Missing Keys 2001 Van

[Blue85]

Key + Key fob is missing. Vehicle is locked (2001 Olds minivan). If I use the VIN, can a dealer get me a new key? I figure a tow truck could open it for me, but that doesn't do much good if I still don't have a key (except that I could get the car seats out and put them in another vehicle). Can a locksmith make a new key for it via a house call or a towing the vehicle there? Towing would be fun since it is FWD, in park and facing the house.

The other set of keys was lost a couple months ago. I just got a new key fob but haven't programmed it yet. I planned to get a new key cut in the next couple of days

 

[sweetk30]

vin + dealer = yes but have title in hand with id to match name and address on title.

locksmith call = mabye

but that era of gm had pass key safty system with chip in key to read off steering colume. might need to tow to dealer to get key learn option done if it has that system.

 

[70jimmy]

on most of this era vehicles the dealer is the one to re-program the key or give the info to a locksmith they trust. I would call the dealer and see what they need to make the keys and program the fob.

A locksmith or most tow companies can get you into the vehicle. They got tools. You can do it yourself also.

 

[Blue85]

Well I'm not much of a car thief. I did try to get in earlier. Putting a wedge in the door was easy enough, but the unlock button doesn't seem to work. Only the lock button. Maybe this is a security feature and you're just supposed to work the lock manually if you are locked inside. The little unlock tabs are very small and I couldn't get anything hooked on them. I was wondering if maybe the keys are somewhere inside.

 

[70jimmy]

You might try grabbing the opposite side door handle. Sometimes it will automatically unlock the door when you pull the handle.

 

[Blue85]

This one doesn't. It locks the doors when it goes into Drive. If you don't turn the van off you can't get out without manually pressing unlock or pulling the lock lever. If I mess with it again I may try pulling up the lock on one of the slider doors.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Just to confirm, a GM dealer should be able to make you a key off your VIN. Did this a few times when I worked for Enterprise Rent A Car back around 99-01.

 

[Blue85]

So I opened the vehicle yesterday and was sad to confirm that there were no keys inside. So I got the kids carseats out and locked it back up. Made some calls this morning and ended up calling a mobile locksmith. He cut the key from the VIN no problem, which opens the door. Then he plugged in a scanner which waits 12 minutes and then gives the code for the key. I had him make me two of those keys. Paid $130. He told me his scanner cost $12k - I don't know if that's true or not or if there are other options, but whatever. Now I have to program the keyfob in (I just bought it to replace the other lost one) and order another. In the past I've paid $25-$30 on eBay and programmed the cars to read them.

What do you want to bet I will find the keys today?

 

[diesel4me]

My guess is they will show ip any minure now....always the way these things pan out,without fail!...

My friend who deals in used cars runs into this kind of greif often--some auction bought cars always seem to "die" after he gets them,and he finds they had a security system with problems,or the chip in the key dies,etc...he's had to spend 500 bucks to have a mobile lock smith come make new keys before--just to see if a Ford Explorer will be WORTH selling ,if it would run again,etc...

Be glad your not the lucky owner of a BMW,Mercedes,or some VW's and Saabs,the keys for one of those can cost over 1000 bucks!..pretty sad when the KEY costs more than a vehicle is worth now in many cases...who thought up all this crap anyway??..why didn't we just SHOOT car theives??...I'm glad my car has no "chip" in the keys or a security system--I have fire and theft,let them TAKE it!....