Is it possible to get car key replaced and deactivate your old keys?
Posted by wearbratz@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 32 comments
Sorry I don’t know if this makes sense.
Basically I just recently purchased a new car, it came with two keys. Though my mum is not on my insurance she stole one key and refuses to give it.
when I’m work she goes through my whole car which i really don’t like
My question is, if i got a key replaced will the key she has be permanently locked? Will she still be able insert her key into the key hold on the door handle & unlock my car?
Thanks
TomsKeyCo@reddit
It is possible.. but it depends on the make, model and year of the car..
As for the solution, some DIY programmers are capable of doing so, but it goes back to the first line, it depends on the make, model, and year of the vehicle.
Altezza9153@reddit
Depends on the car but yes usually if you program a new key, it should deactivate the others
MagnetAccutron@reddit
Depends on model.
Most cars can deactivate certain keys
ObiYawnKenobi@reddit
Can't deactivate the physical key though. Have to re-key the locks.
MagnetAccutron@reddit
Nope. Not true at all.
I’ll give you a BMw example.
BMW cars can be allocated up to 10 keys.
They can all be locked out from the system and reallocated.
Yes you can unlock the door manually. But you cannot start the car with a key that has been removed from the system.
Pretty sure VW has a similar system.
Denegroth@reddit
Not reading the OP and arguing against someone who clearly did is some wild confidence. Good for you.
Competitive-Reach287@reddit
When my kid got a new keyfob to replace a lost one for his Toyota, the locksmith warned that any other keys (other than the keys that were there) would be deactivated. A month later he found the lost one, and sure enough, the key wouldn't work.
Denegroth@reddit
The new key would be programmed to pair with the vehicle.
But the old key would still be able to open any mechanical locks. Door/trunk. Etc.
The old key would not be capable of starting the vehicle. Or opening any lock that is electronically controlled.
AppropriateDeal1034@reddit
I mean, the physical blade part (if it has one) will still work so may not solve OPs problem, although the alarm will likely go off until a recognised key is used to turn the ignition on.
Competitive-Reach287@reddit
Actually my kids's old key would physically fit and open the doors, but the vehicle wouldn't start. The security chip was deactivated when the new one was set up.
jaqattack02@reddit
OP mentioned putting the key in the keyhole. If it's really a physical key you would have to have a locksmith physically rekey all of the door locks as well as the ignition cylinder to match a new key. It can be done, but it would be expensive and isn't as simple as reprogramming new fobs.
Jacktheforkie@reddit
If you buy a set of locks and keys from a junkyard it might be cheaper, though even without the keys a locksmith can read the lock with a special tool
TrineoDeMuerto@reddit
You should take that key back
The_Phantom_Kink@reddit
Cheaper to just call the cops to report mom for theft and burglary.
Sudden-Pangolin6445@reddit
It really depends on the car. Note that some also have a physical key backup in the fob, like Toyota.
420YerMa@reddit
Start fitting toilet seat bangers to all the doors and glovebox or stick jiffy bags with a bit of flour at the bottom down the back of the seat like in dealer amounts to see what she says😂
NiceEyesGuy@reddit
Why did she take your key? If you rekey the car will she just take a key again? Maybe just get an alarm on the car which her key won’t deactivate and if she try’s to go into the car the alarm will sound.
New_Line4049@reddit
If its an electronic key the one she has can be deprogrammed from the car, but to stop the physical key you'd need to rekey the cylinders or change them entirely.
Tight-Book-7533@reddit
To prevent your mum from inserting the key into the door to unlock it, you need to get the locks (door(s), boot/hatch and ignition) rekeyed with a new key. A locksmith should be able to do this. You also need to get a new fob and pair it with the car's system, so she can't wirelessly unlock the car and/or start it. You best find an automotive locksmith.
Dedward5@reddit
Leave nothing in your car and move out as soon as you can and never talk to her ever again.
No_Geologist_3690@reddit
With GMs you can yes but you have to replace 2 keys when your erasing the old ones
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
On a Honda, chip key programming is around $100.
MarsRocks97@reddit
If you’re talking about the electronic key, yes that can be programmed on most cars to only accept the replacement key(s). However, the physical key that goes into the door would require to door locks to be replaced.
TheCamoTrooper@reddit
You can replace all the locks same as a house, you can even buy kits that come with all new door, trunk and ignition cylinder locks + key set. Newer ones you can get the dealership to deactivate certain fobs
Cool-Negotiation7662@reddit
There is a physical door key in the fob. ...
It may be hard, but clean your car out and keep nothing in it. You have a serious boundary issue. I wish you the best.
r2d3x9@reddit
Go through her possessions and find the key. Or go to a locksmith and replace the physical key and have the key fobs reprogrammed removing the one she stole and add a replacement spare for yourself. Which you will keep under lock accessible only to yourself
Upbeat_County9191@reddit
Has to go through the dealer. But she could still use the metal emergency key to get in she wants (if she knows how that works).
twelfthfantasy@reddit
Who's got their name on the deed or lease for where you're living? If it's you, you need to kick her out and change the locks. If it's her, you need to move. And then you need to get the police involved because she has stolen your property.
twelfthfantasy@reddit
If that's not an option, you need to get the car rekeyed. If it's a modern car with a remote fob, that means bringing it back to the dealer, and will cost a fairly substantial amount of money. If it's an old car with a stick-it-in-the-hole key, you can get it done cheaper by a locksmith.
Savage_Sven@reddit
Mobile locksmiths can rekey a fob for a car while you wait, and they’re usually half as cheap as a dealership.
FewAnt1376@reddit
You will need to buy a lock set and deactivate her key
wearbratz@reddit (OP)
thank you, i’ll have to research more into this lol i don’t know anything about cars aha