Ignition key numbers

[rmd24]

Ever since I have had my car I have had only one set of keys. After 18 months I can't go on tempting fate like this. How do I find out the key number? Am I right in thinking that it is marked on the barrel of the lock?

Thanks,

Roger.

[john.p.clegg]

Roger

Not much help but if you lived near Hyde (Greater Manchester) and not in France you could just take your key/s (FS) down to the market and have a few spare cut for a couple of quid each...

John

[rmd24]

Thanks John, we have no immediate plans to relocate to the U.K. but even if we did a problem is that the key is so badly worn that cutting a new one would likely be unsuccessful, in fact I might just try a small screwdriver blade!

Roger.

[alan.barker]

Hi Roger,
i live in France also. No problem for the key, just order on the net. You take a photo of the key on a piece of white paper, so you can see the cutouts. Look at web site <www.triple-c.com> in USA but no problems ordering. I ordered 3 Ignition keys for my 1973 130s. When you look on the web site you can see if you want cross section WS,FP FT etc
Well pleased
Alan B

[rmd24]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for that. The problem is that the key is so worn that the profile looks almost flat. I looked at the site you mentioned and I see that they offer a replacement tumbler with two keys. Perhaps this is the best bet but I would want to be sure that their replacement fits the original barrel.

Roger.

[ardee_selby]

I would want to be sure that their replacement fits the original barrel.

Roger.

Roger,

Replacement switches aren't OTT and with new contacts may prove better long term.
(Potential problems with worn switch contacts have had some coverage in here e.g. elan-f15/ignition-switch-t23789.html)

Out of interest, my S3 has one key for door lock & ignition switch and another for glovebox & boot. Is that the same on your S4?

Cheers - Richard

[rmd24]

Richard,
Yes, the keys are the same on my S4, one for ignition and doors and one for the boot.

I guess a complete new switch is the safest answer.

Regards,

Roger.

[Galwaylotus]

Mine has one for doors and ignition, one for glovebox and one for the boot lock. Three in all and they look original. First thing I did when I brought the car home was to get a spare set cut - as I do with all my cars that have only one set - older cars, that is, as I don't fancy paying ?100 for a spare key for my old VW Polo!!

[Tonyw]

Hi all,

Any decent locksmith will be able to key all of your locks to the same combination and supply you with as many keys as you want or need, just find a lock smith they are around.

Tonyw

[mikealdren]

Roger,
I'd recommend replacing the tumblers and keys. They're not very secure even when new and my car was broken into several times when I had the original locks. In those days, every kid around had a few worn keys as the locks were standard on a wide variety of cars, they're much less common now of course.

While you have the barrels out, check the housings as they wear a lot too.
Mike