Quote:
Originally Posted by evildragon
But it's not engine related. The damned key has failed, I can't even turn the cylinder, as the key is just so worn down.
How do I get the key replaced? I can't find any local GM dealers. Besides, how much is this going to run me? I'm already getting new chrome valve covers this monday to install (as my car is a show car now), and I can't even get inside to pop the hood.
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Call a local locksmith if he has the equipment to make a key for your car. I'm a locksmith myself so your car uses basic equipment with the most primitive of chips they make. But just to make sure, is your key "naked" or does it have any black plastic on it? Technically, if for some reason you had to and if your car indeed does have the chip, you could have a locksmith make the plain "naked" key and then to start the car you'd have to hold your old key with the chip close to the ignition and it would start..but thats only temporary if you had to do it that way.
So you don't necessarily need to go to a dealership "which i'm sure is more expensive." I'd have to say it'd run you maybe $30-50 tops depending on what the guy charges for service calls and whatnot.
If the locksmith is good, he would be able to tell which cuts the key originally had before it was worn down and make it on the spot without jimmying the door open and taking apart the ignition or door lock for the pin depths.
If he does end up jimmying the door open..make sure he doesn't scratch your door/pillar when wiggling the metal pole to open the door..I've seen a lot of cars (mainly ones that've been towed by impatient tow truck drivers) with scratched up pillars and even holes in door gaskets out of carelessness and i know your car is gunna be in car shows so you wouldn't want that to happen.
And one more thing you could possibly try to just get in the car..spray some WD40 into the door lock and wiggle the key around while trying to turn it. The WD40 just be enough to help coax the pins to line up.
Good luck.