I was told at dealership in Downer's Grove, IL that you could buy a used SMART Key and get it reprogrammed to work with your vehicle (at the dealership). 2009 Outlander.

So I purchased a part number matching used SMART Key FOB online (ebay). The FOBs look identical in everyway. My local dealership tried to reprogram it, with the warning that if the SMART Key had originally been programmed for a new vehicle that it would not be possible to reprogram it for another vehicle.

They were not successful in reprogramming it. I am an electrical engineer by trade, nearly 20 yrs working with RF & electrical systems, there is almost no way Mitsubishi individually programs each of the these FOBs to work with a specific vehicle, with no way to clear the key so it can be reprogrammed to work with another vehicle. That kind of design just seems so entirely dumb, I am not buying into it. I think it has to be capable of being reprogrammed, there is just some trick, and the dealerships have been set up to advise you to buy a new SMART key instead of being able to reuse a used SMART key that is exactly the same hardware as the original SMART Key.

Is there anyone technical out there that knows the truths on this, and most importantly the trick to clear a used key so it can be reprogrammed?

Many thanks!

 

I've heard of keys becoming "un-programmed" and getting taken to the dealer to be paired again.

 

Any update to this? My keys were ran over numerous times and the fast key is destroyed beyond repair. Fortunately, the blank is still ok, so I can still drive the truck. Can I buy a used key from ebay, or do I have to shell out the $200+ for a new "un-programmed" key?

 

I think what the dealer said about not being able to match a used key is untrue. I bought my Outlander used, and it came with only one key. After I found out how much a new second key was, I complained to the dealer that sold me mine. They were out of state and said that they could send me one that they had "lying around," but I would need to get it programmed at a local dealer. That's what I did. I just told them that it lost its programming. They reprogrammed the used key under warranty and it worked fine. Besides, if they sell you a new key for $200 or whatever, that is just a key they've taken off the shelf and programmed to your car. It wasn't made just for your car. Sounds like a load of BS to me.

 

Disassemble the fob, and post hi-res photos of the insides ?
I'd be interested in seeing whats actually in there ..