FAS2SUB

I have just purchased a Impreza WRX STi JDM which has only come with one key!
I was told by the supplier to simply order a replacement from my local dealer.
Having spoken to the local agent he tells me he won't be able to code the new key to the car security alarm etc being that it is a Japanese import.
Has anyone got any advice on this problem.
Cheers.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Is he just being an *******? Try another dealer. His computer either talks to the ecu, or it doesn't, afaik.

Jonnys3

I had a similar problem when I bought mine (import from Ireland with only 1 key). My preferred Subaru dealer (Europa) had to request the immobilizer code from Subaru Technical to program the additional key into the immobilizer.

Might have been easier with mine being from Ireland, but technically it's still a non-UK car and they were able to retrieve the code from Subaru Technical and provide me with a fully operational additional key.

It was an expensive affair but I wanted peace of mind.

You could always try an auto-locksmith but I think they are likely to charge you for their time even if they fail to code a key.

FAS2SUB

Cheers guys. I'm going back to the importer to see what he suggests. Maybe he can help find an agent who can help. Surely this has happened loads of times before to people with JDMs

BoozyDave

iTrader: (8)

It's not cheap or easy to get a new key.

A mate had a similar problem with his only having 1 key. He had paid for 'key insurance' for years and claimed on it. He decided to go shopping and while he was there he 'lost' his car key. He could get his car home due to a 'spare' key at home. He claimed on his 'key insurance' and they sorted everything out for him.

Not the right way to do it, but if he had lost his only key, it would have cost the key insurance company a lot more to sort it out (recover the car, new locks, problems with coding, etc. plus the replacement key anyway)

BoozyDave

iTrader: (8)

I've just asked him about it and Europa Sheffield sorted it out for him

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Depending what year your car is (definitely up to and including MY07 JDM cars) didn't need a chip in the key as they didn't have a built in immobiliser, a standard key will work fine.

Tony

FAS2SUB

I spoke to the importer last evening and he told me that my car Impreza WRX STI 2003 has a Cat 1 alarm immobiliser fitted as standard build.
All getting a bit confusing!

FAS2SUB

Sheffield is just over the hill from me so I will call Europa Sheffield on Monday and see what they can do. Cheers for that.

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

just go to the local key shop, pay a fiver and try the key.

ZANY

Hi what year is the sti jdm?

ZANY

Aaaai you can get one of them fancy sti titanium ones off tbay and get it cut SUPER!!

ZANY

Sorry just read 2003 sti yep defo get one of them titanium sti keys it's on my list next week lol ��

FAS2SUB

I have now got to the bottom of the spare key problem. Firstly I have found the original spare key in the top section of the glove box. This was missed by the importer as he said it only came with one key in the first place!
The spare key is a plain titanium one with no buttons but it opens the doors manually and starts the car. It looks identical to the picture in the hand book so I assume it is an original item.
Secondly I have now discovered that the car (2003 Impreza WRX STi JDM) does not have a factory alarm/imobiliser fitted although the importer told me it had! Talking to various people I understand that JDM cars of that age group and possibly other years do not have factory alarms. Furthermore I understand that JDM imported cars have to have a Thatcham Cat1 alarm/imobiliser to get through the UK import regulations!? I am going to challenge the importer over this issue but I don't think I will get much joy!
I think my only option will be to have an alarm/imobiliser fitted at my own cost. I would therefore appreciate any suggestions on what make to go for.
I would also suggest that anyone with JDM cars to check whether or not their cars are actually fitted with an alarm as it could be a costly insurance problem should the car get stolen!