New Keys Not Working
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
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From: Centreville VA
New Keys Not Working
I had a new set of key cut, the door key works fine, the ignition key does not. Has anyone ever sanded down new keys to add some ware to them. I am guessing because the new keys have sharp edges my older ignition does not like that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
An old key usually has the tip worn down from use. If the guy/gal who made the new key didn't take that into consideration (place the old key in its holder with some offset for that wear), the new key's notches will be in the wrong place. Put them on top of each other and line up the 'stops' with each other [the squared-off protrusion just below the head of the key]. Then compare the notches. If they are in the right places and are approximately the right depth, you might want to run a wire wheel (powered, if you have it) over those new notches to "blend" the edges a bit. If not, take the key back and have it re-done correctly.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Thanks, I am thinking I can just work the new ones a little to match them a tad more to the old ones. I went to Lowes to have them cut, I called two locksmiths in my area and they don't copy keys so I really didn't know what else to do.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 4
From: caraquet N.B Canada
Just go back to the place where they cut your keys and have another one cut correctly. It's not that hard.
Doest it have the same letter on your new key? Each model years had a different letter stamp on the keys. I know in '78 the door keys have the letter K and the ignition keys it's a J.
Doest it have the same letter on your new key? Each model years had a different letter stamp on the keys. I know in '78 the door keys have the letter K and the ignition keys it's a J.
