:
- Reading the EWS data to a laptop using the AK90 software.
- Programming new PCF7935AA chips using the “Write Key” function in the AK90 software.
- Initializing the new keys.
By following these steps, the user successfully programmed two working keys without ever using the “Write EWS” function. This streamlined approach simplifies the key programming process for compatible BMW models.
Furthermore, the AK90 offers flexibility in key slot programming. The user was able to program new chips to both unused and used key slots. They successfully programmed a chip to slot 10 (unused) and then reprogrammed the same chip to slot 2 (used). This indicates that the AK90 can manage key programming across different slot allocations within the EWS system. It was noted that programming to slot 1 (used) was unsuccessful in their specific test, suggesting potential slot-specific nuances or limitations, though slots 2 and 3 (used) worked without issue for subsequent keys.
To ensure successful key programming with AK90, verification and proper initialization are essential steps. After programming each key, the user verified the key number and VIN using the “Test Key” function in the AK90 software. Following this, a simple initialization procedure was performed:
- Insert the newly programmed key into the ignition and turn to the second position (without starting the engine).
- Wait for one minute.
- Remove the key from the ignition.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Attempt to start the vehicle.
This initialization process is crucial for the car to recognize and accept the newly programmed key.
In conclusion, the AK90 key programmer is primarily designed for BMW vehicles utilizing the EWS system, and has been proven effective for models like the 2005 BMW X3 (E83) when used with the correct PCF7935AA chips. Success hinges on using compatible chips, understanding the AK90’s programming workflow (often without needing to write back to EWS), and following proper verification and initialization steps. While this article highlights compatibility with a specific BMW model, always research and confirm compatibility and the correct chip type for your particular vehicle model and year before using the AK90 or any key programming tool. Experiences like this provide valuable insights for DIY car maintenance and understanding the capabilities of tools like the AK90.
