87 Ignition Key
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 138
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87 Ignition Key
Looks like I'm going to pull the trigger on an 87 Red Convertible tomorrow. Auto, 41,000 miles. red leather/black top. ($9500). Very nice cond but will be thorughly checked out by my trusted mechanic first. Here's my question-owner only has one ignition key. It's the one with the little black chip on it. How hard are these to replace? Must I go to a dealer or can a locksmith help. Thanks!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: 87 Ignition Key (steve123)
The wire pellet in the key has a resistance value in ohm's that is read by the ignition switch and from what I recall, there are 15 different versions of the key (each one has a different resistance value) in addition to the variations in the key blank itself.
A good lock shop should be able to reproduce the key but they will have to be able to read the resistance in ohm's on your key. The dealer can do it as well.
Definately a good idea to have a spare set of keys tucked away!!
A good lock shop should be able to reproduce the key but they will have to be able to read the resistance in ohm's on your key. The dealer can do it as well.
Definately a good idea to have a spare set of keys tucked away!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Re: 87 Ignition Key (steve123)
Your Red vert sounds like a sweety. Hope its "physical" comes out OK. Yeah, you definitely need a back-up ignition and door key. My locksmith charges $15 to make an ignition key (had one made about a year ago). The "spare-door-key-in-the-wallet" idea works! I carried one for years before PKE. Now I carry two sets of keys and two transmitters! Of course I'm always looking for ways to spend more money on my "Lady"! Haven't come up empty yet! :D
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
Re: 87 Ignition Key (steve123)
Those chips are nice WHEN THEY WORK! Eventually, you can count on getting stranded for awhile. The resistor wiring in the steering column will eventually fray or wear and won't "read" the chip properly. After replacing my system once (about $200 pro install) the second time (about 2 years later) I just bypassed with kit from Eckler's. There are 2 different kinds of kits, the more expensive one will let you bypass the system with a hidden switch!... in case you get stuck.
