Transponder Programming in Sydney with Tango or EWS Editor Lite?
 

I only have one key for my 2002 Rover 75 2.5l V6 Connoisseur SE so would like a backup for peace of mind.

Keys are readily available. Getting it cut is no problem and linking the remote to the BCU is straightforward thanks to TOAF.

I have an AK90 having previously used it successfully on BMWs to assign a new key number and program the transponder.

AK90 will read the BIN file from the Rover EWS chip but, as seems to be common knowledge, the BIN file used in the Rover75/MG ZT is slightly different to the BMW format and is not recognised by the AK90 software resulting in the 'EWS data is error' message. As a consequence the program will not proceed to the Key Number Assignment Window and the new transponder chip is not able to be written.

Scouring the forum, in particular the very informative posts from genpk, Mike Noc, Big Russ and marinabrian, it seems the way forward is to use a key programmer such as EWS Editor Lite. This would allow me to dump the BIN file into it, select an unused key number and then write the new transponder chip.

I don't want to buy another key programmer for a one time use but can't find an auto key locksmith in Sydney that even knows what I'm talking about.

My question is this. Is there an Australian (preferably Sydney) forum member with EWS Editor Lite willing to help or does anyone know a reasonably priced Sydney based auto key locksmith who may be able to help

If you can't get someone locally to program a transponder for you, then you could always send your bin file, obtained using the AK90, to the UK. I would be able to provide you with a programmed transponder - I believe the postage to Australia is not very expensive.

Tommy :-)

Tommy, that sounds like a plan. How do we decide on a key number when I don't know which slots have already been assigned?

When the car leaves the factory the first two key slots are used for the transponder codes (sometimes the first 3, on earlier cars). These will be marked as used. It's really just a matter of selecting an unused slot. Here's a screen shot of the BIN.
When a request is sent to the official route to have a transponder programmed the next available slot will be used, since the original factory data is on file. However, the official source will not have any data regarding third party transponder programming - this can however be seen from the BIN.

Okay, I understand. I'm not able to view all the key numbers already assigned in my cars EWS but using the AK90 'Test Key' option I'm able to see the one key I do have is Key # 5 so we're probably okay to use any number between 6 - 10 but lets go with # 8 to be safe.

So nice to be able to communicate with someone who knows what I'm trying to do. Most of my car and motorcycle enthusiast friends baulk at this kind of stuff and have no idea what I'm talking about when I discuss it with them.

I would like to take up your offer to assign a key number and program a transponder chip for me so will email via the forum which will give you my email address and will include my home address. If you'd be good enough to respond with your email I can send you the BIN file.

Cheers Terry

OK.

Just noticed that there is a member in Perth that could also do this for you. Member name genpk

Which Perth though? I'm also an Edinbugger so my mind went north, not south. :shrug:

Dougie.

Perth Australia you Edinbugger :-)

Thanks for letting me know. I'd still like to have you program a chip for me and don't mind waiting on it coming from Scotland.


Have sent you an email via the forum with my details.


ps like the banter from goltho. Never heard the term Edinbugger before.

Be careful. You're unqualified to use the term.

Dougie.