Was wondering what the cheaper options are:
Have 1 key only (all that came with the car).
My driver's side door lock doesn't work well at all (lots and lots of jiggling about now required to get it in a certain position so that it will operate the lock). I've been informed this is due to wear of both the key and of the lock itself. I've been using the remote unlock/lock functions to get in and out as its significantly easier at present, although even these buttons aren't in that great a shape, and need pushing at a certain point to operate.
A similar problem has developed with this same key and the ignition barrel/switch itself (i.e. needs to be in a particular position to work the lock), although thankfully this is not too bad at present so it doesn't take too long each time, but i imagine this is only going to get worse.
Standard key copy shop is a no-go, big name brand on the high street made multiple attempts and failed, key/lock is too worn for them. I've been told to look for an automative locksmith as they reckoned they'd be able to make a key to imitate the current insides of the lock (I'm in South Wales, if anyone cares to recommend someone!)
Is there anything stopping me buying a 2nd hand key off eBay or similar and programming it to my car (i imagine it's a certain button combination to code learn or something, and i'm sure i still have a link somewhere that spells out the combination to press), so that i can keep the remote locking... If this is true, and if i did this, would that fob then also work the immobiliser functions, so i can then get an automotive locksmith to simply replace the key blade with something that works on my worn ignition barrel? (would probably be the best as then i'd have 2 keys, both working the remote central locking and both working in my ignition barrel). Not so bothered about the key blade working in the driver's door when i can use the central locking remotely... (especially as that's the more-worn lock).
No passenger-side lock as a backup unfortunately, so i need to get something done about this soon, but the idea of going to the dealer and/or getting both locks replaced (especially the ignition barrel itself!) fills me with dread. This is quite disappointing on a car with not much over 70K on the clocks
Have 1 key only (all that came with the car).
My driver's side door lock doesn't work well at all (lots and lots of jiggling about now required to get it in a certain position so that it will operate the lock). I've been informed this is due to wear of both the key and of the lock itself. I've been using the remote unlock/lock functions to get in and out as its significantly easier at present, although even these buttons aren't in that great a shape, and need pushing at a certain point to operate.
A similar problem has developed with this same key and the ignition barrel/switch itself (i.e. needs to be in a particular position to work the lock), although thankfully this is not too bad at present so it doesn't take too long each time, but i imagine this is only going to get worse.
Standard key copy shop is a no-go, big name brand on the high street made multiple attempts and failed, key/lock is too worn for them. I've been told to look for an automative locksmith as they reckoned they'd be able to make a key to imitate the current insides of the lock (I'm in South Wales, if anyone cares to recommend someone!)
Is there anything stopping me buying a 2nd hand key off eBay or similar and programming it to my car (i imagine it's a certain button combination to code learn or something, and i'm sure i still have a link somewhere that spells out the combination to press), so that i can keep the remote locking... If this is true, and if i did this, would that fob then also work the immobiliser functions, so i can then get an automotive locksmith to simply replace the key blade with something that works on my worn ignition barrel? (would probably be the best as then i'd have 2 keys, both working the remote central locking and both working in my ignition barrel). Not so bothered about the key blade working in the driver's door when i can use the central locking remotely... (especially as that's the more-worn lock).
No passenger-side lock as a backup unfortunately, so i need to get something done about this soon, but the idea of going to the dealer and/or getting both locks replaced (especially the ignition barrel itself!) fills me with dread. This is quite disappointing on a car with not much over 70K on the clocks
