Replace your switchblade key blade (fix for worn/loose) by guitarplayer16

4 minute read

Replace your switchblade key blade (fix for worn/loose) 

Compliments of guitarplayer16 @ https://acurazine.com

3-10-2014

Having problem with your switchblade hanging out and not clicking into place?

Or see a used switchblade on eBay for cheap but it's already been cut for a different car?

All you have to do is buy a new blade.
Previously, nobody sold blades on their own.
Now, you can find blank blades on eBay.

$13

New Keyless Entry Remote Flip Key Replacement Fix Uncut Blade eBay

Here's how you replace your blade:

Tools:
Precision phillips screwdriver (PH0, PH1)

1. Take out the one screw at the bottom.
I used PH0 screwdriver.

2. Pry up and remove the remote, pushing up on the ring.

3. Carefully pry up the blade cover

Start on one side. It is held down by sticky residue so pry slowly.

It is held down by two clips, shown in the pics.

4. Remove the 3 screws. There's locktite or something on them, so make sure you use the right screwdriver or else you WILL strip the screw head.

I used PH1 on the two black screws and PH0 on the silver screw.

5. The metal piece should swing counterclockwise now (there's a spring under it).

6. Remove the metal piece but don't bend the spring.

7. Remove spring

8. Remove blade

You should be left with:

9. Lets take a look at the new blade:

Swap your immobilizer chip from your old blade to your new blade.
It is located behind the plastic little door.

How the blade works, is it clicks when it falls into the slot. The slot in your old blade is worn so there is no "wall" holding your blade in the closed position.

10. Place new blade in, and assemble everything back together.

Then time to get your key cut.

NOTE: This DIY is only for people with 07/08 TLs.
If you buy a blank blade hoping to use it for your 04-06 TL, you won't find a locksmith that can mill it. You'd have to send the blade in to Heeltoe to mill it. Milling is an expensive process ($60).

Hopefully you find this DIY useful, and I hope it saves you money.

You can get a newly functioning switchblade for $30 (eBay used switchblade) + $13 for new blade = $43

Beats paying the dealer for a new switchblade.

Cheers