I've been having a hard time getting my key to turn in the ignition. The key itself is really worn out, and I doubt if I take it to a key cutter, he'd be able to duplicate it.

Is it possible to have a new key cut at a dealership based on my VIN number?

I'd like to try a new key before having to take the steering column apart...

Thanks

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yes it is possible to get they key cut by a dealer, however depending on what software they use, they may not be able to go back that far useing the vin. may just have to trace, or "read" the key with an indicator for the cuts.

dan

Thanks, I guess its worth looking into then. I don't know much about key making!

As long as they still have the key code for your car on file, and that you still have the original ignition cylinder, they should be able to cut you a key.

If not, your likely looking at a new cylinder unless you can locate another ignition key which has not been worn out/ground away by use.

if you want, shoot me the vin in a pm and i will check the key database at work. I know the key is still available, look for a code on the side of the key "H", "D" or something along those lines

[This message has been edited by bonaduce (edited 07-06-2010).]

Find a good locksmith that can generate a code just my looking at your key, I used to know one who could do and and would have him write down the code and then cut one from the code for me when he went to work and they always worked perfect. Just make sure they read the original key, not a copy.

Any good locksmith who works with cars can make a key easily. I did a lot of used cars for some car dealerships. A high percentage of those were repos that had no keys at all. They just towed them here, locksmith came out and made a set of keys in 20 minutes with no problem.

A key only has a certain number of depths and you can simply use a gauge to read them and if you want manually punch them out. I used to cut a lot of house keys and most basic house keys only have 5 differnet depths and a total of 5 cuts. I could read a key just by looking at it and go manually cut it. My dad did the same thing with car keys when he worked at a chevy dealer.

Jason

Thanks guys.

I ended up going to the stealership earlier today and they said they'd have to fax in the VIN because they didn't readily have the code at hand. I called around to some locksmiths and they all referred me to places on the other side of the city. I may just pay the few extra bucks to get it from GM. It would cost me the same amount to drive across the city with gas prices around here.

[This message has been edited by doublec4 (edited 07-06-2010).]

Well before you just dismiss getting a copy made, give it a try.. It will only cost you a few bucks.. I work in a hardware store and i probably copy (and custom cut) about a 100 keys a week. I have had customers bring in really old worn out GM keys (same style as our fiero keys) and most of the time i can copy them and they work just fine.. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking, but its rare for me not to make a working one.. The key would have to be worn too near nothing for me not too make a working copy.. Id at least give it a try, who knows you might get lucky, if not, well your only out about $2... Or if the store has good service, they wont even charge you if it doesnt work.. If i make a key, and it doesnt work, then the customer gets his money back if i cant make it work.. Also, if they can copy a working key for you, get yourself a few sets while your there.. I have 5 spare sets for my Fiero, plus one set i use, and the original set the car came with..

Just a suggestion before you hit up the dealership.. Cause you know they are gonna try to charge you a small fortune, even for a simple key..

[This message has been edited by Jonesy (edited 07-06-2010).]

I needed an extra key for my Sebring. I was at the dealer, so I just had them make one........$65. I should have just called the dealers lock guy, quoted me $15 because it has a chip. Same guy did a 3 key set for my Coronet for free because he was already here for another job

I would just get a complete new or better used lock cylinder and key and replace it all to get a newer better working ignition. Dan

i went to a Pontiac dealer because of news they were shutting down so i wanted some spares. the parts guy had to dig through his "to be thrown away bags." He said something about "needing to throw the keys away awhile ago". "I will see if we have a match".
well he found some. they are stamped...
Ignition has a C
trunk has a B
as far as i know they are OEM keys from day one. totally have the vintage patina/wear.

but, for some reason i have a door key also. it is stamped with a D.
the door key i got from my seller is way newer than the Ign and the "trunk" key. so somethings fishy. on my end.
all you can do is, go in and ask. worked for me. keep in mind Pontiac was still in business at the time.

that may play into your quest.....happy hunting
Dan

If your wealthy go ferrari dealership to get your keys otherwise go to a hardware store keep in mind GM will charge you almost as much as ferrari will.

I took my key to a locksmith and he said that he couldn't duplicate something accurate. Apparently it's THAT bad. Maybe if its that bad I will post a picture to show you guys since it can't be replicated anyways... Not sure if thats a good idea though

If it's that bad, just order a replacement lock cylender from Fiero Store, eBay, etc..

It'll be fresh, come with new keys, and it's not that difficult to replace.

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Patrick W. Heinske -- LZeitgeist@aol.com

"There are two types of Fiero owners - those that have gotten ripped off by Toddster, and those who will get ripped off by Toddster."