Key Making Advice

[Gebo]

I just bought a 94 Sentra and the ignition key is very very fickle. I have to wiggle and shake and pull it out and push it in until I can actually turn it to start the car. I am wondering if I can get the key code and let Nissan make the key for me. I'm afraid if I go in and have a key shop (Lowe's) copy this key I have, it will end up acting the same way and be a royal PITA.

Also, the trunk key is different. Was that standard in 1994? It has been rear ended and I'm wondering if they put a different trunk lid on it.

 

[Jimmy9190]

I don't know about your car key but I can tell you it will be better to find a good hardware store that still uses one of the older style key cutting machines that actually cuts the new key to match the old key. I needed a spare key for the front door of my house. I had one made at Home Depot, it did not work. They made me another one for free. It did not work either. I had one made at Lowe's and it did not work either. HD and Lowes both use the new style key machines that they just stick both keys in and it spits out the new key.

I went to Ace Hardware where they have the old style key machine, I guess it must be some kind of rotary cutting method, their key worked just fine and has worked fine ever since.

You may need a new ignition lock cylinder. Your key and ignition both may be very worn down. In that case I imagine a new lock cylinder will either come with a key or the Nissan Parts guys can cut a key for you. I seem to remember Nissan, Toyota, Honda, all of their vehicles had the same key for the ignition and the trunk too. Maybe ask the Nissan parts guys about it.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

I've heard both yes and no.

A Chrysler dealer my parents used for years back in NY were able to provide new keys to one of their cars using the metal key code tags (or whatever they are) that came with the car when new. But that was a few years ago.

But when I tried to do the same with my Subaru here in VA, the guy behind the service counter looked at me like I was a moron and told me no, and that I'd have to get the whole car re-keyed to get them all to match.

 

[brianl703]

A locksmith can make a key from the key code. I believe they can also measure your key to determine what the key code is, if you don't know.

 

[bdcardinal]

Call the dealer and ask. I cut keys all the time for customers, I just require they show me proof of ownership and matching photo ID. The keys are cut to the factory code. Ford provides us with access to key codes for 2003 and newer model year vehicles, next year it will be 2004 and newer. Mazda I can go back to the early 90s. The only hangup is most of the keys on the newer vehicle require the vehicle to be in service to program.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
A locksmith can make a key from the key code. I believe they can also measure your key to determine what the key code is, if you don't know.


^ This - just call around and find a competent locksmith and they can easily code cut a key by looking at the old one.

 

[Donald]

If you go to a place to get a key made, always ask when the key machine(s) was last adjusted to be in spec. If they give you a dumb look (Lowes or HD) go elsewhere. If its over 6 months go elsewhere.

At Lowes, they had 2 key machines. (I was in OPE). The associates (the ones that knew) would always use for their own keys the machine they knew made good keys. The other machine was never adjusted and made poor copy keys.

I got a chip ket cut at a hardware store and it was way off according to the locksmith who looked at it latter on. There was $15 down the drain for the blank.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: Donald
If you go to a place to get a key made, always ask when the key machine(s) was last adjusted to be in spec. If they give you a dumb look (Lowes or HD) go elsewhere. If its over 6 months go elsewhere.

At Lowes, they had 2 key machines. (I was in OPE). The associates (the ones that knew) would always use for their own keys the machine they knew made good keys. The other machine was never adjusted and made poor copy keys.

I got a chip ket cut at a hardware store and it was way off according to the locksmith who looked at it latter on. There was $15 down the drain for the blank.


This doesn't help if the original is severely worn.