My little brother lost the only set of keys to my mom’s '89 Crown Victoria. I told her that she will need to get a new ignition, because you can’t order replacement keys without having an origional to copy. She told me to check the internet to see if a dealer could replace the keys somehow, so here I am. Is it possible to get replacement keys without the originals?
Here’s my staff report on car keys. Be glad your mom doesn’t have a new Toyota or Lexus… Are Car Keys Unique?
I believe that if you go to the Ford dealership they can make you a new set from the VIN number. You might need to have the title to prove it’s yours though.
Thanks! I’ll tell her to call a dealer. If that doesn’t work, I guess I’ll try a screwdriver.
On most (import) cars the dealer folder jacket (at the dealer) contains a key code that can be used to cut a new key. I would think that domestic dealers would have this ability also as long as the code was available.
You mean the code would be at the dealer the car was originally purchesed from? Would they still have it on file from 1989? The dealership is also 300 miles away.
See if you have the original owner’s manual. There should be a credit card sized plastic “key” some where in it. The dealer can use this to create a new key. My wife has a '93 Escort and it has this card in it. It’s also possible for a good locksmith to make a key to fit your ignition, although I’m sure you’d have to prove ownership of the car as mentioned above.
With the VIN, any Ford dealer will be able to cut you a new set of keys.
I lost the keys to a 1986 Saab. To get the car rekeyed would have cost almost $1,000. :eek: I understand many dealers will require you present title or proof of ownership…However this dealer did not. I think it cost me about $30.00 to have two sets of keys made.
Re-keying is not expensive. I did it after my roommate turned out to be a thief. As I recall, it was about $10/ lock. Just the tumbler pins are changed, so you don’t even need new lock parts.
Re-keying is not expensive. I did it after my roommate turned out to be a thief. As I recall, it was about $10/ lock. Just the tumbler pins are changed, so you don’t even need new lock parts.
An 89 Crown Victoria is not that difficult of a car to make new keys. Takes about 30 minutes with the right equipment (for myself anyhow) Call and price having keys made from a couple of different places since some locksmiths will price automotive work much higher than another shop. All depends on what area of locksmithing they focus on.
Here in Huntsville alabama you can have a new set of keys made for around 65 dollars. With teh locksmith coming on sight to do this is not to bad a deal.
But, call around and ask for pricing from a few different shops. Do not go with the most expensive locksmith, and DO NOT go with the lowest priced locksmith either.
If the price high they really do not care to do thet work (automotive) and price high to keep from tieing up a locksmith. The lowest prices guys in my experience are not well trained and or not very trustworthy.
Also keep in mind prices change sometimes a great deal if it is weekend or durring buisness hours durring the week.
I have been locksmithing for 14 years now, so I know how they can be. Go with a mid ranged priced locksmith and see what that can get you.
If not I can walk you thru how to remove the ignition and door locks and replacing them. But, is a time consuming job.
Hope that helps,
Osip
will check this thread again late this evening or tommorrow morning and see if you have any uestions.
Tomorrow my mom is going to call around to some local dealerships, if they won’t do it or want too much money we will try locksmiths. The last resort will be replaceing the ignition.
Thanks for the help, everybody. I will post an update when anything happens.
We found the old keys, they were at the post office. Hopefully my mom will get copies made before they get lost again.