So I lost the only key to my van (a '96 Dodge Grand Caravan) that I have. How can I get that replaced?
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
A dodge dealership could rekey it for you.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
You might also call a regular locksmith and compare prices. My experience was that some makes and models used key blanks only available through a dealership, but you can at least call -- it may (or may not) cost less to avoid the dealership if you can.
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Edited to add: I had to go through a dealer. A regular locksmith could get me in but could not replace the key.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
My mom drives a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan. The keyblanks are available at at least some locksmiths.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Locksmiths having blanks requires that you have an existing key, though, right? Shawshank lost the only key.
You're probably going to have to somehow get the van to the dealership and have them install new lock tumblers and a new ignition. That cost me about $200 for my Dodge Neon, I don't know how model-specific those pieces are. And expect to be required to show proof of ownership just to make sure you aren't trying to steal the car from someone else by rekeying it.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
The key itself has a code number that can be used to produce a new key. It was in your new owner information back in 96:) It would have been recorded together with your VIN. However, Chrysler might not still have the records from that far back. If they do, it will still take several days, but would not require that you physically move the van to the dealer.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Um, KPC and I cooperatively locked his keys in the trunk the night before our wedding. There was no inside trunk release in the car. The locksmith was able to create a key to open the trunk (which had an unpickable lock) without any other copy of the key. So I don't know how it works but you don't necessarily have to have a key to make a key...
Posted by Liz B (Member # 8238) on :
A locksmith should be able to do it, which means you won't have to have it towed to a dealer. (We did the same thing about a year ago.) It will cost MUCH more if the key has a theft-prevention chip. Ours was a normal key and cost $150 to have a new key made. We had to show the car title. (Call around. The first locksmith we called was going to charge around $300.)
Posted by Glenn Arnold (Member # 3192) on :
I don't know about Chrysler, but Mazda has the key code stamped onto the cylinder of the passenger door lock. That way even if they don't have the record of the code at the dealership, they can still reproduce the key. You have to take off the inner door cover and remove the lock cylinder, which is easy if you know how, (and the car isn't locked to start with).
My guess is that every car make has a "back door" way of matching a key.
Then again, I lost the key to a 1972 Yamaha RD350 and when I went to the dealer, they looked at the VIN, opened a file drawer, and pulled out the correct key. I'd be willing to bet they have the key code for just about any car that's still on the road.
Posted by DSH (Member # 741) on :
I had a similar experience as Glenn, only I was dealing with an 85 Honda Accord. The locksmith found the code on the cylinder of the glove box lock! Since it came out with only a phillips screwdriver, he charged me $25 for labor and the new key.
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