ATL: How much to replace my ignition?
At 07:45 PM 1/21/2006 Saturday, you wrote:Ask The Locksmith Question:
Wife's car key was stolen. I ordered a replacement ignition switch. Pls give me an estimate of how much it would cost to remove the existing ignition swith, put the new one in and rekey two door cylinders to match the new ignition key.
Hi there...
As always, we're unable to give any kind of estimate without complete information. What make, model, and year is the car? Why did you buy a new ignition rather than simply having a locksmith create new keys for you, thus doubling your price...? Is there something wrong with the existing ignition? Was it damaged? Was a screwdriver used on it, etc.? What is the model number of the ignition you purchased? (We ask for this information because in well over 50% of the cases, the customer is sold the wrong ignition, and before we schedule someone out,we need to be sure the correct hardware is available.)
Please let us know the above, and we'll be able to quote you accurately.
Thanks!
San Diego Lock & Safe
Hi. The vehicle is a 2004 RAV. I asked the dealer and they said they could not rekey the ignition. I was sold on replacing the ignition switch. There was no problem with the existing ignition switch. Thanks for the reply.
Hi there...
We can do these... It's unfortunate that the dealer simply told you they didn't rekey and you had to have a new ignition rather than telling you it was re-keyable, just not by them. It's true, dealers usually cannot rekey, that's what locksmiths do, but they rarely offer that option to you. Let me first suggest that you check to see if you can return the ignition (you do not need it), and if they give you a hassle, tell them they sold it to you under false pretenses. Then DO have a locksmith rekey the entire car rather than install a new ignition and then rekey the rest of the car to match. It would be less expensive for you overall.
Please be aware that if there are NO existing keys available, California state law requires the owner of the vehicle to be present, with picture ID, and paperwork proving ownership, made out in the same name as the picture ID. This paperwork can include: Title, registration (either showing verifiable VIN), or a current insurance card with the correct name, as well as the VIN number on the card.
Cheers!
kim
We're not your normal locksmith company™... :)
read or link to the full post here...
