need a key

[SunnyKC]

OK.. so in 8 years I never needed a spare key for my car.. now I find myself in the need. Ricks lock and key wants to charge me $145 to make a new one.. anybody know of anyone cheaper??

[Justin Thyme]

KC, keys aren't just a piece of metal shaped to match the cutline on a set of tumblers any more. Most of today's keys have an electronic anti-theft component that needs to be programmed to the car. This usually requires two other keys to prove authorization. $145 may be in line with what any locksmith would charge. What is the make and model of the car?

[LimitedRecourse]

I think it's AAA Lock & Key that is just about the last building on the TN side as you head out on Ringgold Road through East Ridge. They may be able to help you out.

[rstewart]

I checked into getting a spare ignition key for my Buick and it was $165 and it is a dealer only option. I didn't have Astoglide with me so I will have to wait until later.

[Longshot! [ Saint ]]

Hey, no problem, I have tons.

I actually have some beside my monitor, to be honest.

Shit...tell me what you look like, and I'll bring some over.

Where do you live?

[SunnyKC]

I'm sure he meant Astroglide... great stuff... probly going to need some for this project...

It is a 99 grand am.... key on the console not on the colum.....

[Babs]

I always just go to Lowe's. My key is not very complicated and has no bells and whistles.

[SunnyKC]

I have no key now to make a copy of....

[SunnyKC]

Thanks LR... AAA will do it for $125

[LimitedRecourse]

Well...it's a little better.

[SunnyKC]

the idiot that lost my key will appreciate the $20...

[rstewart]

Feb 26, 2009 10:59:06 GMT -5 SunnyKC said:

I'm sure he meant Astroglide... great stuff... probly going to need some for this project...

It is a 99 grand am.... key on the console not on the colum.....

You are correct. I did mean Astroglide. Sorry for the misspelling.

[SunnyKC]

AHHHHH.. Pontiac only needs proof of ownership and an ID and he can make me a new key for about $15!!! JOY!!! Since the idiot is not going to pay for the replacement... I think this is great.. of course the idiot will no longer be reaping the benifits of my astroglide. :-P

[Longshot! [ Saint ]]

Ah, a Glut in the market.

You need a Stimulus Package.

[SunnyKC]

New $16 key worked great!! the car is now at the shop for a replacement thermostat!!

[Bob]

I do love a happy ending... [grin]

[SunnyKC]

well.. was not the thermostat.. was a sensor.. but now it does not overheat.. and it has heat too!! YAY!!! now just have to get that check engine light out.. so I cna renew my tag!

[anthonyedwards]

There are several mobile Locksmiths in our area, I found the one that I used via a simple Google search. He came out with the blanks, copied the mechanical key from the old one, plugged his laptop into the service port of the car, went on line and found the code needed, flashed the EEPROM inside the new key and checked that it started the car. Start to finish 20 minutes and £90.

[frankrodriguez]

Feb 25, 2009 17:26:48 GMT -5 SunnyKC said:

OK.. so in 8 years I never needed a spare key for my car.. now I find myself in the need. Ricks lock and key wants to charge me $145 to make a new one.. anybody know of anyone cheaper??

If you are looking to actually get a new physical key to work, then you can not do it yourself. The key must be cut by a Locksmith and the transponder chip on the key must be matched to your vehicle via a special programming tool. A good locksmith will have this device, as will the dealership. They can be bought but run anywhere from $70 on up depending on the unit. Better to get a local Locksmith to do it for you.