Lost my keys - What now???

[TriumphStag]

Hi All,

So, as the topic title suggests, I have been completely stupid and have managed to lose the only set of keys for my MK6 53 plate transit. It is the type with one key plus a fob (only the drivers door has a key hole - I guess they are all like this?).

All the doors are locked and the van has a full bulkhead so the cab cannot be accessed from the cargo area and vice-versa.

So... what do I do? Do I go to Fords and ask if they can duplicate a key? or is it possible to buy a replacement key and fob, but then I guess I have to change everything (drivers door lock, ignition key, ECU?)?

Is there anyone else who can make a key for me or is it Fords only, and either way, what am I looking at paying??

No, I don't have a spare key (I know, I know!!!). Fortunately it is only a hobby van so I do not need to get into it urgently.

Thoughts and help please?

Thanks,
Mark

[blue estate]

Get an mobile auto lock smith as it may have had a lock change so ford's key code would be useless

[shovelheadrob]

Ford will be able to cut you a key from the reg no, you will need proof of ownership etc, but as Blue Estate says you won't know if the locks have ever been changed until you have paid for the new key!

[TriumphStag]

Thanks,

When Ford cut a key, would that include the keyfob? as only the drivers door actually has a key hole?

Also - I guess the same question for an auto electrician? I appreciate the comments that the locks may have been changed. No way to really know, although the keyfob that was with it looked pretty old.

Any ideas on what sort of cost I am looking at for either please?

I'm still kicking myself as to where the keys have gone. I definitely had them in the house. Have looked everywhere. I can only think they must have fallen in the bin and been thrown away or something (I only use the van every three weeks or so).

[Brains_transit]

Just get the key and make sure it starts, you can unlock the rear doors from the drivers lock. Remote fobs can be bought 2nd hand and they are easy to assign to your van.

[bigjohnthomas]

Ford will be able to cut you a key from the reg no, you will need proof of ownership etc, but as Blue Estate says you won't know if the locks have ever been changed until you have paid for the new key!

when i locked mine in the van the local ford dealer told me that only the dealer who sold the van first could do that

[TriumphStag]

So, is it best to get a second hand keyfob, and then call out the auto locksmiths? Get him to open the van up and create a key and then program my second hand fob?

I do have a spare key that opens the doors but will not start the engine (although it will turn the ignition)...... Its in the glovebox (yes, I know, Stupid stupid, but I only use it to open the bonnet as I have a habit of leaving the main keys in the bonnet opener and then wondering where they are (and yes, I have checked there LOL).

So I am wondering if they can get to that, then it might make making a new one easier (or maybe they could even program that one?

[TriumphStag]

Ha - just seen that new ones are available on eBay for £9.99 so have ordered one so I will have that when the auto locksmith comes out.

[Brains_transit]

So it's only a key chip stopping it starting that's the bit under the blue cap on the key

[TriumphStag]

OK, I have some numbers to call tomorrow. Lets see how I get on. Just wondering if I should saw and arm and leg off now, or wait for them to do it

[TriumphStag]

So, just to round this up - I called a local auto locksmith - he got into the van pretty quickly by picking the door lock, and has cut and programmed two keys for me. Total cost, including call out was £125.

Never nice to have to pay money for stupidity but as prices go, that doesnt seem to bad. I might phone Mr Ford up for a giggle.

He would normally have been able to program a fob for me but he didn't have any in stock so advised me how to do the ones on eBay.

All in all I am pretty happy so thanks to all who replied and offered advice. If anyone wants a recommendation for a good auto locksmiths in the South East, then PM me

Now to sort out my leaking steering rack!

[Altransit]

Don't be shy, put his name up, someone else may be able to use his services

[TriumphStag]

Don't be shy, put his name up, someone else may be able to use his services

Happy to - I just wasn't sure if this was the done thing (being new here!)

The company was Autolox
http://www.autolox.co.uk
01732 758 302

Covers most of the South East

I have no affiliation with this company other than being a very satisfied (and somewhat relieved) customer.


Also, my replacement fob from eBay (£9.99 including delivery) has arrived. I programmed it with the key and all fine. Just ordered a second one for the other key so that I have two complete sets (for that price - why wouldn't you!).

The old key and fob hasn't turned up yet - guess that is gone for good. I suppose it would have annoyed me more if the old one had turned up to be honest!



Happy vanning again for me. Although I now need to change the faulty steering rack (that I fitted 2 weeks ago - grrrrr)


Oh - one other thing he mentioned was that the key that I did have in the glovebox (that wouldn't start the van) was an original but that the chip was/is dead as his machine could not read it. I guess that is that and there is no way to "re-energise" it?

[TripleSix]

Oh - one other thing he mentioned was that the key that I did have in the glovebox (that wouldn't start the van) was an original but that the chip was/is dead as his machine could not read it. I guess that is that and there is no way to "re-energise" it?

Yes, failed chip is failed....

however this key is a good candidate to hide under the van somewhere in case you lock your keys inside miles away from your spare set!

[TriumphStag]

Oh - one other thing he mentioned was that the key that I did have in the glovebox (that wouldn't start the van) was an original but that the chip was/is dead as his machine could not read it. I guess that is that and there is no way to "re-energise" it?

Yes, failed chip is failed....

however this key is a good candidate to hide under the van somewhere in case you lock your keys inside miles away from your spare set!

That's not a bad idea at all!