Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key – PCF7936 Chip, 315 MHz, MIT11R

Fitments for the Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key include the 2006–2012 Eclipse, the Endeavor, and the 2004–2012 Galant. Across these platforms, the unit combines a mechanical ignition blade with an integrated remote transmitter operating at 315 MHz, making it a single device for both door entry and engine start authorization. Each Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key carries a Philips PCF7936 transponder chip embedded in the head, which communicates with the vehicle’s immobilizer module during a cryptographic handshake at ignition. Owners replacing the fob should expect a professional programming session that pairs both the remote functions and the transponder to the car’s ECU. When ordering a Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key, confirm the MIT11R keyway profile matches the vehicle’s ignition cylinder before cutting.

Transponder and Radio Specifications

The transponder inside this remote head key is the Philips PCF7936, a widely recognized immobilizer IC from the Hitag 2 family. It operates passively — meaning it draws power from the inductive field generated by the antenna ring surrounding the ignition lock cylinder. When the key is turned, the PCF7936 responds with an encrypted rolling code that the vehicle’s immobilizer control unit validates before permitting fuel injection and spark. Without a properly paired transponder, the engine will crank but not start, a hallmark of the Mitsubishi car keys & fobs immobilizer system used throughout this era.

On the radio-frequency side, the integrated remote transmitter broadcasts at 315 MHz, the standard remote keyless entry frequency for vehicles sold in the North American market. This frequency governs the lock, unlock, and panic functions transmitted when the buttons on the key head are pressed. The remote portion uses a separate rolling-code protocol from the immobilizer, so both subsystems must be independently programmed to the target vehicle.

MIT11R Blade Profile and Cutting

The Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key uses the MIT11R keyway, a high-security profile characterized by its internal milling track. Unlike traditional edge-cut keys, the MIT11R blade features a single track of cuts along an internal channel, requiring specialized equipment to duplicate. Locksmiths typically cut this blade on a code machine or a dedicated Mitsubishi-capable key cutting station. When cutting by code, the bitting information can be pulled from the vehicle’s VIN through authorized databases, which is especially useful when no working key exists to decode from.

The MIT11R profile is shared across the Eclipse, Endeavor, and Galant platforms during their respective production years, so a single blank can serve all three models. However, the depth and spacing specifications must be precise — even a fraction of a millimeter off can cause binding in the wafer tumbler ignition cylinder, potentially damaging internal components over time.

Mitsubishi OEM Remote Head Key Programming Procedure

Programming this device involves two distinct steps: immobilizer transponder registration and remote keyless entry pairing. The transponder registration requires a diagnostic tool capable of communicating with the Mitsubishi Remote Head Key (FCC ID MIT11R) – Specs & Program immobilizer ECU. Tools such as the Autel IM608, Smart Pro, or similar advanced programmers support the PCF7936 chip write and registration process for these Mitsubishi platforms. The procedure typically involves reading the immobilizer data, adding the new key’s transponder ID to the authorized key list, and verifying start authorization.

Remote pairing, by contrast, can sometimes be accomplished through an on-board procedure depending on the specific model year and trim. Some Mitsubishi vehicles from this generation allow remote programming by cycling the ignition and pressing buttons in a timed sequence, while others require the diagnostic tool for both functions. A qualified automotive locksmith will know which approach applies to the target vehicle and can complete both steps in a single service call.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Considerations

Because this is an OEM-grade unit, the internal components — the PCF7936 transponder, the 315 MHz transmitter circuit, and the MIT11R blade blank — are manufactured to Mitsubishi Motors’ original specifications. Aftermarket alternatives exist and often cost significantly less, but quality can vary. Common issues with lower-cost clones include inconsistent transponder response times, reduced remote range, and blade blanks that do not meet the tight tolerances required by the MIT11R keyway.

For locksmiths advising customers, the OEM option is often the safer recommendation when longevity and reliability are priorities. The Philips PCF7936 in an OEM shell tends to deliver more consistent immobilizer communication over the life of the key compared to aftermarket chips that may use compatible but non-identical silicon.

Vehicle-Specific Notes

Mitsubishi Eclipse (2006–2012)

The fourth-generation Eclipse used the MIT11R ignition throughout its production run. Both coupe and Spyder convertible variants accept the same remote head key. The immobilizer system on this platform is straightforward for experienced locksmiths, though all-keys-lost scenarios require PIN extraction or EEPROM reading from the immobilizer module.

Mitsubishi Endeavor

The Endeavor, Mitsubishi’s mid-size SUV, shares the same key platform. Its immobilizer module is located in the same general dash area as the Eclipse and Galant, simplifying the diagnostic connection for programming. The remote head key functions identically across all Endeavor trim levels.

Mitsubishi Galant (2004–2012)

The ninth-generation Galant was one of the first Mitsubishi sedans to adopt this key format in the North American market. Spanning nearly a decade of production, it represents a large portion of the demand for this particular remote head key. Programming procedures are consistent across the model’s production years, though minor firmware differences in the immobilizer ECU may affect tool compatibility on very early 2004 units.

When to Contact a Locksmith

Vehicle owners who have lost their only key, broken the blade, or experienced remote malfunction should contact an automotive locksmith rather than attempting DIY replacement. The PCF7936 transponder registration requires professional-grade diagnostic hardware, and improper attempts can lock out the immobilizer system entirely. A mobile locksmith equipped with the right tools can cut the MIT11R blade, program the transponder, pair the remote, and verify full functionality on-site — typically within 30 to 60 minutes.