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MG MGF Technical - Key coding.... changable?

I have just had a strange enquiry, but a very feasable one...:

A person looses car keys, house keys, drivers licence etc etc. There is a spare set of keys for the car which are NOT coded yet.

The car is an MG TF 135.

Does anyone know if it is possible to change the coding on the car so the original (now lost) keys would NOT work?

The spare set of yet uncoded keys could then be coded to the car and the risk of vehicle theft (and insurance cover) be resolved.....

I await your replies in anticipation.....

Mark.
M T Boldry

I would strongly think "yes" to those questions.

Yes, certainly another key can be coded into the system.

And Yes, I would think that it would be possible to remove a key code from the system in the event of loss or theft.
Rob Bell

Great news Rob.... All I need to find out now is HOW....

Mark.
M T Boldry

Rob is correct.

I had my (MGF) code changed to a new number earlier this year. You need a garage with Testbook diagnostic equipment who can do it for you
Chris Bond

When you have a new key fob programmed to the car only the fobs that are present at that time will work with the car from that point onwards. It is also possible to get the EKA code changed using the T4 computer.
Ralph Gadsby

Rob, I hate to disagree with you but !!
The Key is not coded as on some other cars (Vauxhal)which contain a chip.
The MG Immobiliser Fob is coded to the EEC. A new fob can be coded to the EEC however I do not believe that the actual EEC code can be changed.
A replacement EEC and FOB might be an Insurance Claim.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

Hi Geoff - when Mark mentioned the key, I believe he meant the fob :o) Clearly, the key itself isn't coded - and for anyone else reading this thread who may be unfamiliar with this, that is a point that is useful to have clarified.

MG keys are good, old fashioned, cut peices of metal, pure and simple. :o)

Geoff, not sure what you mean by the EEC?

With regard to the fobs, when programming fobs, all old fob codes are errased - and only those present at the time of programming are retained - as Ralph mentioned.

This pdf is actually pretty informative: http://www.autodiagnos.com/fileadmin/assets/en/downloads/pdf/technical_bulletins/rover/rover_plip.pdf
Rob Bell

Have now compiled the information after a little research on the subject - more here: http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DIY/simple_procedures/diagnostic_tests.htm
Rob Bell

It's not the key (or fob) that I'm asking about, it's the car itself....

My client NEEDS to change the car's imobiliser code so that the person who has pinched her bag (with car keys in) cannot turn up at her home and help themselves to her car.....

Rob, thanks for your input here.

I'm sure that others here MAY find themselves in this situation at some stage.

Mark.
M T Boldry

Is this a post 2003 with the Pektron SCU Mark?

I don't really understand why the SCU needs replacing in this case. Once new fobs are coded, the old ones (the ones that have been stolen) are removed from the SCU's file of permitted transponders - meaning that the stolen fobs can NEVER be used to open the car again.

A new Pektron SCU, if memory serves, costs in excess of 600 quid - and that's before obtaining the fobs, labour for dashboard disassembly, installation and reassembly and then coding MEM3 to suit the new SCU. It just seems rather a lot of money and not necessary.

Is it the insurance company who is insisting on this?
Rob Bell

Rob, thanks. This sounds like the information I need to know...

The TF is a 2004 model.

Thank you.

Mark.
M T Boldry

No problem Mark. The MY2004 TF used the dear old Pektron SCU.

I've heard reports that putting it into programming mode can be problematic (the software/firmware can freeze), but you should be fine :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 14/06/2010 and 18/06/2010

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