Need Help With Broken Key??

[Shaun80]

Hi

I've got a 96 VS (V6) and while it go's fine, the key is pretty much
stuffed, so much to the point i can barely start the car sometimes.
Basically the buttons are missing and the internal buttons dont even
work anyway, the black plastic part is duct-taped up to stop it
falling apart and the metal "key" part is loose but is still holding
(barely! lol!).

When trying to start it i always get the engine light and fuel pump
etc etc up when key is switched to the "On" position but when
switching key to "Start" i get nothing (not even a click). If i
repeatedly attempt this sometimes it will start, by that i mean the
starter motor will just spring to life and start the engine straight
up .....but usually only after 20 attempts minimum.

Once started it go's sweet as though!

I've found a trick that works is i switch it straight from "Off" to
"Start" really fast (but not too fast that i break it of course)
and it will usually work 1st or 2nd go?

I had the same problem with my old VR and got it fixed by a mechanic
and it cost me $160. They did fix it though and i got a new key and
also noticed they replaced the "metal collar" that clips around the
end of the ignition barrel that the key makes contact with for some
reason?

Anyway i was wondering what would be the easiest (and cheapest!) way
to fix this and if possible would my near brand new key for my old VR
and the "Metal Collar" which i have removed from it (i still have the
VR for spares!) be able to be used in order to make it cheaper as the
VR key (and the metal collar off it) is practically brand new?

Thanks!

[Burnout124]

the collar may be used but you have to get a new key as they can ONLY be coded to a car once!

[ShawtyNate]

Try pushing the unlock button wile turning the key..

[James39]

Maybe a new battery is needed or get a new keyhead programed.

Try pushing the unlock button wile turning the key..

Was said that the buttons do not work.

[Shaun80]

The whole central locking\power locks thing is out of action coz none of the buttons work (i stuck a key in there
to press them and nothing.....) so i have to use the key to lock\unlock the doors.

So the VR Key is of no use huh.. What if i get one of those keys off ebay and get it "programmed"
for the VS? and if so where do you get the key programmed?

If i install the good "metal collar" i have then that wouldn't hurt things would it coz the one in there
looks pretty stuffed and the good one's metal part is a "complete" ring whereas the one in there has only
the 2 side metal bits on it that come stock i'm guessing?

Thanks again

[Cracka]

just go straight to a locksmith who does automotive key programming and buy the whole lot at once, they will give you a warranty on the keyheads they supply only and not on ebay bought units.

Normally costs around $100 to $150 for a key to be done but its worth it, I would get two, always need a spare.

[The_Captain]

shame you're not in Victoria. At a local market, you can get the key cut and programmed for $60. I needed a replacement done for my VS Ute. I suggest shopping around....

[EDGE3]

Go get a key from MR MINIT - I think thats what they still call themselves,you see them in shopping centres every where,they also repair shoes

[Cracka]

That is where I got my last pair from, great service. I wasn't sure if they operated nationally though :P

$100 each, pregrammed and they are extra helpfull.

[Shaun80]

I was going to have a chat with the local Mr Minit down at the shops today as i too am very wary
with buying anything off ebay.

Mr Minit sounds like the best option for me and it sure beats $160 the mechanics charged
me for doing next to nothing (new key and collar) so thank you!!

I'll install the "metal collar" (dunno its proper name?) as well as it is just 1 red\black wire
under the barrel, not to tricky at all!

Anyway thanks again!!!

[patmac64]

Mate my key wouldnt start my vs,so i took it to a 'mr minute' who said he could get the codes out of my old key and reprogramme a new key for me.he said that he'd only being unable to do it once.guess what,mine was the second.if you take your vin # and rego papers to your local reputable locksmiths they can ring holden and get your code,otherwise you have to tow your car to them or they can come to you which cost me $250.

[Brett_jjj]

Mate my key wouldnt start my vs,so i took it to a 'mr minute' who said he could get the codes out of my old key and reprogramme a new key for me.he said that he'd only being unable to do it once.guess what,mine was the second.if you take your vin # and rego papers to your local reputable locksmiths they can ring holden and get your code,otherwise you have to tow your car to them or they can come to you which cost me $250.

You can also go directly to holden with your rego papers and drivers licence and get a copy of your cars security codes.That way you can supply it yourself whenever you need a new key programmed.Im heaps lucky.Ive got a Tech 1 scantool the same one holden uses.I just buy a new blank key fob for $40 from ebay and program it myself with the Tech 1.Theres 2 menu options on the Tech 1, which are "add extra key" or "all new".You can add extra keys and you dont need any security codes to do this,but to add a complete new key ,you do need the vehicles security code.If a complete new key has been programmed with the "all new" menu option,any old spare keyfobs you have will no longer work.The BCM keeps a track of how many keys have been added to the car over time,which you can read on the Tech 1.Ive seen some cars on their 5th ignition key.Im not too sure how many extra keys you can have all up..Ive got 3 ignition keys that all still allow the car to start even though the remotes dont work any more because of dead batteries..

[Shaun80]

I went to Mr Minit and he fixed me up with a new key ($120) after it took him 30 mins+ to get the code off the old key
He said i was lucky he was able to but wrote it down for record for future which is good. Strangely the key didn't improve anything really, it still started the car but only after 10 attempts or so.
So i took out the old "metal collar" and installed the new one from my VR (only 1 wire!) and now she starts
1st time, everytime!
I did need the new key obviously but it was the "stock" collar that was faulty too it seems! with both replaced all is good!