Thursday, December 5, 2013
|
Labels:
a,
how,
key,
lost,
replace,
to
|
|
Losing the only key to a motor vehicle is inconvenient, stressful and usually costly to replace. If the car was purchased recently with financing, the seller or dealership may have a spare key. Try thorough searching first. Retrace your steps to search unlikely places such as your kitchen and bathrooms --- places that are typically the first stops after coming in to your home to put away groceries or to use the restroom. You may have left your key in these places.
Instructions
1 Contact a local dealership to determine if your specific make and model requires a programmed, laser or transponder key. A programmed key, or "chip key," is somewhat common in newer vehicles. You may be asked to provide your vehicles identification number for the dealership to find out if your specific vehicle requires any special key programming.
2 Contact local locksmiths with your specific requirements; a regular key can usually be affordable and quickly replaced. If a special key is required, ask if the locksmith is able to make a replacement key. In smaller towns it may be difficult to find a local locksmith with the technology to replace chip keys, laser keys and transponder keys. Check pricing costs with several locksmiths if possible to ensure you dont overpay.
3 Contact your local dealership again if you are unable to find a locksmith that can meet your needs. Dealerships are typically more expensive to go through for key replacement, but your vehicle key type may make it necessary to do so. If you have more than one dealership in your area, check prices as they can vary greatly. According to "The Boston Globe," replacing a key at the dealership could cost you anywhere from $80 to as high as $300 or more (as of September 2010); in fact, many dealers are reported to charge separate prices for the replacement key and the re-coding.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
|
Labels:
1998,
a,
a4,
audi,
code,
how,
lost,
obtain,
radio,
to
|
|
Audi created the radio in a 1998 A4 with security in mind. The radio has a built in anti-theft system that locks out the radio functions whenever it loses battery power. This loss of power could be caused by a disconnected battery, faulty battery or simply a battery with a low charge. Regardless of the reason for loss of power, a security code is required to restore the radio to its normal operating condition. If youve lost your radio code, youll need to gather some information and visit your local Audi dealership in order to obtain a new radio code.
Instructions
1 Locate your motor vehicle title or registration and put it in a folder that you can take to the dealership. This has your 17-character VIN on it and proves your ownership of the vehicle.
2 Disconnect the negative battery terminal on your battery, using a battery terminal wrench.
3 Insert both special radio removal tools into the front slots on the radio press them down until they detach the radio retaining tabs. Grip both special tools and pull the radio out of the dashboard.
4 Look on the top or the back side of the radio for a serial number. Write this number down on a piece of paper and put it in the folder with your vehicles registration.
5 Depress the locking tabs on the back of the radio to remove the tools, then set the radio back into the dashboard and press it into place until it is flush with the dash and you hear the locking tabs engage.
6 Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Travel to your local Audi dealership and visit the service department. Tell them that you need a code for your radio. Wait while they access the security database on their computer, then provide your VIN and proof of ownership along with your radio serial number. They will input this information into the system to obtain your radio code.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
|
Labels:
1987,
a,
do,
dodge,
for,
get,
how,
i,
key,
lost,
van
|
|
If you lost the key for your 1987 Dodge van, you might think about replacing the lock cylinder and use a new key. This is an option for replacement, but the cost of having a cylinder lock changed in your ignition and on your doors could become expensive. There is an easier way to replace a lost key, because Dodge keeps records of the keys used on each vehicle and keeps a master key.
Instructions
1 Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN) for your Dodge van. The number is in the drivers side dash where the dash meets the windshield.
2 Contact your local Dodge dealership, and confirm they offer key replacement services. Some dealerships do not have the equipment to cut a new key.
3 Take your VIN number and your vehicle registration to the dealership. This helps the dealership confirm you are the owner of the vehicle. They can look up the VIN number, get the key code and cut you a new key based on the master key.
