Car key

[JanieB]

Second go. I have a car that doesn't move very often. Our buses go east-west and back but our services are north-south. I promised to take a friend to our northward services this morning.

When I got in the car I found that the metal part of my key was missing. I can get into the car and lock it but can't start it.

I came back from Wales on Sunday and had to leave my car on restricted parking overnight. I moved it early on Monday morning. Apart from nipping down to the shops (on foot) on Tuesday I haven't used my keys I am having a major problem finding out where I can get a replacement key. The official site is quoting £150 to come out and look at it.

Anyone got any advice?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Do you mean that the metal part of the key has broken off in the ignition, Janie? If so, it's a job for the dealer, I would have thought, and replacement locks allround. £150 sounds quite cheap, in that case.

Does your car insurance cover replacement locks?

[bearded bloke]

Assuming you have no second key your options are limited, do you have the "car pass" (name varies by manufacturer) that shows the key & security numbers ? if yes the a main agent can supply a new key, if not then you need a vehicular lock specialist.

[noviceveggrower]

Have you asked at your local garage? Or local hardware/key cutting place? My key fob had started to split and break and my dealer quoted me £150 per key. I went to a local hardware store that cuts keys and they charged me £15.99 to cut a new key and have a battery put in it.

[Alison]

Car keys are expensive as they have lots of gubbins in them these days, price sounds quite cheap in comparison with some I've heard quoted when people have lost them.

[Alison]

Have you asked at your local garage? Or local hardware/key cutting place? My key fob had started to split and break and my dealer quoted me £150 per key. I went to a local hardware store that cuts keys and they charged me £15.99 to cut a new key and have a battery put in it.

That won't work for most modern cars though as the keys have security stuff in them to prevent theft (and increase the price)

[noviceveggrower]

That won't work for most modern cars though as the keys have security stuff in them to prevent theft (and increase the price)

The guy popped my fob open. Took the guts out, opened the new fob put it all in and clicked it closed.

[Alison]

The guy popped my fob open. Took the guts out, opened the new fob put it all in and clicked it closed.

Will work for some makes but not others same as some engine parts can be generic and others have to be specific. Worth a try but no guarantees.

[JanieB]

I have the fob part and I can open and lock the car with it. The metal part is missing and it's not in the ignition.

The £150 is the callout charge before they actually do anything and I will have to pay it even if they can't fix it.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Can you not drive it to the dealer/locksmith using the spare key? Saves you the call out at least!

What on earth happened to the metal bit of the key? Does it look like it has snapped off? Seems odd that you didn't notice it loose before it snapped.

[bearded bloke]

Presumably as you have not answered my questions, you have neither a second key nor the manufacturers security details, without further input from you about specifics your options are either, go to a main agent with proof of ownership AND proof of identity, they will then get the security details (for a fee) from those they can get a key made (for another fee),or you can get a mobile mechanic to go to the car, disconnect the battery & wait 20 -30 min's while the stored energy inthe steering wheel airbag dissipates, remove airbag, remove steering wheel, remove cowling, perform some tasks on the steering lock & ignition switch (which I will not post) insert the new ignition switch barrel & re-assemble the vehicle.

[Bill HH]

I would not pay £150 for a call out for sure (How do they justify that). Ask around for a good mobile mechanic as BB has just said.
The services of main dealers are too expensive for owners of private cars, they exsist for the rich and company cars. There are many very good mobile mechanics or small local garages to try first.

[JanieB]

Presumably as you have not answered my questions, you have neither a second key nor the manufacturers security details, without further input from you about specifics your options are either, go to a main agent with proof of ownership AND proof of identity, they will then get the security details (for a fee) from those they can get a key made (for another fee),or you can get a mobile mechanic to go to the car, disconnect the battery & wait 20 -30 min's while the stored energy inthe steering wheel airbag dissipates, remove airbag, remove steering wheel, remove cowling, perform some tasks on the steering lock & ignition switch (which I will not post) insert the new ignition switch barrel & re-assemble the vehicle.

Sorry, not ignoring your questions. This is the spare key, the original main key was thrown at a wall by a friend in a temper. I bought the car second hand and have never had the security details. I still have the original key somewhere but as my house is all packed up ready for the builders to start renovating it I don't know where it is. I had help with the packing and know I'm not the one who moved it. It was on the top of a cupboard along with the spare house keys (also missing but I can always get new ones cut of those).

My boyfriend rang earlier and has given me the number of a local auto locksmith who should be able to help.

I will update on how I get on.

[bearded bloke]

Any joy yet ?

[Scarlet]

insert the new ignition switch barrel & re-assemble the vehicle.

We had to have that done because of key trouble, cost us a fortune