MESO Minimalist Key fob

PM me your address and I'll shoot you one. Not using it so you might as well have it

 

Well I got my unlock button shaved down a bit, think I still need to work on panic button but that'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'm pretty sure my neighbors hate me for setting off the alarm every few minutes currently. Overall it looks great and can't wait to get it all buttoned up, lol.

 

Just got a cut at the depot. It’s a machine so no user skill involved. I had em hand me a blank that the machine suggested so I paid $3.23 for an uncut key and they cut mine. At first I thought I’d toss it in the trash but now I think I’ll stealthily drop it back at the key cutter next time I’m in the store so it can get used.

I did take the key shank out of the fob first by releasing the Allen bolt but that only added confusion amongst the crew. It would have been fine fully assembled since all the user has to do is stuff the key to copy in first then the key to cut and it’s all up to the machine.

It was a little stiffer in the ignition on one side than the other. Pushing inward a bit got it to go then it went easier on subsequent turns. One side was spot on. I think a wire brush might help some. Had to file all three buttons a tiny bit.

Using transponder I programmed from the knockoff and internals from my OEM key for now.

Thanks so much, MESO, much more comfortable in my pocket.

 

My Ace Hardware cuts keys like this all the time. They have a rack with transponder replacements. They have done them before for me.

 

Finished mine tonight as well. Will head to Ace Hardware in the morning to have mine cut.

Was kind of a pain to cut the transponder out of my original key. I don't have the best tools or dexterity to cut it out easily... I was fairly certain I damaged it to be honest. I took the half-assembled fob to my truck and what was left of my original key and was able to get the truck started if I kept them close enough. At that point I was fairly certain I hadn't damaged the transponder and proceeded to finish the install.

Few things folks should know before proceeding:
1. You will likely completely destroy the original key housing getting the transponder out
2. Getting the transponder out will be a time consuming PITA
3. You will likely have to work on your buttons to sand/file down the edges and maybe the nub. I did a little of both to try to get things clicky to my taste.
4. You will likely set off your panic alarm several times. Did this at night and every time I re-assembled the flip fob the panic alarm would go off from the pressure. I sanded that button down more than the rest to try to limit accidental presses and keep it from going off due to just pressure in hand.
5. I would like to see a stainless steel option for the key ring bar and bottle opener. The black coating scratches off easily and most of us will attach a silver key ring anyway so matching to all black isn't necessary.
6. I would do this again because I think the end result is better than the original key. I like the flipping action and not having a pointy key in my pocket can only be a plus.

 

Got my white flipfob today. Just like everybody else, getting the transponder out of the OEM fob was time consuming and cumbersome. Cut myself a few times. Nothing serious but you really need a good cutter/knife to get that friggin chip out of there without damaging it. It’s going to test your patience, but just take your time. I broke up the disassembly into 3-4 sessions to save myself from getting too frustrated and destroying the transponder due to simply rushing it.
One tip I would suggest is once you get your transponder chip out, use the original key and the transponder and turn your car on. Make sure everything works. Because the chip extraction does make it feel like you might me damaging it.

All in all. The FlipFob is a winner. I would do it over again. Having that flip is way fun. Probably did that a few times as it’s just so satisfying.

Love the product Meso! Well worth the wait. Nice job as always.

Off to the dealership tomorrow to get the key cut for $15 CAD

 

Damn. Clean. I destroyed mine.
The again. I reused my key

 

I was quoted $15 CAD by my local Toyota dealership. Not sure if that’s priced high or low

 

Anyone used their factory key and ground it down to fit yet? I took apart my OEM fob and just waiting for mine to come in. Going to go full DIY on it so just curious if anyone has used the OEM key.

 

Mine showed up at like 10 pm last night (usps.... Wut) but I'm gonna look into it all today

 

Mine is still showing in transit through San Francisco, may not arrive for more than a week.

 

I used a bench grinder and that helped make quick work of it. I also wrapped masking tape around the factory key and traced the pattern from the key blank onto the factory key. Quick note, the factory key is thicker on the end that inserts into the fob slot, so you will also have to file down the thickness until it fits.

 

6 billion tons of super glue later I got my transponder chip out. Hope it works...

 

just finished setting mine up! love the stealth look. setup was kind of a pain, but it’s a nice modification to the ugly h-key.

but question... when unlocking/locking... is there a beep that goes with it? I thought there was a beeping when I locked the doors, but it only does it when I unlock them...

 

My truck is one beep ~ lock
Two beeps ~ unlock

It's a truck thing not a remote FOB thing you are referring to correct?

 

yeah, mine doesn’t beep when I unlock it. I find that strange. I even tried with the spare key, and it doesn’t do it either.

 

Check your settings in the HU

 

Might check your truck head unit custom vehicle settings. I think this can be changed with no beeps and beep volume levels.

 

Just got back from Ace Hardware. My key works! Only works in one direction, but at least they didn't charge me to cut it.

Think the take away here is that if you go the hardware store route, you may end up with a one-directional key.

 

Weird. Swapping the key over shouldn’t have altered any lock/unlock settings.