What’s involved in getting a replacement car key from a third party, ie not the dealership?
We’ve lost our main key (with fob, remote locking etc) - most likely through our bairn playing with it and throwing it in the bin :smack:. It’s not an emergency, though, as we have a second (simple) key. The car is a Seat Leon, in the UK, and our main Seat dealer sucks. To the extent where I’d even pay a few more quid to avoid going there. However, sourcing the key and getting it cut seems like a lot of hassle - what are people’s experiences of getting this done?
I’m in the US, but I ended up having to go to a Kia dealership anyway, because none of the 3rd-party places had a key blank that would work. Then there’s the whole issue of whether or not there’s a chip in the key. I found out there wasn’t in mine, which at least made the replacement keys a lot cheaper.
My husband had success buying a replacement fob off eBay for his Subaru. It came with instructions on how to program it to the car. It was a LOT cheaper than a replacement through a dealership.
ETA: I had a set of keys disappear a couple of years ago, presumably into the trash bin, and I had no one to blame but myself!
The keys for most modern cars include a chip that turns off the security system. So even if you could get a key cut to the right shape, it still wouldn’t start the car. As far as I know, the only way to get a replacement key that includes the chip is through the dealer, and it’s much more expensive than you probably imagine.
Here in the U.S., the better locksmiths can make keys for most cars, including those with chips. I’d call to see if there’s a locksmith who can help you.
I haven’t been able to find a locksmith that can cut a copy of the “worm key” favored by VW/Audi. I’m not even sure what the proper name for those things is - it has a wiggly “channel” cut into the middle of the key blank, rather than a pattern cut into the edge of the key.
I really would like to know if I’m likely to be able to find a locksmith that can cut the VW/Audi style of key. I called a few, and they told me that they didn’t have the equipment for it, and didn’t know of anybody that did - get it from the dealer (who charges too much). It’s not a transponder issue - I want a strictly mechanical backup key to open the door in case I lock the “real” key in the car, and it’s the odd “worm” design that the locksmiths can’t handle.
yabob you’re talking about keys like these(the two outside keys)? It’s not that locksmiths “can’t handle” them, it just takes a specialized machine to cut one of them that’s usually not worth the cost. It’s possible you may be able to track down a shop that can do it, but it will probably cost just as much as getting it from a dealer.
I’m in California, but I managed to get one from a mobile locksmith when I lost my key, and the spare turned out to not work. The mobile locksmith was able to provide me with a pair of programmed keys, as well as a fob for door unlocking.
This was a Ford Windstar. I don’t know if your brand or location will make it more of a challenge.
Yeah, those are the type, in particular, the BMW one which doesn’t have the groove along the side. Semantics - to me, not having the equipment to cut them means they “can’t handle” them. It’s not intended as pejorative. I had one other car that had that design, and it came with an “emergency” key that only had the stem and could fit in your wallet. I have a new VW with a tailgate that can be unlocked separately with the remote (attached to the key), and locks when closed. I just KNOW I’m going to lock the keys it eventually.
Anyway, yeah; most likely gonna have to get that from a dealer. Alternatively, it could be easier (and much cheaper) to find a locksmith shop that could clone your remote (equipment for that is far more common).
I have the same sort of key, as Seat is a subsidiary of VW. I’ve been trying to sort this out over the past two days, speaking to an automotive locksmith. The problem over here sounds like the opposite to yours, he can cut the key no problem but he needs a PIN code for the engine immobiliser, and getting this code is apparently difficult for the VW family. Anyhow, he confirmed with me today that he can in fact do it once he looked up my engine number, but isn’t sure if he can be arsed with it as he doesn’t normally come over the bridge into town :smack:
Pain in the arse this. The dealer is staffed with orangutans who will rip me off and likely f the job up, but at least they answer the phone and you can arrange to get things done. The independent guy is likely competent and will charge a fair price, but contacting him in the first place, then pinning him down to a time and place is like pulling teeth. [/rant]
When I bought my second-hand (1995) Ford it only had one key and you had to go to a Ford dealer to get the red master key which would allow you to get copies cut from it, again at a Ford dealer. Anything else wouldn’t start the car, even if it opened the door.
Laser-cut or sidewinder keys as they’re called in the industry. They require dedicated machines to mill the key’s profile. The locks themselves will be referred to as 2 or 4 track locks, but I digress.
Locksmith here - figured I’d shed some insight. I’d advise you to check out FindALocksmith.com. It was a website setup by our national association to provide credible companies to consumers (there is a huge scammer issue going on currently in the industry). See who’s available in your area and call them up and ask for quotes - we don’t mind. Compare and contrast.
Depending on your make and model, you might be able to pass off with just a simple cloned key which will run you anywhere from $40 - $100 depending on your vehicle make, model, year and your physical location in the country. If the entire car has to be programmed, you’re looking at more - although this is a rare case.
You might also consider purchasing the key blank itself online and bringing it to the locksmith shop. They’ll cut and clone/program and you’ll save on parts. You might want to see if the locksmith shop is okay with this before you do so, however - it’s comparable to buying your own parts and bringing them to your car repair guy (he may or may not be cool with that).
Good luck. If you have any other questions I’ll be glad to help.