MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Audio / Security / Electrical => Topic started by: mrivett on February 5, 2025, 12:21

Title: Lost Transponder
Post by: mrivett on February 5, 2025, 12:21
Hello All

I have done a search round on this site, but cannot find a definitive answer

Recently went out to start the MR2 (Mart2 is his name, we share the same initials) only to find the key had cracked and the transponder was missing.

The car now wont start and the hazard flash repeatedly as you would expect. I have  purchased an new transponder from 'that site'. I m guessing that the 'door dance' wont work as I don't have the original transponder.

Just looking for suggestions and maybe someone could recommend a auto locksmith in the Norfolk/Suffolk area who may be able to help, or any other reasonably priced suggestion.

Thanks

Martin
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: Carolyn on February 5, 2025, 13:10
You could ask J-Spec if they have any MR-S ECUs.

You won't have an alarm or immobiliser any more but the car will start.
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: paulj on February 5, 2025, 20:24
Sadly you are a bit stuck without a car paired key to start with.  The immobiliser and alarm are two separate systems in the fob so bear that in mind when sourcing a solution.  The key dance for both systems relies on a paired key being used first to "unlock" the ECU and add a fob like the one you have bought.

Some auto key specialists can get into ECUs and directly add keys, not sure if this is an MR2 feature but ask one.  As for suggestions of companies, I would go for locally owned.  If you have a trusted mechanic or MrT you could ask who they use.

Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: mrivett on February 10, 2025, 07:10
Thanks all. There must have been people who have lost their keys and been able to fix it, so the I guess the search for a solution continues .....
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: Joesson on February 10, 2025, 09:45
Quote from: mrivett on February 10, 2025, 07:10Thanks all. There must have been people who have lost their keys and been able to fix it, so the I guess the search for a solution continues .....

Some insurance policies include for "Lost Keys" either in the policy or as an add on, do you have such a policy?
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: Carolyn on February 10, 2025, 11:26
People have bought a complete set of locks and keys and ecu from a breaker and installed those.  Massive PITA ,though.

Have you asked J-Spec if they have an M R-S ecu?
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: SV-3 on February 10, 2025, 12:07
Quote from: mrivett on February 10, 2025, 07:10Thanks all. There must have been people who have lost their keys and been able to fix it, so the I guess the search for a solution continues .....
Hi Martin

I locked my keys in my Jag whilst on holiday in Trimley in 2021.

This guy created a new key and hey presto - he is based in Stowmarket:

A H Locksmiths 01449 612700

Good Luck

SV-3
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: moredun on February 12, 2025, 13:34
I managed to get a complete new key from ebay, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363545761206

Local locksmith programmed it in a few mins and works perfect.
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: mrivett on February 14, 2025, 10:21
Thanks all

I've managed to get a new transponder from 'that site' and I have found an auto-locksmith locally who thinks he can program it for me. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Lost Transponder
Post by: mrivett on March 24, 2025, 15:16
** UPDATE ** The locksmith has been and removed the ECU. Hopefully I should have ECU and new keys back by the end of the week.