MESO Minimalist Key fob

Dang, that's disappointing to hear. I asked this question on the other Minimalist FOB Thread on the regular 3rd gen forum.

I wonder if this is because of the machine they use?
Is it an issue with the blank?
Anyone get one cut that works both directions?

I know someone mentioned they got a locksmith to use the VIN/Key Code rather than a machine that just shadows the existing key.

 

Mine works in either orientation (home depot key machine cut). One way seemed stuck at first but after a gentle push towards the stalk it worked. From that initial turn it's gotten easier. I think a wire brush might round off some of the rough edges a bit and make it more buttery.

 

Not an issue with the Blanks, They can be inserted either way. Must be the person cutting the key

 

Good to know, just trying to make the best decision on where to try to get the key cut.

Yeah must be, trying not to be adding key blanks to my order this week whenever the colored buttons drop.

 

I’m getting mine cut at the dealer....the day i get to pick it up/before I even drive it off the lot . It will only ever know a flip fob !

 

they're gonna look at you weird when you spend 30 mins in the front lobby chopping away at the chip

 

I'll be picking up a new blank from MESO customs when they are released and will likely try either a locksmith or a dealer to make sure its done right.

 

ill hide in the bathroom with an exacto while they are swapping my tires !

 

You think it'll look bad doing this in the lobby, imagine what they'll think after you spend 30 mins in the bathroom and all they hear is cursing.

 

"Uhh, you guys got any bandaids? Maybe some triple antibiotic?"

 

Yup, they use a duplicating machine. You have to try to screw things up.

 

Got mine cut at Wally world for free. Ace refused, said I had to use one of their keys. Must be a regional or even location thing.

Also, mine works both ways

 

Just had key number 2 cut at Ace. Both work perfectly in both directions. My Ace sells a bunch of different fobs and cuts those. Never had a problem. Gotta be the machine or operator error.

 

There was another guy on here who had the same issue as me, but with home depot. I think we may have both run into incompetence... not the end of the world though.

 

If there is an issue with the key not working in one direction or at all. Just take it back and have them work it some more. The mechanism is very specific, and if they don't get all the corners perfect it will not work correctly. It is just a matter of them getting it right.

As for the lock function not making a sound. Make sure all the doors are closed fully. The car will not make a sound if there is a door ajar.

 

Whelp, just sent my TRD blank button flying.... Guess I'll have to settle for the empty one now

Lol

 

Didn't realize the same key could be cut a second time. I'll try and get over to Ace and see if they can run it again!

 

I took matters into modifying my original key. Take your time if you go this route. I used a bench grinder and a file. I probably could have done a cleaner job with a belt sander but those are the tools I had. FYI I had a small issue with one of the 3 bolt holes wanting to cross thread when I put it all together so be mindful of that.

 

Alrighty, I tried to go the "modify OEM key" route, and I failed. Here are some pics and notes, to hopefully help someone from making the same mistakes.

But first, a general note. Fret not, the transponder is not a perfect rectangle. When I first pulled it out I mildly freaked, thinking I had shaved a corner off it. Nope, it's just that way.


Ok, on to my screw-up. The critical dimension is the key blade length, not the tang, like I went for. While I got the tang almost perfectly fit, the key was not long enough to allow me to push it into the ignition to remove it. I had to loosen the set screw and remove the key from the fob just to allow me to push the key in and twist it out with some pliers. Not fun.


Also, be aware that it's not just a profile job, you'll have to work the thickness of the tang as well. Might be one step more than people want to take on, was certainly a surprise for me.


I think anyone could pull this off with a big file, a smaller file set, and a clamp for clamping it to a table or something, but I had access to a bench grinder. Used the grinder to profile, and hand filed the thickness and final dimensions.

I also released my spring while trying to get it out of the ignition. Fifteen minutes of cursing later, I figured out how to rewind it.

 

I brought my Flipfob fully assembled at both the dealership and locksmith. Both wanted to blank key out of the fob casing.

Had to scramble and quickly watch Meso’s how to de-assembly video. Unfortunately, during the process of re-assembly and reloading the flipkey, the spring jammed up and came out crooked. Friggin’ Sucks...

On a positive note, the newly cut key works. It’s just a bit sticky but I think it should loosen up the more I use it.