Anyone can steal your X

[SteveVB]

Originally posted by bipolarbob
It is an urban ledgend....I'm phoning the dealer.

No legend. I just picked up the keys to my pickup truck which I lost- used the VIN to get the key code. They faxed the factory got the numbers and cut me a key in 1/2 hour. Now they did make me show them 2 forms of ID, and the registration, or if I couldnt produce the registtration card(in the glove box) they wanted proof of insurance.
Cost me about 10 bucks.

 

[bipolarbob]

OK here is the real deal from the dealer....If they sold you the truck and still had all the original paperwork from the sale....they MIGHT with a lot of work, be able to get you a key....not from the vin but from the original paperwork from the dealer.There is no way on any Ford vehicle, any way, any how to get a key from just the vin.

Locksmith said the same thing..No way to make a key from the vin on any vehicle....but if you know where it was bought new and they still have the paperwork then you can get a key...for some vehicles...not from the vin but from the paperwork.

So what I get from this is....If you got a vin from a truck, Went to the dealer and said it was yours and you lost the key, in theory if they sold the truck and had the records you could get a key....Some major flaws here.The dealer told me no, go to a locksmith it is cheaper and easier.This dealer is also going to talk to ICBC(that's who hands out vehicle titles here) and find out who owns the vehicle before he gives a key out and ask for ID.

If you worked at a dealer you could look up the name and address of people and get keys made from the original paperwork.Why do this when you could just go out and get a key copied and wait for someone to buy it...

 

[bipolarbob]

Originally posted by SteveVB
No legend. I just picked up the keys to my pickup truck which I lost- used the VIN to get the key code. They faxed the factory got the numbers and cut me a key in 1/2 hour. Now they did make me show them 2 forms of ID, and the registration, or if I couldnt produce the registtration card(in the glove box) they wanted proof of insurance.
Cost me about 10 bucks.

they can't cut you a key....they would have to order it.Unless they had it in stock..Keys can only be duplicated, not made.

 

[Black Magic]

Bob, I am not sure what dealer or locksmith you talked to. But you can have the key cut from the VIN. You can make a key. Maybe you are just experiencing a "Canadan Thing"?

 

[aldive]

I have had Torrie at Ford Parts Network make me PATS keys for my '99 using only the VIN.

 

[BensBud]

Originally posted by Black Magic
... just experiencing a "Canadan Thing"?

ROFL!!!

I've had a key made in about 10 minutes from a VIN. No warning or setup. I called the dealer asked what was needed, then just showed up with the doc's and in 10 minutes I had a key. ...this was my old '93 (no chip).

 

[Carl D.]

Me too, and mines a 92.

My wife lost her keys (2003 Grand Prix) while on vacation and went to the local GM dealer, they wrote her VIN down, made a call to GM and made a key within minutes with chip.

I just called a local dealer, they said it makes no difference where the car was purchased, the key codes are on file with the manufacturer by VIN, not dealer.

 

[hydroxy]

anyone have tips on making your explorer less stealable? cheap little trips... everyone knows you can just go get another alarm.

 

[Black Magic]

They are not any more or less stealable than anyother car on the market. You could just take off a wheel everytime you park. LOL J/K

 

[aldive]

Sure.... leave a Pit Bull with AIDS in the truck.

 

[hydroxy]

I was thinking if you got one of those cop wheel locks things....

Taking off the wheel would be a good idea... know where I can get some quick disconnects? =P I wonder if you could get like the equivilent of a bike lock for cars...

 

[Black Magic]

I could see you always looking for a poll to park by to lock your truck to. LOL

 

[bipolarbob]

I dunno...I still don't beleive it......I did say to the dealer for a 91...and to the locksmith.I geuss they both wouldn't have asked if it didn't work on a newer vehicle?

 

[Carl D.]

Those wheel locks, "The Claw" and similar work great unless the theif brings a small hack saw, cuts the wheel and slips the claw off thru the cut. Wheel still works fine. Very popular around this area.

 

[BLUZ]

I saw people mention starter kills, but those are easily bypassed.

On my Z car I have a fuel pump kill that is more effective. I am sure there is a way to tap into that on the X. If you are going to have a kill switch, may as well do it there or something other than the obvious starter.

 

[hydroxy]

The wheel lock I was talking about are those big yellow things the cops put on the wheel...


blackmagic: I'd just chain my explorer to the car parked next to me.... =P

 

[DeRocha]

A fuel pump cut off is definitely more effective. A starter relay just prevents the starter solenoid from getting power...If you have a stick, your x could be push started easily. If your fuel pump kill is controlled/actuated by your after market alarm it can be easily by passed. To be "more" secure you would need to wire in a manually overide switch.

 

[SteveVB]

Originally posted by bipolarbob
they can't cut you a key....they would have to order it.Unless they had it in stock..Keys can only be duplicated, not made.

I dont know where you got your information but anyone with the right machine can make a key.

All the dealer parts guy needs is the original code to make the keys- Ford GM, Chrysler seem to all be the same. Some well stocked lock smith shops have the codes also- they dont have the ability to get the code from a VIN, but if you have the key code they can make the key.


Maybe I was not clear about the process, this was for my chevy but numerous others have told me similar stories about Fords and Jeeps.
I took in my VIN, I took in my insurance papers, I took my drivers liscence, and a credit card.
I gave them my VIN.
They asked for the registration and two forms of ID.
I gave them my DL and a CCard, didnt have the registration, but did have an insurance statement with my adress that matched all my IDs.
Counter guy said great Ill be right back.
He faxed the VIN to someplace, came back in like 5-6 minutes with the Key Code. (actually I could have skipped this step if (I had access to my truck- GM stamps it in the glovebox)
Parts guy took the key code looked it up in a book.
He went back got a couple of key blanks. Asked if I wanted both ignition and door keys.
Put the blanks in the machine, and CUT the keys.
Total time was like 20 minutes.
cost was something like 10 bucks.

The home dealer is another bit of misinformation- you should be able to do it at any dealer in the country, good to know if you lock your keys in the vehicle 3000 miles away from home.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

3000 miles from home!


that is why i always carry a spare key in my wallet

 

[MONMIX]

I have an " Anti-Theft " sticker in my window !!!!!

As long as that sticker is there I am gonna be fine.