Re-Key Series 1 Ignition?

[JohnnyO]

If I pick up a single sided (Key) ignition for a series 1 can it be rekeyed by a locksmith to match the original keycode?

TIA,

John

[Mike B]

Yes, a good locksmith can rekey an ignition. The problem can be finding one that still has the old Datsun key codes. I had to look around a bit before I found one.

-Mike

[Carl Beck]

HI Mike:

Did you look/find one based on the year of the car it came out of - or is there some code stamped on the outside of the lock cylinder?

In other words, how did you know it had the old Datsun key codes?

Carl B.

[MikeW]

In other words, how did you know it had the old Datsun key codes?

I interpreted him to mean it took a while to find a locksmith who still had the Datsun codes.

[JohnnyO]

Wouldnt the codes be on the sticker in my glove box or the original service book?

[Mike B]

I interpreted him to mean it took a while to find a locksmith who still had the Datsun codes.

Yes, that is what I meant. I went to three locksmiths that couldn't cut a 240z key by code. They could only duplicate one that was already cut. I'm sure the same would apply to rekeying an ignition. I called around until I found a locksmith that specialized in older locks.

Wouldnt the codes be on the sticker in my glove box or the original service book?

Yes, but a locksmith has to know how to interpret the codes to shape a key or change the lock so that the new key will work with it.

-Mike

[conedodger]

I have even found a Nissan dealership that cannot cut from the codes!

[Carl Beck]

If you have the ignition lock out of the car - and you have the original key; why would the locksmith need the Nissan Key Codes?

I thought that the Nissan Key Codes were only needed if you wanted to cut a new Key Blank, to match your existing lock.

I would think that if you handed a Locksmith both the ignition lock and the key you wanted to use - he could simply reconfigure the lock to match the existing key. Yes/No?

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Mike B]

If you have the ignition lock out of the car - and you have the original key; why would the locksmith need the Nissan Key Codes?

I thought that the Nissan Key Codes were only needed if you wanted to cut a new Key Blank, to match your existing lock.

I would think that if you handed a Locksmith both the ignition lock and the key you wanted to use - he could simply reconfigure the lock to match the existing key. Yes/No?

John asked if a locksmith could rekey a series 1 ignition to match the original key code. I assume this means he doesn't have the original ignition key, just the code from his glove box or owners manual.

If I pick up a single sided (Key) ignition for a series 1 can it be rekeyed by a locksmith to match the original keycode?

Even if he has an original key, I would think it would depend on how worn that key is. Similar to making a duplicate key by copying an old one vs making one from a code. Many original keys are pretty worn and if I were going to have a have a lock rekeyed I would want it based on a fresh key made to code, rather than a worn original. At least the original Nissan series 1 ignition keys are steel, so they don't wear as much as the other original keys, which are I believe are made of brass.

Since the series one ignitions have a separate key with a different code than the rest of the car, what is the benefit of getting it rekeyed any way? So that it matches the code on the glove box and owners manual?

-Mike

[sblake01]

From what I understand, based on my limited experience cutting keys at Ace Hardware, a locksmith would need to have the skills to reconfigure the lock but he'd also have to have the correct pins or wafers needed to match up with an existing key in order to make it work.

[Unkle]

I think what he's asking is : If he gets a replacement lock , can it be altered to match the existing locks AND KEYS on his car.The answer is yes if : his key will go

into the new lock . It won't go in if it's the wrong keyway ( profile at the front

of the plug ) . Best regards from Unkle , owner, Armour Locksmiths in Victoria B.C.

Edited February 1, 2009 by Unkle

[Mike B]

I think what he's asking is : If he gets a replacement lock , can it be altered to match the existing locks AND KEYS on his car.

Wouldn't the answer to that be no then, since he has a series 1 car? It has a much different ignition key from the key that is used on the other locks on the car. Are you saying the series 1 ignition can be rekeyed to work on the series 1 key that operates the door and hatch locks?

Maybe John can chime in and clarify exactly what he is asking.

-Mike