What to do if keys are starting to grind out?

[EchoOfSilence]

My car is old :( , as are my keys. the edges are beginning to grind down, and it makes me stand in front of my door for a good 30 seconds to a minute trying to get it to unlock. (ignition turns prefectly though)

Basically, the question is, what can I do to get new keys? I heard that since my S13 ('89) is too old, Nissan can't make me a new one. So wtf am I to do?
:(

[reefer1114]

keyless entry or make copies of keys. or try to go to the dealership and ask if you can get a copy of your keys. i only have one copy also and its not even an original. im gonna have to see at the dealership also.

[TheSnail]

Go to the nissan dealership, there is a code they will get from you along with some sort of proof of ownership (so your not trying to steal someones car.) It should take them 5-10min to make it and cost you 10-20$ for a nice freash nissan key.

[ALTRNTV]

I had the same problem with my s14. I went into the Nissan Dealer and they couldn't pull any codes from my VIN. I had a 96. Just get a keyless entry system or get the ignition cylinder and door cylinders off another 240 and get the keys too.

[TheSnail]

First see with the dealership, They should be able to give you a new key. 5 months ago, my GF came to visit from NC and locked her keys in her saturn. We went to the dealership and they made a new key with the vin# all for $8. took 10min. I was impressed.

[chlatboy]

yeah, try to make a copy of it first at walmart and see if the new one works. It should. Costs about a buck.

[ALTRNTV]

Well, if the key to be copied is already worn out, going to Wal-mart and making an exact copy of the key isn't going to help. Try it anyways.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

^^ he's right, if the key is worn down that much, that could just give you another key that does the same thing. I'd try the dealer, I've only heard good things about them handling similar situations

[RightWheelDrive]

Ever try spraying some WD-40 into the key hole? If your key works fine in the ignition, I don't see why it shouldn't in your door lock.

[kandyflip445]

You should use graphite lube for locks. They sell it near the keys at wal-mart.

[TheSnail]

Is that copper gritty looking? I bought a new gun, after shooting it, I cleaned it and wiped that stuff off. After reading the manuel, it said to avoid wiping that stuff off since its there for long time lubercation. Fuck ! !

[projectRDM]

Dealers only keep key codes for the past 10 years, they won't have anything on a car that old.

[black s13]

the dealership hre made me a new key, cost me like $12. my cars a 90, they didnt seem to have any problem with it.

[cheez80]

performance nissan, duarte, ca, couldn't do shit for me. i just had it copied at the local asian locksmith. cost me $2.50

[EchoOfSilence]

Dealers only keep key codes for the past 10 years, they won't have anything on a car that old.
Yeah, that's what I heard.

Damn I think I'm fucked. I hope I don't have to buy all new locks and ignition w/ keys just for this :rant:

[SilviaDriver]

Dealers only keep key codes for the past 10 years, they won't have anything on a car that old.

if thats the case, ima go n get a new key for backup haha

[ghostchild316]

My key was starting to get worn too.Got a copy made at Wal-Mart havent had a problem with it.

[EchoOfSilence]

My key was starting to get worn too.Got a copy made at Wal-Mart havent had a problem with it.
I also had a copy made, but it works the same as the 'original' (which is also a copy that the car came with. the original one wasn't supplied)

[chlatboy]

Dont DIS on Walmart. And the keys even have the black handle!!!!

[kandyflip445]

I do the wal-mart thing but when it's cold I bend the keys. :/

[ranisron]

at least you have a door lock... when I bought my car, the key cylinder is filled with a broken key inside (vandalised)... so I installed a keyless entry - well, if my battery ran out of juice I'm fucked.

[MakotoS13]

why don't you guys just have spare keys? if you have an original good copy and keep it (not using it) you shouldn't have any problems with wear on the keys.

[kandyflip445]

I keep a good copy to copy from. But they bend.

[millelu]

If you go to Walmart to get copies made, do you have to use the keys they have hanging there or could I take in something like this off of eBay and they would use that?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/Tha_L_Train/untitled12.jpg

Maybe a dumb ? but I've never made a copy of keys before.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

shouldn't matter what key you bring to them

[EchoOfSilence]

why don't you guys just have spare keys? if you have an original good copy and keep it (not using it) you shouldn't have any problems with wear on the keys.
because the key that came with the car when i bought it was a copy itself that was already going out. Hence my situation

[kandyflip445]

You can bring in keys to have copied. But that key is ugly. To each his own I suppose.

Snail- The graphite lube looks like metal flake. It's a silver color and just puffs out of the tube. I would go to a Glock dealer and see if you can't get some of what you wiped off.

[NismoDan]

My trunk lock started acting up on me a while ago (but the door and ignition worked fine).
I thought it was my key, but then I shot some WD40 into the cylinder and now it works perfectly.
Try it.

Also, there should be a code somewhere on a sticker (I think its the glove box, may be on the door jam) that you can take to a locksmith and they should be able to make a new key from that code with the right dimensions (not worn like a pure copy would be).

[EchoOfSilence]

My trunk lock started acting up on me a while ago (but the door and ignition worked fine).
I thought it was my key, but then I shot some WD40 into the cylinder and now it works perfectly.
Try it.

Also, there should be a code somewhere on a sticker (I think its the glove box, may be on the door jam) that you can take to a locksmith and they should be able to make a new key from that code with the right dimensions (not worn like a pure copy would be).
I'll be sure to try the WD40.


But I was not aware of a key-code on the car that determines the car's key...
wouldn't that be a little bit of a security risk to have it there? anyone have any comment on this? I'll check it out the minute I get back home :)

[trsilvias13]

go to a lock smith they can make a key from nothing. but it cost like 50bucks, but it will cost like 50bucks or so, but they fit perfect to match your existing cyclinder. and here a hint, after u get taht made, make a copy

[ALTRNTV]

Yea. I have two good keys on my s13. I keep one in my wallet and one to use daily. You should ALWAYS keep a good key somewhere.