I lost the only set of keys I had,how can I replace my car key or ignition without going thru dealership?

Question

Thanks for the brilliant locksmith suggestion,but I'll pass.The car is not hot,it's a 2001 Impala,not what I would steal,I talked to the dealer I bought it from,and they said they have to send in paperwork and have it approved,I am far too busy to wait,I am not too worried about cost,just convenience and speed.I am a single woman with no 2nd car and thought I could maybe find a replacement ignition cylinder at a salvage yard or on line,if I couldnt get a key cut.Any suggestions,serious ones are greatly appreciated,I can do without the rest.

Answer 1

You cannot.  The dealer has access to key codes.  Based on the VIN, they can cut new keys to match your locks.

You can contact locksmith.  He would have to replace all lock cylinders as well as the keys.

Answer 2

Ever hear of a LOCKSMITH???  

Answer 3

Most vehicles can have new keys cut at the dealer.  Take your registration card to the dealer and they can make you some new keys.  All they need is the VIN number.

Answer 4

I used to sell Curtis keys a few years ago and at that time any GM dealer or lock smith could get the code based on your vin number. It has been a very easy process so everyone that answered dealer was correct. You will probably get a better deal from a lock smith as far as price.

Hope this helps you decide what to do.

Answer 5

Big deal you are a single woman who is to busy to have to wait .So lets say you find a salvage yard open today . how would you get there to get the part? and who would install it? How long do you think that would take 1/2 hr? Get real. Now who on line would just happen to have an ignition cylinder kicking around for an 01 Impala. And how long would that take to get shipped to you , and still need to be installed? Do you seriously believe these things just pop in and out in a matter of minutes. This isn`t a microwave meal you can have ready in 2 minutes . By the way how did you get into the car without the keys? Go to the dealer with your ownership and valid Id and they should be able to cut you a key in a few minutes and rechip it. Otherwise Miss I`m to damned important to wait . You are SOL on having it done today . Guess you are taking the bus for a while. Oh ! wait , you are to busy to take the bus. maybe you can rent a car or just buy another . Get real and get off your I`m to damned important persona and realize the world does not revolve around you. Live with the fact you will have to pay up or wait.  

Answer 6

You can have your mechanic put in a new ignition.....but I think it'd probably be cheaper to go the dealer.

Answer 7

It depends on the car of course. If it is a 1981 Austin Allegro, just nip along and get a new igniton barrel.

If it is a modern car it will need the immobiliser sorting out.

What vehicle is it? The key will most likely have a transponder inside it.

Answer 8

if you live in a populated area find a good locksmith. they maybe able to cut key by vin #

Answer 9

EASY............ FIND YOUR KEYS...........  & DON'T LOSE THEM AGAIN.............  GEEZE!

Answer 10

if the door key is the same, you can take the door cylinder to a locksmith and have him make another copy. however if the key is a coded chip key he would have to reprogram it as well. if you have a chip key you will have to have it reprogrammed anyway even if you were to buy a new ignition. therefore if you find one at a salvage yard you will still have to have it programmed.

                                                 good luck!

Answer 11

1.  If the key is programmed to the vehicle, then you have few options other than the dealer.  

2.  If it's an older vehicle, then you could call a locksmith.  

3.  If you're trying to avoid the dealer because the vehicle is HOT, then strip it.

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Answer 12

Call a local locksmith.  If it was one of those push-button key thingies, you'll have no option but the dealership, though.