Cyrix2k has provided the most recent and best tips so far; ARD has plenty of great additions in other threads-but sadly not this one. There are a number of key programming options and following Cyrix2k's recommendation to buy the CDGI MSV80 is likely what I will do. I have just been setting back dollars for this purchase and it is lagging behind some others with higher priority.

I was able to acquire a PC recently and get it provisioned for this endeavor as the one I was using for the task was tapped out for other missions. I recently performed some successful coding with NCS Expert and loaded ISTA D/P packages with the relevant daten files on the fresh one. Before I pursue the key issue further I need to get some time and run through both of those tools to confirm they work as well as they did on my other machine.

I also want to replace the battery as the original from 6/2013 is still in the car and it makes me a bit nervous to do much else with a 7 year old heart in the car's electrical network.

I have a deutronic power supply/charger which I have used with the car to maintain the appropriate system voltage during programming; once I get the battery replaced I am not concerned about throwing bricks at the car from an electrical perspective. The downgrading of CAS and other monkey business gives me some pause, but I am working up the confidence to push forward as I take stock of what I have and better understand the process involved with the programming.

Good luck with your own efforts