Getting a key cut
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Getting a key cut
I just bought a nice new pair of key fobs and blanks for my 2011. I've called two local dealers and they don't have a machine to cut the keys. They both say that they need to order them pre-cut from GM. Is that what others are seeing? Where are you getting your keys cut?
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,336
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From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
No... the key pattern is pre-assigned to each VIN number. A dealership should be able to re-cut the pattern on their key cutting machine through their system look-up. Bought the car used with one key fob which was replaced and still had a key blank inside. Bought 2 more fobs with blanks and had all re-cut at a local dealership.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
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From: Chirper Island
sAny competent locksmith should be able to cut the blank for you, or if there is another dealer near you, call them. The key portion is strictly mechanical.
Your dealer is either ignorant, incompetent or a cheat.
lisa
eta: if you still have an existing key, that is. Otherwise, Bandit is correct, they can do it via the vin with your blank. Most would rather use your key, because they have to keep a log of creating a key from "nothing."
Your dealer is either ignorant, incompetent or a cheat.
lisa
eta: if you still have an existing key, that is. Otherwise, Bandit is correct, they can do it via the vin with your blank. Most would rather use your key, because they have to keep a log of creating a key from "nothing."
Last edited by owc6; Jan 8, 2014 at 10:49 AM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 441
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From: Mascoutah Illinois
sAny competent locksmith should be able to cut the blank for you, or if there is another dealer near you, call them. The key portion is strictly mechanical.
Your dealer is either ignorant, incompetent or a cheat.
lisa
eta: if you still have an existing key, that is. Otherwise, Bandit is correct, they can do it via the vin with your blank. Most would rather use your key, because they have to keep a log of creating a key from "nothing."
Your dealer is either ignorant, incompetent or a cheat.
lisa
eta: if you still have an existing key, that is. Otherwise, Bandit is correct, they can do it via the vin with your blank. Most would rather use your key, because they have to keep a log of creating a key from "nothing."
The key itself has no chip or anything and is strictly for unlocking the rear hatch. So if you have an original any hardware store or locksmith can cut your key. But no original only dealer can do it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The idea of getting a key from a local store and having it cut by a locksmith is nice, but doesn't always work.
I tried every hardware store in our area, none of them had the proper blank (Saturn) for our 2009. Finally found one at a locksmith. He cut it for me, and the new key wouldn't even fit into the slot. Despite our best efforts. I threw it away and ordered the gen-u-ine key from one of the Forum dealers (cheaper, but still some bucks), local dealer cut it for free when I walked in. IIRC, they used the VIN instead of my existing key, but I'm not sure.
I tried every hardware store in our area, none of them had the proper blank (Saturn) for our 2009. Finally found one at a locksmith. He cut it for me, and the new key wouldn't even fit into the slot. Despite our best efforts. I threw it away and ordered the gen-u-ine key from one of the Forum dealers (cheaper, but still some bucks), local dealer cut it for free when I walked in. IIRC, they used the VIN instead of my existing key, but I'm not sure.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,336
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From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
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From: Valdosta Georgia
I just had a new key cut for my 08 vert (to keep in my wallet)
Lowes couldn't do it so I took it the local locksmith and they handed me a key in less than 5 minutes and out the door for less than $3.
I think it is the Saturn B106 key blank but they just looked at it and didn't ask any questions.
Be sure to try it and put a little lube on the key before trying it the first time.
Lowes couldn't do it so I took it the local locksmith and they handed me a key in less than 5 minutes and out the door for less than $3.
I think it is the Saturn B106 key blank but they just looked at it and didn't ask any questions.
Be sure to try it and put a little lube on the key before trying it the first time.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Solved: Getting a key cut
I confirmed that they work. In summary, I took my brand new GM key blanks (came with new FOBs I purchased on an auction site) to a local locksmith and he cut them from my existing key. Now I have three good keys and just need to program the FOBs. Problem solved. No need to go to a dealer. This is especially useful since the dealers told me it wasn't possible. Clearly that wasn't the case. 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
I confirmed that they work. In summary, I took my brand new GM key blanks (came with new FOBs I purchased on an auction site) to a local locksmith and he cut them from my existing key. Now I have three good keys and just need to program the FOBs. Problem solved. No need to go to a dealer. This is especially useful since the dealers told me it wasn't possible. Clearly that wasn't the case.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
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From: Bay Area Ca.
I obtained an extra key by leaving my fob in a pair of shorts and rolling them up and placing them inside a carry bag in the trunk. Soon as I shut the trunk I realized my mistake.
I happily thought then that the hatch would remain unlocked due to the fobs presence.....wrong. The car was tight as a drum. Called AAA they came and got the VIN and made be a key, cost nadda.
I am curious why the fob's presence didn't activate the lock. I guess maybe having the shorts rolled up and placed in a leather bag blocked the signal.
My car is programmed to open and lock with Fob's presence or lack there off.
I lay the Fob on the seat and shut the door and it did not lock.
Fob battery is a year old. Maybe weaken battery?
I happily thought then that the hatch would remain unlocked due to the fobs presence.....wrong. The car was tight as a drum. Called AAA they came and got the VIN and made be a key, cost nadda.
I am curious why the fob's presence didn't activate the lock. I guess maybe having the shorts rolled up and placed in a leather bag blocked the signal.
My car is programmed to open and lock with Fob's presence or lack there off.
I lay the Fob on the seat and shut the door and it did not lock.
Fob battery is a year old. Maybe weaken battery?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
You don't go to a dealer to get a key cut. Dealers sell cars, not keys. A locksmith cuts keys for a living. When I got mine they had a wall full of blanks. I pointed to the correct one and they cut it. 5 minutes and $2. This works for an 05-07. The 08-13 have a slightly smaller key and the B-106 blank may or may not work depending on the combination.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I obtained an extra key by leaving my fob in a pair of shorts and rolling them up and placing them inside a carry bag in the trunk. Soon as I shut the trunk I realized my mistake.
I happily thought then that the hatch would remain unlocked due to the fobs presence.....wrong. The car was tight as a drum. Called AAA they came and got the VIN and made be a key, cost nadda.
I am curious why the fob's presence didn't activate the lock. I guess maybe having the shorts rolled up and placed in a leather bag blocked the signal.
My car is programmed to open and lock with Fob's presence or lack there off.
I lay the Fob on the seat and shut the door and it did not lock.
Fob battery is a year old. Maybe weaken battery?
I happily thought then that the hatch would remain unlocked due to the fobs presence.....wrong. The car was tight as a drum. Called AAA they came and got the VIN and made be a key, cost nadda.
I am curious why the fob's presence didn't activate the lock. I guess maybe having the shorts rolled up and placed in a leather bag blocked the signal.
My car is programmed to open and lock with Fob's presence or lack there off.
I lay the Fob on the seat and shut the door and it did not lock.
Fob battery is a year old. Maybe weaken battery?
Occasionally, someone will be able to open the trunk with a fob left inside, but usually it won't.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
Likes: 4,356
From: Chirper Island
I am curious why the fob's presence didn't activate the lock. I guess maybe having the shorts rolled up and placed in a leather bag blocked the signal.
My car is programmed to open and lock with Fob's presence or lack there off.
I lay the Fob on the seat and shut the door and it did not lock.
Fob battery is a year old. Maybe weaken battery?
I have found that the vert will not sense the fob in the trunk (or in the space behind the seats). In my Z, it will recognize the fob directly behind the seats, but not all the way in the back. One time my key was directly up against the back wall of the trunk near the sensor and it let me open the trunk, but that was a fluke, if you ask me, and it has never worked for the hatch in my Z. I doubt your clothing and bag had anything to do with it.
As for laying the key on the seat, and it not locking, that has to do with WHEN this occurs. If you shut the engine off and exit the car, leaving your key behind (with auto lock engaged), it will not lock. If you approach your locked car, with the windows open, or the top down and toss your key inside onto the seat, it will NOT open. The key has to be on the outside of the car to be recognized. You could hop into the car and start it, however.
A one year old battery is probably still good, mine have lasted between 3 and 4 years each before starting to show signs of weakening.
lisa