How to Make Car Ignition Keys
If you lose the ignition key to your car, getting a new one can seem very frustrating. Ideally, you would have made a copy before you lost the key in question, but sometimes that just isn't what you did. If you've exhausted all your options, and you for whatever reason do not want to hire a locksmith to cut a new key based on your ignition, there is a way to make a new ignition key. You won't be able to do it without a little help, though.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Gather your car's VIN number, vehicle registration and your driver's license.
-
2
Look for the key code. It should be in your owner's manual if your car was built before 1981. Otherwise, it may be on the sales receipt if you bought your car from a dealer.
-
-
3
Pry open the interior side door panel on the driver's side if you have not found the key code yet. You may need to use a screwdriver or a prybar to remove it, depending on the make of your car. The key code should be on the lock cylinder that allows your car door to open and close. Alternately, it may be on a sticker in your glove compartment, or on a piece of paper that was attached to your key when you bought the car.
-
4
Take your information, including VIN number, car registration, ID and Key Code number to either a locksmith or the dealership where you acquired your car, and they should be able to make a new key for you based on the information you provide. This is a much cheaper alternative to having a locksmith cut a key from your ignition itself.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure to have all your information handy if you are attempting to break open parts of your car, as passing motorists may think you are attempting to steal it. Alternatively, if you cannot find your key code, you can remove the exterior door lock to your car and bring it to a locksmith.
References
- Photo Credit Microchiped Car Key image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
