HELP!!. Lost 2001 Bucik Regal key, what to do?

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: Wolf359
I think the latest version of Forscan lets you delete and add keys to the system. You do have to know what you're doing though.

I don't feel that bad about Mercedes keys being $300-$500 now, all they need is the VIN to make a duplicate key.


On the parts department end, Ford does not catalog keys, the part numbers all begine with 164-RXXXX which is a Rotunda part number. They just list all the types of keys that came with the vehicle and the parts person has to determine it.

I have been called all sorts of names because I have the audacity to want proof of ownership of a vehicle. Also Ford does not recognize lien sales and repossessors as individuals who shall be granted key codes, only the registered owner of the vehicle.

 

[Kuato]

I thought good locksmiths could make keys for locks, from that lock.

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
I hope the "advisor" isn't trying make bank off you. Since he thinks he has you by the nuts.


My thought also. Call Beeyes on him, tell him there is a way to get the proper key and he should find it. Replacing the lock cylinder is an "easy way out" for him to get more of your money. $300 is already pretty durn expensive for one key!

Then, when you get the new key, make a couple copies.

 

[super20dan]

another gm bright idea. who wants to steal a buick regal? corvette or caddy suv yes but the plain gm cars its just added expence

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: Kuato
I thought good locksmiths could make keys for locks, from that lock.


They absolutely can. However not all cylinders use all of the cuts of a key. I built an ignition cylinder for a Mazda B-Series and it only used 7 of the 8 cuts.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Originally Posted By: Wolf359
I think the latest version of Forscan lets you delete and add keys to the system. You do have to know what you're doing though.

I don't feel that bad about Mercedes keys being $300-$500 now, all they need is the VIN to make a duplicate key.


On the parts department end, Ford does not catalog keys, the part numbers all begine with 164-RXXXX which is a Rotunda part number. They just list all the types of keys that came with the vehicle and the parts person has to determine it.

I have been called all sorts of names because I have the audacity to want proof of ownership of a vehicle. Also Ford does not recognize lien sales and repossessors as individuals who shall be granted key codes, only the registered owner of the vehicle.


Forscan is a software package that's free that works with an ELM327 code reader. You can get the extended license which allows you to access the PATS system which is where the keys are stored. You can then erase and add keys to the system. Only works on Fords though.

As for Mercedes, the dealer will want proof of ownership before they will order a key for you from Texas and you get it in a few days. Never thought it'd be cheaper getting another key on a Mercedes than a Buick.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: Wolf359
Forscan is a software package that's free that works with an ELM327 code reader. You can get the extended license which allows you to access the PATS system which is where the keys are stored. You can then erase and add keys to the system. Only works on Fords though.

As for Mercedes, the dealer will want proof of ownership before they will order a key for you from Texas and you get it in a few days. Never thought it'd be cheaper getting another key on a Mercedes than a Buick.


I think we are talking about 2 different things. A key code is the actual cut depths, not the programming code. You would get a code, and then go to a book and get the depths for each cut, or punch the code into a computer based cutter and let the magic happen.

As for Forscan, I have seen it and it is pretty cool but I have access to a few IDSs whenever I want and I have taken the classes on how to use them. I did my own PCM and SYNC updates on my Mustang after I bought it.

 

[mk378]

Locksmith may be able to modify your cylinder so that the key the dealer has already made will work in it. Or just take all the tumblers out so that ANY key will turn it. I doubt you're too worried about theft.

 

[01rangerxl]

That dealer is reaming you. There is no programming on a VATS key.

Except in very rare cases, a 2001's key codes and VATS resistor value should be in the key code look up on the Global Connect website, which is what GM dealers use to access this stuff. Some older vehicles get dropped out of the database (like 1991 old), but a 2001 should be in there. I don't stock most VATS keys any more, but what I do is look up the info, order the blank with the correct resistor value, then cut it. If the car has the original cylinder it usually works unless there is really bad wear. VATS blanks run about $30 list from GM, double or single sided. We usually charge about $50 total for a VATS key + lookup/cut by the VIN with proof of ownership. Mobile locksmiths are usually around $100-$150 for this type of key.

Some GM cylinder kits are pretty pricey, and I don't know what this one is off the top of my head, but the prices you have been quoted sound crazy. There are also aftermarket cylinder kits like this one for $75...
http://www.partsgeek.com/n79t6d7-buick-r...CFYQYHwodu1cAHw

You still need to find out your existing VATS code, but with a half decent locksmith or dealer, that should be easy.

$300 for a key and then $945 for a cylinder on this car is freaking insane. I'm sorry to say they may have taken advantage because you had it towed in. Did you just decide to tow it there, or did you call them and they said to do that? You shouldn't need to tow a VATS car (PK3 and circle + do have to be towed if there's no mobile locksmith and no keys).

 

[eljefino]

I got a chip (resistor) key blank for my W-body 2000 Century off ebay for $7. Of course I knew the resistance before purchase.

But you should be able to reprogram your VATS to your new key by leaving the (any) key on for ten minutes. This leaves you wondering what the heck your old key looked like. As said above, locksmiths can figure this out.

The problem with replacing ignition lock cylinders is the catch 22 of needing a key to get them rotated to the correct spot to remove them, otherwise there's a bunch of metal to go through. One crazy fix might be to just get a junkyard steering column for $25, though with all the airbag wiring this is more complicated than it was in the 80s. GM steering column work is a special sort of mechanical masochism.

Also a locksmith might be able to "bump key" your ignition to get the cylinder out, though if it has tumblers on both top and bottom that makes it tougher. Burn through your Yellow Pages until you find the town expert.

 

[1 SX]

UPDATE: The locksmith never showed, but thats okay, a neighbor found the key today after some snow melted? I will now order a copy. I almost went and took the plates off LOL. The dealer most deff was taking the easy way out, and then giving me a heart stopping bill. thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: SL2
UPDATE: The locksmith never showed, but thats okay, a neighbor found the key today after some snow melted? I will now order a copy. I almost went and took the plates off LOL. The dealer most deff was taking the easy way out, and then giving me a heart stopping bill. thanks for all the suggestions!
Good that you'll be making a copy.

I just lost the key to my grandmother's Trailblazer. Fortunately they had a spare so I went and had 2 more made. $9 a key at the dealer, it doesn't have a chip in it.

Then I found the key lol.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: SL2
UPDATE: The locksmith never showed, but thats okay, a neighbor found the key today after some snow melted? I will now order a copy. I almost went and took the plates off LOL. The dealer most deff was taking the easy way out, and then giving me a heart stopping bill. thanks for all the suggestions!


They say metal detector rentals in winter are a pretty big thing thanks to lost keys.