Help my key doesnt unlock my car!
UNOmav
11-16-2005, 10:04 AM
I have a 94' Grand Prix
So last week my drivers side door stoped unlocking with my key. (i dont have remoteless entry) I know nothing about cars. I didnt really care all that much because i could just walk to the otherside an unlock it. The power locks still work so i didnt have to climb through. Then today Im trying to go to school and my passenger side is doing the same thing. So I have no way to get into my car. When the drivers side door stoped working it was 60 degrees, so no way it froze. But today when the passenger stoped working, its like 20 degrees ( could it have froze?) Im hoping there is a quick fix bc i dont know much about cars and im a poor college student.
If anyone knows anything that could help me that would be huge!
Thanks
UNOmav
So last week my drivers side door stoped unlocking with my key. (i dont have remoteless entry) I know nothing about cars. I didnt really care all that much because i could just walk to the otherside an unlock it. The power locks still work so i didnt have to climb through. Then today Im trying to go to school and my passenger side is doing the same thing. So I have no way to get into my car. When the drivers side door stoped working it was 60 degrees, so no way it froze. But today when the passenger stoped working, its like 20 degrees ( could it have froze?) Im hoping there is a quick fix bc i dont know much about cars and im a poor college student.
If anyone knows anything that could help me that would be huge!
Thanks
UNOmav
jimmyv-21
11-16-2005, 02:00 PM
if your key is more than 10 years old, you may need a new one. most locksmiths such as cothrons can cut you a new key to factory specifications simply by looking at the original key. you should also try some lubricant- graphite if you can since any other can gum up the locks- and run your key in and out 4-5 times before you try to turn.
knight58
11-19-2005, 05:07 AM
If you are lucky, your car may still use the good old plain key blank and a seperate key for the door and ignition. I just don't know what year they started using the security keys as both ignition and door. Keys do wear out before the locks. From my experience I really would lean toward a worn out key.
If it is the security key, be ready to pay $25 or more for a new key. I believe the '94 model GMs used the resistor inbedded in the key for the ignition key. Some cars are now using a micro chip that has to be programed. If your car key is used for both the ignition and door, using a key blank for older GM models will unlock your door but will not start your vehicle. If it uses the resistor, the correct key blank with a specific ohm resistor has to be used. I think there are about 10 different ones. A locksmith who deals with this type of key should have a key reader to determine the correct blank to use.
If it is the security key, be ready to pay $25 or more for a new key. I believe the '94 model GMs used the resistor inbedded in the key for the ignition key. Some cars are now using a micro chip that has to be programed. If your car key is used for both the ignition and door, using a key blank for older GM models will unlock your door but will not start your vehicle. If it uses the resistor, the correct key blank with a specific ohm resistor has to be used. I think there are about 10 different ones. A locksmith who deals with this type of key should have a key reader to determine the correct blank to use.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025