Aaghh! Lost my only ignition key...

[notax]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get a replacment? I don't really want to have to relace the ignition barrel - could I get a replacement from a Vauxhall dealer if I can find a number somewhere? Thanks. Please pm me if you prefer.

Chris

PS Just bought a new alarm fob so at least that's not the problem it could have been...

[Cider Andy]

I tried to have a replacement key cut by a Vauxhall dealer from the key code, rather than copying the existing key. But they told me they had to have it done remotely by a third party - a security issue, they said - and that it would be very expensive. In the end I had one of the original keys copied by a High Street key cutter. Maybe other dealers would give a different answer?

[PurpleV8]

I had a similar problem last year and found that a new barrel and key set was by far the easiest answer. You only have the ignition lock to replace and then have 2 keys that are matched perfectly to the new lock.
A Vauxhall dealer will do you a standard set or if you can get a Tuscan set from a TVR dealer they are much better as the key also accommodates the Meta alarm electronics which you simply transfer from your current fobs.
Fitting the lock barrel is very easy, I did mine in about 30 mins with no instructions or special tools but, details of how should not be posted on a forum, PM me if I can help.

Purple V8.

[griffter]

PurpleV8 said:

Fitting the lock barrel is very easy,

But you need the key to the barrel you're removing to do it don't you?

[miketvr]

Yes - unfortunately you need a key in order to turn the lock to a point where you can access the little detent pin in order to remove the barrel. Not sure how you solve this one.

Mike

[neejah]

miketvr said:

Yes - unfortunately you need a key in order to turn the lock to a point where you can access the little detent pin in order to remove the barrel. Not sure how you solve this one.

Mike

Scarpyard? See if they've got any Cavalier/Astra locksets available - probably get an ignition lock cheaper than getting a key cut"

[purplev8]

I think you're correct, I did have a badly cut key that could be made to work and must have used that to get the barrel out.
Looking at the old one that's still in my garage, you need to turn the key to the 1st position before the barrel can be removed.
Firstly you could try as many keys of that Vauxhall type as you can get hold of in the hope that one will allow you to get the old barrel out (often a key that is close to the right one will work with a bit turning while moving it in the barrel).
If all else fails, drilling out the old barrel could be the only answer, looking at my old barrel you would need a 12-15 mm drill to a depth of 50mm and the old barrel should come out without damage to the column.
Your local Vauxhall dealer is properly the best source of help.

Good luck
Purple V8

[konrod]

Sounds like I was lucky then. I only had one key, so went to my local (friendly???) Vauxhall dealer with the handbook and the V5, explaining that it was for a Chimaera and so the chassis number wouldn't help them. I also made eyes at the rather attractive assistant, but fortunately she didn't see it.............

They called a specialist Vauxhall use for keys and as the dealer could see the V5 and the hanbdbook with the key number written in it, they provided two new keys, cost about a tenner each I think, took two days. Was important for me though as my car has the key locks, not just buttons, and the key I had was too worn to be used as the basis for a copy.

I would try the dealer again as it is the easiest solution....

[notax]

Thanks for all your help. I haven't had a chance to speak to a Vauxhall dealer today, but will tomorrow and will let you know how I get on...