Car Keys stolen - replacing the lock?

[Positively Negative]

hey guys,
ok my car keys were stolen last night (no spare key) .i would like to know the best way of getting my key ignition replaced? i have AA , can they assist or send a locksmith out :erm:

Does anyone know how much it can cost about? Its a Citi Golf

 

[Rouxenator]

Does it have an immobilizer / transponder / alarm fitted ?

 

[Positively Negative]

Does it have an immobilizer / transponder / alarm fitted ?

yeah.the car is parked here at home and i can't go anywhere obviously.i may aswell google locksmiths cause AA couldnt help and put me through to switchboard

 

[Rouxenator]

Just check with your local VW dealer if they key is equipped with a transponder. I had a Corsa Lite and it had nothing, no central locking, no alarm - just a key. I thought it would real simple to replace the key since there is nothing electronic about it. I was wrong - the key has a transponder that the ignition barrel reads and passes on the ECU. If the code in all three (key, ignition, ECU) does not match up the car won't start!

Not sure if the Golf has the same but it could be a source of frustration for you.

 

[Positively Negative]

the brutality....

VW don't have any blank keys for my car at the moment so i have to wait till 2moro morning.from there i need to get the car towed to a locksmith....they will cut the key.then the car needs to be towed to vw so they can code the key.

moral of the story - don't EVER lose your fcken car keys.

 

[Brawler]

Yep. You need two sets of keys and for heavens sake if you lose one, get it replaced asap.

 

[satanboy]

Your vehicle insurance policy covers loss of keys etc.

 

[hashbrown99]

the brutality....

VW don't have any blank keys for my car at the moment so i have to wait till 2moro morning.from there i need to get the car towed to a locksmith....they will cut the key.then the car needs to be towed to vw so they can code the key.

moral of the story - don't EVER lose your fcken car keys.

Just pray their "key coding" system is online... I had to wait 4 days when a bungled car theft attempt borked my central locking system

 

[rome_rod]

Just check with your local VW dealer if they key is equipped with a transponder. I had a Corsa Lite and it had nothing, no central locking, no alarm - just a key. I thought it would real simple to replace the key since there is nothing electronic about it. I was wrong - the key has a transponder that the ignition barrel reads and passes on the ECU. If the code in all three (key, ignition lock cylinder, ECU) does not match up the car won't start!

Not sure if the Golf has the same but it could be a source of frustration for you.

This may seem like a silly question but I am curious if the mechanic will have to take out the cylinder or replace the cylinder.

 

[ToxicBunny]

moral of the story - don't EVER lose your fcken car keys.

I thought your keys were stolen?!?!?!

 

[Rouxenator]

This may seem like a silly question but I am curious if the mechanic will have to take out the cylinder or replace the cylinder.

Gnome should know - but I think the ignition barrel and ECU can be reprogrammed to access the new key transponder. Not sure replacement is needed.

 

[Gnome]

Don't know about a VW.

I don't think the VW Citi has any kind of coded keys?

If it does, there is no doubt in my mind that it can be recoded without needing to replace anything. At worst you'll probably need to replace the lock cylinder(s). One in each door (if that door can be opened with a key), boot and ignition barrel + possible recoding. Simple procedure and not very technical but it can be expensive. If that happens I would recommend you get a lock set from a scrap yard instead, will cost a fraction of the price and locks on cars don't exactly break So no need for new IMHO.

 

[zulgin]

city golfs are easy to hotwire, new keys cost a lot of money.