Hi all,

 

My mate has lost his car keys and has no spare. He has no idea what happens in this situation and I am not sure myself. I suspect he will have to get all the locks changed and a brand new set of keys. Am I right on this?

 

Its a 10 year old Astra if that helps?

 

Justin:)

10 year old? Mmmmmm, that'll put it at around an P/R plate? If he's not deadlocked it, then it's not too difficult to unlock them. Call a car security specialist. Quite often they can come out and pop the locks for you.

 

He should be able to get a new key cut. Inside the tailgate of most Vauxhalls from that age, there should be a number stamped on the back of lock mechanism which is behind the trim. From what I can recall, this is the code for Vauxhall to use in making a new key.

 

If your mate has no luck, then he'll indeed have to change the locks. This can be a pain as after 94, Vauxhall introduced an ECU transponder imobilser. So he'll have to get a replacement ECU with a corresponding key.

 

Best thing to do is to go to Vauxhall. Even if he does manage to get another key cut, he'll have to get the key programmed so that it'll activate the imobiliser.

Auto locksmiths will be able to make a set of replacement keys from the lock barrel. I had this with my mondeo and it cost ~£100 for a replacement set. Also Vauxhall may well have the key code if you give them the reg/vin number :)

Cheers guys, great advice as always. I have passed the info onto him:)