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When I got my car almost a month ago, it came with only one fob. Once I got it home, I wanted to make sure the emergency key worked as I didn't want any issues should I get locked out. So imagine my surprise when I pulled that key out and it was a blank.
After getting a run-around from one of the local dealerships, I found one that was willing to cut that key with the factory supplied code. I ordered a fob with key and once it came in, they called me to pick it up. While there, the parts guy tried to cut the key, but his machine wasn't cooperating. So he sent me down the street to have a local hardware store cut them for me. The man who works there suggested I try a regular key of the same type to make sure it works before he cuts the ones for the fobs. That made sense, so he cut a key to test that the lock works. So far, so good.
With the key in hand, I tried to put it in the lock and it was not happening. Could not get it to go in at all. So I read some threads on here from people who had issues getting their keys to go in the lock. A couple of people noted that their locks were dirty and it took some lubricating oil and working the key around to free it up. So I sprayed oil in a couple of times before I went to bed and checked it in the morning. Still nothing. Then I grabbed a light and shined it into the face of the lock and it looked like there was a broken key inside. Luckily, I have a small set of hemostats and I was able to pull it right out. I am guessing the WD-40 helped.
Once I had the broken key out, the key I got from the locksmith worked perfectly and it unlocked the trunk. I had visions of tearing the trunk apart to service the lock, and thankfully, I was lucky and that wasn't necessary. I think the thing that amazes me the most is I never considered that a key was broken off in there.
The previous owner and the dealership you bought the car from should have passed that information along about the key broken off in the lock. One of them should have removed it.
The previous owner and the dealership you bought the car from should have passed that information along about the key broken off in the lock. One of them should have removed it.
I bet the dealership didn't even have any idea it was in there. You think they check the manual trunk release cylinder on a car trade in? Most new cars don't even HAVE manual release cylinders, except the driver's door.
I bet the dealership didn't even have any idea it was in there. You think they check the manual trunk release cylinder on a car trade in? Most new cars don't even HAVE manual release cylinders, except the driver's door.
I agree. I doubt they did. They had the car a very short time and as long as the fob opened the doors and they could start the car, they probably never even thought about using the key to open the trunk. Hell, they didn't even know how to put the top down. So they were obviously not familiar with C6s (which is understandable).
Visually, the broken key looks like it was for a different key code. The hills and valleys look different, or is that my imagination? Did you by any chance compare the broken key pattern to the new key? If it's different, could explain how it got broken.
Visually, the broken key looks like it was for a different key code. The hills and valleys look different, or is that my imagination? Did you by any chance compare the broken key pattern to the new key? If it's different, could explain how it got broken.
I would never buy a car that didn't have both FOB's. If the owner was too lazy to get a second FOB, what else was lazy doing.
I think I've only given over both sets of keys one time trading in to a dealership. I go in with the intent of not leaving with the car they're trying to sell me, so if the deal works out, I'm pleasantly surprised. That also means I'm not gonna bring every doodad I have for the car to them. The time I gave both keys to them, I didn't drive that car there the first trip to the dealer because I was trading in two cars. So on the second trip I did bring both sets of keys.
You'd be amazed how little dealerships care too. Never once have they asked me before we settled on the price if I have two keys, never once have they asked me to get my second key, they couldn't care less.
That said, I only got one key for my daily driver truck, and while it'd be nice, and smart to have a second key, my first key was too worn to get a copy made correctly at Home Depot, so I haven't bothered to get a second key since then, because I only need the one key for it.
I think I've only given over both sets of keys one time trading in to a dealership. I go in with the intent of not leaving with the car they're trying to sell me, so if the deal works out, I'm pleasantly surprised. That also means I'm not gonna bring every doodad I have for the car to them. The time I gave both keys to them, I didn't drive that car there the first trip to the dealer because I was trading in two cars. So on the second trip I did bring both sets of keys.
You'd be amazed how little dealerships care too. Never once have they asked me before we settled on the price if I have two keys, never once have they asked me to get my second key, they couldn't care less.
That said, I only got one key for my daily driver truck, and while it'd be nice, and smart to have a second key, my first key was too worn to get a copy made correctly at Home Depot, so I haven't bothered to get a second key since then, because I only need the one key for it.
I’m the exact opposite Probably because I never go into a dealership just looking. I always work all the deals out over email & when I finally go in, it’s only to sign the paperwork & drive away. I also hate not getting an owner’s manual or both keys (if I buy used) so I don’t be that previous owner. Everything that came with my car when purchased new goes with it when I trade it in.
There have been a couple of occasions where my wife had the 2nd key on her & she was out of town that day, so I either dropped off the 2nd key or sent it to the dealer after the fact.
I’m the exact opposite Probably because I never go into a dealership just looking. I always work all the deals out over email & when I finally go in, it’s only to sign the paperwork & drive away. I also hate not getting an owner’s manual or both keys (if I buy used) so I don’t be that previous owner. Everything that came with my car when purchased new goes with it when I trade it in.
There have been a couple of occasions where my wife had the 2nd key on her & she was out of town that day, so I either dropped off the 2nd key or sent it to the dealer after the fact.
I do all my stuff by email beforehand too, I just don't trust car salespeople, lol.
OP, one more thing to try, and that is the glove box lock, if you havn't done so already. If your key was cut from the VIN, it should fit, but stranger things have happened.
OP, one more thing to try, and that is the glove box lock, if you havn't done so already. If your key was cut from the VIN, it should fit, but stranger things have happened.
I think I've only given over both sets of keys one time trading in to a dealership. I go in with the intent of not leaving with the car they're trying to sell me, so if the deal works out, I'm pleasantly surprised. That also means I'm not gonna bring every doodad I have for the car to them. The time I gave both keys to them, I didn't drive that car there the first trip to the dealer because I was trading in two cars. So on the second trip I did bring both sets of keys.
You'd be amazed how little dealerships care too. Never once have they asked me before we settled on the price if I have two keys, never once have they asked me to get my second key, they couldn't care less.
That said, I only got one key for my daily driver truck, and while it'd be nice, and smart to have a second key, my first key was too worn to get a copy made correctly at Home Depot, so I haven't bothered to get a second key since then, because I only need the one key for it.
I've bought a couple of used vehicles before, and each time the dealer didn't have a 2nd key. I told them no deal unless I get two keys, so they get me another. I put the 2nd key away in a lock box in case I Iose the first key. Many of the motorcycle guys I ride with also only have one key. When they lose their only key, it can take a few days and a few hundred dollars to have a locksmith or dealer make them a new key. They could get a new key cut for $10.
It's each person's choice, but I rather have a second key ready to go.
Just acquired a 2013GS. I have the same situation. One FOB with blank emergency key. I'm definitely going to get a second FOB and blank key. I assume a dealer needs the VIN# to get the key code. Do you have to supply proof of ownership as well? Doe's anyone know the ballpark cost to have the dealer cut the keys from the code since I don't have a key to go by?
Having been through this, yes you will have to supply the dealership with proof of ownership. Key was $10 programming was $30. Probably saw me coming but that is how dealerships make their money.
Just acquired a 2013GS. I have the same situation. One FOB with blank emergency key. I'm definitely going to get a second FOB and blank key. I assume a dealer needs the VIN# to get the key code. Do you have to supply proof of ownership as well? Doe's anyone know the ballpark cost to have the dealer cut the keys from the code since I don't have a key to go by?
Thanks
I had to show my registration to the parts guy at the dealership. I was going to have the dealer cut the key, but their machine was down when I was there. So I took the code they printed out to a locksmith and they cut the key for me. I was going to also have them do the programming, which they wanted $150.00 to do. I ended up doing it myself with the instructions from the owner's manual. It was easy to do and now my fobs are straight.
Having been through this, yes you will have to supply the dealership with proof of ownership. Key was $10 programming was $30. Probably saw me coming but that is how dealerships make their money.
I'd say you actually got a bargain. $10 to cut a key from the VIN is not out of line, and reportedly, ~$150 is the going rate to get a fob programmed at the dealership.
01-23-2020, 04:13 PM
My Key Odyssey
Probably because I never go into a dealership just looking. I always work all the deals out over email & when I finally go in, it’s only to sign the paperwork & drive away. I also hate not getting an owner’s manual or both keys (if I buy used) so I don’t be that previous owner. Everything that came with my car when purchased new goes with it when I trade it in. 
