{"id":411,"date":"2024-03-15T18:16:33","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T18:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/?p=411"},"modified":"2025-12-31T16:43:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T16:43:56","slug":"key-coding-p1p2p3-spa-cma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/2024\/03\/15\/key-coding-p1p2p3-spa-cma\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Coding (P1,P2,P3 + SPA \/ CMA)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Including all keys lost situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to Matt (our European partner) for this great write-up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

**** Different regions use different frequency Keys\u2026EU keys will not work on Japanese imports for instance , Always check what frequency you require before purchase!!! *****<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note \u2013 Vdash currently cannot program P1 or P3 Keyless entry keys.\u00a0 That is V1DA \/ Specialist Only.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


There are key experts in this world , who you find in back streets and grubby sheds who have the equipment to program keys for anything, though it usually involves soldering irons and witchcraft. Most people dont know them or can\u2019t find them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this guide is for those of us who can\u2019t find these wizards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, i\u2019ll break this down by platform but I will start with one caveat\u2026.P2 and pre facelift P1, just bite the bullet and get to a main dealer and GET A SPARE KEY NOW! not when your only one is lost or broken. Towing a vehicle due to all keys lost will add a big chunk of cost to the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following\u00a0is based on my direct experience\u00a0and \u201cwhat I understand\u201d .\u00a0 Where I am wrong please feel free to comment. Where I refer to V1DA, it is Genuine\u00a0subscription V1DA. Not V1DA 2014d \/ V1DA 2015a\u00a0\u2013 as they cannot help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you sitting comfortably?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P2 platform cars.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The keyblade has to be cut , so you can turn on the ignition, to program a key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ignition key transponder and remote are entirely separate both physically and conceptually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting the car is by means of an ID48 RFID chip in the head of the key that is read by the antenna ring on the ignition barrel.  ID48 chips are single use which is why they cannot be programmed to another car. The Immob data is verified in various places of the car such as CEM and ECM.  This is why you cannot easily swp CEM or ECM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remote locking \/ unlocking is separate to starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When programming P2 keys the conventional way with V1DA it is 2 separate downloads: 1 for ignition and 1 for the remote.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P2 remotes when brand new are supplied with special codes that have to be entered into V1DA (or Vdash) during programming.\u00a0 This is why used P2 keys are really worthless apart from maybe for rebuilding a broken key\u2026.but the RFID chips are formed in the key head, replacing them is really not worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remotes are actually registered in the UEM (rear view mirror) not the CEM.  This is why you cannot (easily) swap P2 RVM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is the CEM pin required ?  No (but with a small yes which I will come to later) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decoding the CEM pin on most P2 platform cars does not allow you to program a key as the CEM pin code and IMMOB pin are separate (and the remote codes are even more separate)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However Late model P2 cars such as XC90 \/ S80 V8 or 3.2 actually have a P3 Style CEM and the Immob pin can be calculated from the CEM pin. Joy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enough waffling, how do I program a P2 key?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Just go to V0lv0.\u00a0 You’re going to need a NEW in box with packaging CUT key with codes anyway.\u00a0 The programming part is a small amount\u00a0of the cost.\u00a0(Used keys cannot be re-programmed without the PIN code that comes with the key when new.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) If you have access to Genuine V1DA and have a new cut key with codes, order Ignition\u00a0key application and remote key application and away you go.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Vdash.   If you have a late model P2 you can decode the CEM pin with modunlock<\/a>.   or one of the other methods, bang it into Vdash, Vdash can then calculate the immob pin and you can use Vdash to program the key. Remember if you dont have the remote codes you will only be able to program the ignition aspect of the key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4) If you have a Normal P2 , Vdash will need the immobiliser pin Code.  This is very hard to get.  Really you need to speak with a Vdash Pro \/ Pro Verified agent such as myself or consult the Vdash dealer map https:\/\/d5t5.com\/partners<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

P2 Key cloning.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very good Auto locksmiths can clone keys.  No not the shit ones in shopping malls or the VAG guys on Facebook.  Good ones!.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you can also do it yourself.\u00a0 You can get (for example) a XHorse from the internet for about \u00a390 with a generic key and clone the ID48 chip and remote. And if you google Xhorse V0lv0 (fix the o’s) you will go down a rabbit hole of methods of getting immob data directly out of the CEM. (For example<\/a>\u00a0)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P2 All keys lost <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As p2 platform have a cut blade to turn the ignition on , you need to have a cut key to turn the ignition on so you can program a new key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where Vdash can be really handy as an alternative to V1DA.\u00a0 No-need to tow to a main dealer.\u00a0 Buy a new cut key from V0lv0.\u00a0 Get your immob pin, program key. And away, it may be costly, but its convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a part of the world where you have access to\u00a0V1DA, then this is a suitable alternative.\u00a0 But not Cheap.\u00a0 USA V1DA subscription is around $80 for 3 days of access, Ignition key application $100, Remote key application $100.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P1 platform cars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre face lift P1\u00a0<\/strong>have many of the same aspects as P1 platform, only there is no metal keyblade to be cut. There is an RFID chip in the tip of the key that is read by the Ignition lock .\u00a0 When they are supplied new they are supplied with codes for the remote to be programmed into V1DA or Vdash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Remote is read by a dumb sensor in the roof lining that is not coded.  they fail quite a bit, especially on leaky sunroof cars.  PITA to change, but cheap and plug n play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course for Vdash to Program the ignition aspect of the key, it needs the Immob pin, and for the remote aspect it also needs the remote codes. Vdash will need the immobiliser pin Code.  This is very hard to get.  Really you need to speak with a Vdash Pro \/ Pro Verified agent such as myself or consult the Vdash dealer.  map https:\/\/d5t5.com\/partners<\/a>. This has a cost, but can be done remotely<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P1 platform\u00a0have a single \u201cMaster Key\u201d application\u00a0to download in V1DA to program the key.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To my understanding the keys cannot be re-used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry keys can only be programmed by Main dealers \/ independants <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facelift P1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, we are facing the same hurdles as before only on facelift cars there are no codes to enter for the remote. You still need the Immob pin of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P1 platform\u00a0have a single \u201cMaster Key\u201d application\u00a0to download in V1DA to program the key.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facelift remotes can be made virgin and reused if you know a specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry keys can only be programmed by Main dealers \/ independants <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late model \u201cEuro 5\u201d P1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think this is all correct lol\u2026..Like with the late model P2, late model Euro 5 P1 have a \u201cP3\u201d style cem which means the Immob pin can be calculated from the CEM pin code and then you can program a key with VDASH. Yay! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry keys can only be programmed by Main dealers \/ independants <\/p>\n\n\n\n

P1 All keys lost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slightly easier than P2 as there is no blade to cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where Vdash can be really handy as an alternative to V1DA.\u00a0 No need to Tow to a main dealer.\u00a0 Buy a new key.\u00a0 Get your immob pin, program key. And away, it may be costly, but its convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a part of the world where you have access to\u00a0V1DA, then this is a suitable alternative.\u00a0 but not Cheap.\u00a0 USA V1DA subscription is best part of $100, Master key application, Best part of $100.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P3 Platform \u2013 V40 Specific<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here we are very much like facelift P1.  There are no remote codes to program in , but Vdash cannot calculate the immob data from the CEM pin code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it\u2019s a trip to the main dealer  \/ specialist for key programming or you need to speak with a Vdash Pro \/ Pro Verified agent such as myself or to consult the Vdash dealer map https:\/\/d5t5.com\/partners<\/a> to get your immob pin. This has a cost, but can be done remotely<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The  5 button keys are quite cheap, \u201cchinese\u201d keys can be bought for a \u00a320 or so .  I believe P3 keys can be made virgin.  They definitely cannot be used twice without it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry keys can only be programmed by Main dealers \/ independants <\/p>\n\n\n\n

P3 Platform \u2013 EXCLUDING V40\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy street!  You can decode your cem pin with Vdash or  modunlock<\/a>.   and then Vdash can calculate the immob pin and you can program your chinese (Or genuine)  5 button key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s it really lol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or you can use V1DA of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe P3 keys can be made virgin.  They definitely cannot be used twice without it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry keys can only be programmed by Main dealers \/ independants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P3 Platform \u2013 All keys lost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where Vdash can be really handy as an alternative to V1da.\u00a0 No need to Tow to a main dealer.\u00a0 Buy a new key.\u00a0 Get your immob pin, program key. And away, it may be costly, but its convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be able to get Vdash to decode the cem pin with Vdash without keys then it can calculate the immob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can definitely decode the cem pin without keys with modunlock<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a part of the world where you have access to\u00a0V1DA, then this is a suitable alternative.\u00a0 But not Cheap.\u00a0 USA V1DA subscription is $80 for 3 days of access, Master key application $100.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPA \/ CMA Platform (Sensus)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The immob pin is required for programming keys. Vdash cannot calculate the Immob pin. Blah blah blah you need to speak with a Vdash Pro \/ Pro Verified agent such as myself or to consult the Vdash dealer map https:\/\/d5t5.com\/partners<\/a> to get your immob pin. This has a cost, but can be done remotely<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one upside is that SPA platform keys can be reused with no messing about. They just reprogram.  Great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So your two options are, get your IMMOB pin or visit a main dealer  . independant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPA \/ CMA Platform (Android Auto)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The immob pin AND vgm pin  are required for programming keys. Vdash cannot calculate the Immob pin. You need to speak with a Vdash Pro \/ Pro Verified agent such as myself or to consult the Vdash dealer map https:\/\/d5t5.com\/partners<\/a> to get your immob pin. This has a cost, but can be done remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbit can calculate the immob pin for some SPA platform cars from the CEM pin code. With this you can then program keys, but there is no definitive guide to supported CEM\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one upside is that SPA platform keys can be reused with no messing about. They just reprogram.  Great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So your two options are, get your IMMOB pin or visit a main dealer  . independant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keyless entry caveats and other thoughts\u2026..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous different key types and frequencies, it is of course critical that you buy hardware that is aligned with your car.  I.E. a standard 5 button key will not unlock a keyless entry car, but can start the engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a key is added through V1DA, that key data is stored on their servers so that if ever the CEM is replaced, the keys are automatically programmed as part of a CEM replacement\/reload. Keys added through 3rd party methods are lost after a CEM replacement or reload. Of course you can add it back in, its just something to remember.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are of course many other avenues and way to go about it. Specialised devices which can read immob data out of the CEM, but I have to set boundaries of this article or i will never stop writing!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Including all keys lost situations. Thank you to Matt (our European partner) for this great write-up!  **** Different regions use different frequency Keys\u2026EU keys will not work on Japanese imports for instance , Always check what frequency you require before purchase!!! ***** Note \u2013 Vdash currently cannot program P1 or P3 Keyless entry keys.\u00a0 That… Continue reading Key Coding (P1,P2,P3 + SPA \/ CMA)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=411"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":513,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411\/revisions\/513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diaglaptops.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}