Lost an only car key?

-Mike- · 18 Dec 2006 at 03:20

Hi guys,

Went out with two friends tonight and my friend has managed to lose his car keys. We're hoping they may find them in the morning but if not - What does he do? If there is anything he can do?

I'm guessing getting rover to make him a new set is out of the question seen as they no longer exist?! :confused:

Can the AA get him into his car?

Thanks for any help.

Malt_Vinegar · 18 Dec 2006 at 03:28

Im pretty sure, with older keys an auto locksmith will be able to make a new one very quickly.

-Mike- · 18 Dec 2006 at 03:55

Make a new key out of nothing? We don't have a spare or anything. Sorry if I'm being stupid malt - but this is possible? Car is a N reg Rover.

Zefan · 18 Dec 2006 at 03:57

Can you not just get the locks changed?

I have no idea myself, but I'd presume you can.

Mickey_D · 18 Dec 2006 at 04:01

If the car does not have an immobiliser in the key, it's a simple matter for a locksmith to make a new one. They use a wax blank to make an imprint of the tumbler settings in the lock, then use that blank to make a key out of. It's spendy, but possible.

If the car has the immobiliser or ignition disabler in the key head, then it's a dealer only option and is going to be VERY expensive.

-Mike- · 18 Dec 2006 at 04:08

Good evening/morning whatever time it is to you mickey! Its not got an immobiliser, so he's lucky in that respect.

There was no helping him tonight as he didn't even know how he got home or anything. Do any of you have any idea of the cost of getting a locksmith to make a new key for it? (I ruddy told him to get a spare cut too :mad:

)

-Mike- · 18 Dec 2006 at 04:09

removed post!

BigT · 18 Dec 2006 at 07:27

I did this once about 6 years ago in my old Escort. I'll tel you what worked out cheapest for me, but this was because I knew a mechanic who was reasonable.

1. He came to collect the car on a trailer. Jacked it up let loose the handrake from the outside somehow and used a trolley jack to steer it onto the trailer to take it down to his premesis.

2. Took the car to his place where he drilled one of the locks out to get in and got his mate the auto electriain to fit a cheap remote keyfob central locking unit and a switch for the starter motor.

However, the car was worth nothing to me and looked pants afterwards with plastic covers on the locks so perhaps not the ideal solution. For sure the AA or whoever will be able to get into the vehicle and tow it somewhere so get a few quotes from locksmiths and the like and then get it down there.

Stonedofmoo · 18 Dec 2006 at 08:19

WHY do people drive cars with only one key. I can never understand this :confused:

Mickey_D · 18 Dec 2006 at 08:21

Reminds me I need another key for the truck. Wife lost hers, now I have the only one. I just leave it in the ignition 24/7 now.

neil-ste · 18 Dec 2006 at 08:38

I lost the keys to my Mondeo whilst at Creamfields and had to sleep in a field :rolleyes:

A local locksmith came out to my house, I had already had the car recovered home and managed to get it open, he took the lock from the passenger door and cut a key for it. He then plugged a machine into the diagnostics port on the car and had the keys coded to the immobiliser. Took him all of 20 minutes and charged me £100 for 3 keys

Stonedofmoo · 18 Dec 2006 at 08:42

Mickey_D said:
Reminds me I need another key for the truck. Wife lost hers, now I have the only one. I just leave it in the ignition 24/7 now.

lol. that must be so nice

In this country you have to take it with you, deadlock the steering wheel and set an alarm to stop the car being stolen while you are away

JTrickle · 18 Dec 2006 at 09:03

Stonedofmoo said:
WHY do people drive cars with only one key. I can never understand this

Because it will cost me the same + tow (AA?) charge to get a New set made by the dealer? So I'm hoping I never cross that bridge. When haggling for the purchase on the car I got the amount off for the sole key, but have been too tight since to sort it.

I just keep the key in my pocket at all times. I try not to go out on huge benders anymore

Stonedofmoo · 18 Dec 2006 at 09:08

It costs £4 to make a basic key which would open the locks and stop the AA having to break in.

Mickey_D · 18 Dec 2006 at 09:43

Stonedofmoo said:
lol. that must be so nice

In this country you have to take it with you, deadlock the steering wheel and set an alarm to stop the car being stolen while you are away

See, that's the best thing about driving what I do. Who in thier right mind would steal this?

noob · 18 Dec 2006 at 09:45

lol mickey where I live trust me, they would steal that. :eek:

Firestar_3x · 18 Dec 2006 at 09:47

Me, thats so ace

Mickey_D · 18 Dec 2006 at 10:04

noob said:
lol mickey where I live trust me, they would steal that.

Heh, anyone over there that would steal my truck probably would be too confused by the steering wheel being on the wrong side to be able to drive it!!

Would probably take them three days to figure out how to release the parking brake, too. (hint: it's not in the middle of the cab. It's a pedal to the left of the brake pedal just below the bonnet release).

noob · 18 Dec 2006 at 10:17

Mickey_D said:
Heh, anyone over there that would steal my truck probably would be too confused by the steering wheel being on the wrong side to be able to drive it!!

They are not the sharpest tools in the box over here. My next door neighbour leaves his doors open all the time as the car is a rust bucket. But the theives around here instead of opening the door they used a crow bar to bend the door back haha. Why didn't they just use the door handle?

Firestar_3x · 18 Dec 2006 at 10:37

Mickey_D said:
Would probably take them three days to figure out how to release the parking brake, too. (hint: it's not in the middle of the cab. It's a pedal to the left of the brake pedal just below the bonnet release).

I think its an american car perhaps the Cadillac, the handbrake release and the bonnet release are side by side, stunning design

Pull up to junction, handbrake on, about to pull away, bonnet opens