ATL: I have to jiggle my Ranger key for it to work, do I need new locks?
Ask The Locksmith Question:I like your website - good information. I assume you have a locksmith license? :) My 2000 ford ranger is having a problem with the door locks - someone tried to jimmy the passenger side door - it locks and unlocks from the inside but not with the key. and now the driver's side door is giving me trouble. I put the key in and have to jiggle it a minute or so before it unlocks.
questions:
1) can you fix this sort of thing?
2) if #1 is yes, is it easier, faster, or cheaper if I bring the truck to you?
3) can you do this on weekends, or would you travel to (my area) to do it during the week?
You're probably teasing me, but yes, we do. :) In fact, the license number is noted on every page in the main site, in the right hand column, 'bout halfway down. It's also linked to the California State licensing board for verification.
My first thought is that because it's a progressive issue (occurring over time), and because jiggling the key DOES work, that it may be a bad key issue rather than a lock issue. I know the timing is suspicious, the key not working in the passenger side right after an attempted break-in, but the signs of a worn key is exactly that, working less and less effectively over time...
The passenger side may have additional issues related to the jimmying, but the drivers side really sounds like a worn key. :)
Any licensed locksmith can fix either situation. Because we are a mobile locksmith, let me give you a couple of options for costs reasons. If it's a worn key, your best, and least expensive bet, is to drive the vehicle to a licensed locksmith shop near you, and ask if someone there can take a look at the key and tell you if it's worn. If they're ethical, they should cut you a new mechanical key to code for a couple of dollars, on the spot, and test it in the doors and ignition to see if this is the issue FIRST. Even though your year Ranger usually has what is known as a "transponder key" (a key with a chip in the head), any qualified locksmith can still cut you what is known as a "mechanical" key. This would be just a plain 'ol silver key that can open doors, turn the ignition to accessory, etc., but not start the vehicle. If the mechanical key works fine, then that cements the theory that your original key was simply worn. Now you just have to decide if you need a new cut transponder key in addition to the silver key they used for the test, or if the key already cut is all you need. :)
Since the 2000 Rangers have a split between the ones that have transponder keys, and the ones that do not, here's some ways you can tell whether yours is a chip key or not:
- Your existing key is a "plain" silver key = NOT a transponder.
- You have a 4 cylinder or manual transmission Ranger = Probably is NOT a transponder.
- You have an automatic, or a 6 cylinder = Probably IS a transponder.
- You have the above, and the key itself has a large, black (or gray, or clear) plastic head = IS a transponder.
If you do have transponder keys, getting new ones cut to code (NOT simply copied) and programmed will cost you a varied and wide range of prices AT a locksmith shop - Call around and get quotes - Make sure they know you JUST need duplicates. Having a mobile service come to you will range higher "generally," but not always. We charge $85.00 to come out to you and cut and program new duplicate transponder keys by code.
All of the above is moot if the new cut mechanical key does not work smoothly. If this is the case, then it IS probably a door lock problem. I can't quote you on what shops would charge to repair or replace the door locks, you'll have to call around. It IS less to take the car TO a shop than to have a mobile service come to you. We would charge a $45 service call, plus a charge per door to replace and re-pin new locks, plus the cost of the parts. Regardless,make sure they check to see that the locks DO have to be replaced and cannot simply be repaired before committing to purchase and install of new locks.
Because replacing the locks themselves is so prohibitively expensive, I do suggest you try taking the Ranger to a shop and having them look at the key FIRST. Do not necessarily take anyone's word for it if someone at a shop looks at the key and says "it's fine, your locks are bad, we'll have to replace them all". An ethical locksmith will try other options before going to the most expensive.
Give a yell if you want us to come out, we can fix either problem - We do cover (your) area. Chances are it's the less expensive worn key issue. If we came out and it was a worn "plain" key, we would charge a $45 service call, plus the cost of the key, $2.50. If it is a transponder, we would charge as above; $85 total for new programmed transponders (service call is built into that change).
Please feel free to e-mail or call if you have other questions, and please feel free to take advantage of the linked word "license" on the front page of the site to verify and validate the license of any locksmith you call.
Cheers!
Kim
We're not your normal locksmith company™... :)
