When Subaru unveiled the 2004 Sti it brought so much to the United States that we had been missing. Along with it they brought over an excellent looking titanium key, which seems kinda meh until you see it. It is cut above the cut and paste Subaru key that is pretty much identical over every model. Did I mention it is also made of titanium…?

You had a good run factory key, it's time to retire.

The downfall of the key was it was not chipped with a transponder that you find in all the models after 2004. So if you wanted it you had to resort to dissabling the security system or placing a chip near the ignition cylinder so that it allowed you to use the titanium key. But most of us don't live in Japan where the crime rate is incredibly low and car security didn't cross their mind. So how can we make this key work for us with immobilizers let's find out!

A quick note this works on standard cut keys and not laser cut keys. If your car is equipped with a laser cut key this won't work for you.

Time frame

It's good to know how much of our day we might be wasting… so for this project you will want at least an hour of your time for modifying the key. But what you really need to know is how much time will you spend elsewhere, you need the key cut and the new chip registered to the system. Which took me 20 minutes to find a place to cut the key and about five minutes to cut it. Now if you can't use a key programming tool you will need to know where to go. I'd assume most dealerships can do this in less than an hour the same with most locksmiths.

Tools

The necessary tools for adding the chip will be a sharp box cutter or knife, tape and mini screwdriver for prying. If you want to be able to register the key yourself you can find many programmers like they unit below.

You might already have some on hand but if you don't this will help you on many projects. 6 pack electrical tape

Parts

First off is the key, so get that ordered. And then you will want to find your way to 802projects.com to pick up a transponder chip and cover. One part you might overlook if you go to the dealership is a immobilizer code, this code is specific to your car. It costs around $3, but if you already have the code take it with you and save money and the hassle.

Find your key covers and chips over at https://802projects.com/blog/stikey/stikey.php#purchase

How to

If you want some pristine Sti titanium key shots now is the time, because there isn't any coming back. I started by having the key cut at my local Home Depot, just make sure you say it doesn't have an immobilizer and/or you will take car of that part. Otherwise you might have to find another store… as I did.

What a great factory key option, now it is time to make it work for us.

Key has been cut to match and ready to be installed.

After the key is cut you can protect any part of it by applying a couple layers of tape. I went with electrical tape as I had it on hand and it works fine for this task.

Taping up the delicate areas so we keep the key looking fresh.

Now you can start destroying a perfectly good key for the sake of your own interest. With a sharp knife it should go pretty quickly, you are trying to cut deep enough so you can pry on it and remove the lower cover.

Chop chop or really cut cut. I went back and forth using steady pressure. I am sure a new blade will do it much faster than this old blade.

Starting to see a spot where we can begin to pry it apart.

I used a plastic trim tool to apply a bit of pressure and this side came up rather easily.

Now you can pry in an nonvisible area to get the cover coming off.

With some good force and twisting it should start to peel away.

And you should be left with this. The key blade may slip out, you can use some epoxy to dab it back in place.

Once it is removed your next task is slide the transponder into its new home. Being careful to install it properly otherwise it can be damaged and this ruining your fun project until you are able to source another. The cover fits very tightly, but if you want it to be forever you can add some super glue.

Chip is ready and the new cover is present and ready to go on.

In this image the opening for the chip is visible towards the top of the image. You need to slide it a specific way to key it from damaging the cover or chip.

Slanted side of the chip should be towards the key blade and sloping away from the outside of the cover.

It's a pretty tight fit but you should be able to slide the cover all the way up and now you can admire your work and use your programmer or find a person to program it for you.

If you stops and won't move that might mean the chip is in incorrect. Stop and check for the proper orientation.

If you are taking it to a dealership, take all your keys that you need registered. If one is left out it will no longer work, all keys must be registered otherwise they will no longer work. You can always take them all back with you one day but who wants to pay to have them registered again.

If you have your own programmer you can no duplicate the key with the new chip. Otherwise a locksmith or your local Subaru dealership should be able to take care of it.

If you take the dealership route you need to have an immobilizer code for key registration. The dealer

Guess what that's it! Head off to your nearest cars and coffee and make sure to flex on anyone with a car key without a fancy key. Or just enjoy replacing your very old key with something that looks a little better. It's really up to you. Enjoy!