I lost a key

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north
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My tercel:: 1985 SR5

I lost a key

Post by north »

I lost a key for my parts tercel. It ran and I am trying to get it back on the road so my brother can use it this winter.

Any ideas on how it might be possible to get a replacement? I have tried using my key from my other Tercel but it doesn't work unfortunately.

Thanks!

Andrew
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BaileySims
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My tercel:: 1983 Tercel SR5 4WD
Location: Texas
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Re: I lost a key

Post by BaileySims »

Might be cheaper to replace the ignition lock cylinder and have a fresh set of keys just to start it. They still do sell keys and locks for the doors as well.

I know that a lock smith could come out and have a key made to match the car but I'm sure that would be quite costly.
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Petros
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My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
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Re: I lost a key

Post by Petros »

there is a way to make a new key from the VIN you can see through the windshield, from factory records. Used to be a dealer item, but not sure if they have records that go back that far. there might be aftermarket key makers that can do it, perhaps on line service?

It is also possible to make a key that will work from a blank, I have done it. It is a slow process of putting dye on the key and wiggle it in the lock. You file it a little bit at each mark, when it is the right depth the tumbler stops putting the scratch on the dye. It only takes a small file, a key blank, metal dye (machine shop supply has it), and a lot of patients. could take over a hour, but it works.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
north
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My tercel:: 1985 SR5

Re: I lost a key

Post by north »

Thank you
85tercel4wd
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My tercel:: 1985 4wd SR5

Re: I lost a key

Post by 85tercel4wd »

Key code is on the passenger door lock cylinder if I'm not mistaken
xirdneh
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Re: I lost a key

Post by xirdneh »

"Key code is on the passenger door lock cylinder if I'm not mistaken"
yes it is
I have had several made this way.
cost for first key was about 22.00
Love those Tercell 4x4 wagons but they sure suffer from road noise.
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Petros
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My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
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Re: I lost a key

Post by Petros »

that is a bargain. I recently got a spare key for our honda civic, $69. My wife's Lexus key is $270, dealer only. for an 18 year old Lexus. My wife has lost two keys in the 4 years we have owned it (grrrr...). I am contemplating disabling the chipkey in the lexus so the door key can start the car, and replacements are not so expensive.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
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Petros
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Posts: 11930
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 6:31 pm
My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
Location: Arlington WA USA

Re: I lost a key

Post by Petros »

There are several well equipped key makers than can duplicate chip keys, the civic one was done by one of those and hence the $69 cost. Everyplace we took the Lexus key to have it dupilcated, even though they claimed they could make one, said it was "dealer only" key blank.

I learned on Youtube the way you disable the chipped key ignition is to remove the chip from the key and epoxy it next to the ingision switch. That way there is always a chip within proximity of the switch, and you will not loose it. The only other options I suspect would be to rip out the whole ECU and install a Megasquirt or other after market computer.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
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