Well it's finally COMPLETE!!! 
I have successfully retro-fitted my Subaru key and remote into the VW switchblade type remote.
This has been a long time mod that i've always wanted to do since the VW switchblade is simply a COOL! style and it definitely makes the form factor much smaller than the regular separate remote and key.

I was thinking about integrating the key and remote together like most ppl have done but still didn't like the size and comfort of the end result.

See instructions below for this modification.

Required Items:
-  2 button Subaru teardrop remote (05+ imprezas and foresters)
-  VW switchblade style remote
-  Spare key for the car.

Helpful Tools:
-  Soldering iron (w/ fine tip)
-  Thin cooper wire suitable for PCB circuits.
-  Hot-melt glue gun (or alternative adhesive)
-  Volt meter (optional to test soldered connections)
-  Dremel


--------------------------------[Key Modification]--------------------------------

1.  Remove VW key blade.  Press key release button and hold key partially flipped.  Notice the hole for the key blade retaining.  Use a thin screwdriver (or similar) to push out the retaining pin (Do not lose pin as it will be needed for the Subaru key).





2.  Trace shape of insertion tab of the VW key blade onto spare Subaru key.
Cut key and test the fit in the VW remote.  You will notice that the insertion tab on the VW key blade is slightly thinner than the rest of the key blade.  You do not have to worry about this difference in thickness as the Subaru key is the same thickness as the tab itself.  Therefore it should fit without problems after the tab shape has been accurately cut.





3.  The retaining pin channel needs to be created on the Subaru key.  To do this it may be easier to mark the hole locations while the key sits within the blade slot on the VW remote.  I dipped a tool pick in paint to mark these hole locations.  Once these locations have been marked, carefully drill a straight channel.  It is probably best to make small adjustments and look through the retaining pin hole so check fit and to determine where further drilling maybe needed.



4.  Insert modded Subaru key in VW remote and secure with retaining pin.  Ensure a snug fit.




--------------------------------[Circuit Modification]--------------------------------

1.  Configure car security system to accept new Subaru teardrop remote
(See owners manual for instructions)


2.  Remove VW and subaru remote circuits from their casings





3.  Using the VW circuit as a template, mark and cut away parts of the Subaru circuit as illustrated below.  The newly cut circuit board should fit within the walls of the VW casing.  Also, drill board securing holes in circuit and check fit.






The cut out portions are regions of the circuitry that were allocated for the trunk release and panic buttons used on the Legacy and Outback remotes.
Here is a pick of the regions that were cut out and the circuit paths that are safe to sever.
The red cuts refer to unused paths on the 2 button remote and the blue cuts refer to the broken antenna connection that needs to be replaced.




4.  Desolder unlock/lock buttons from VW remote circuit to be reused on the modified Subaru circuit.  (Be sure not to damage buttons)



5.  Desolder unlock/lock buttons from Subaru circuit. (Be sure not to damage button contact points on the circuit board)



6.  Relocated the lock and unlock buttons using the VW buttons.  Approximate new button locations on the circuit and glue down buttons.  Reassemble VW casing to test physical button operation.  You may need to make slight adjustments to achieve desired button operation.



7.  Once satisfied with button placement, mark these locations and remote buttons for soldering.  Run and solder wire from the buttons to the original Subaru button contact points.  I found it easier to solder the wire to the buttons first then gluing buttons to the circuit and lastly soldering the wires to the circuit contact points.
The following image shows the wiring schematic.



8.  Attach wire replacement antenna onto circuit board at the following shown locations.



This was the end product of the wired circuit





9.  Modify battery contact.  Desolder and reuse original VW battery contact.  Glue VW battery contact to new modified circuit board and attach VW battery contact to original Subaru battery contact points via soldered wire.



10.  Reassemble VW casing and verify button functionality.
A tip from Soze.  Be sure to clean all the contacts before reassembling.


Final step.  REPLACE THE VW LOGO! 
You can purchase a perfectly fitting logo (in the form of a pin) from the following company
http://us.saabexpressions.com/Products/ … ItemId=111
Simply cut off the pin part and replace the VW logo with your new saab logo.
Best of all, it only costs $2.50.

And thanks to curiousG, we now have the end result


Comparisons between the original Saab/Subaru remote  and the newly modified switchblade key.






Enjoy 


btw, this was my first attempt at tackling this with the older style remote

Funny thing is, it still works   

Last edited by trinifry (2008-07-01 02:09:02)