It is possible to rekey a car door and ignition, but you should be aware that the process is not always as simple as it seems.
You should also be aware that there are some dangers associated with rekeying your car's lock. If you're not careful, you could end up making it more difficult for yourself or someone else to get into your car in an emergency.
That being said, if you know what you're doing it can be done safely and effectively. This article will teach you how to rekey your car doors.
You must be eager to know how to rekey a car door by yourself to save money. While it is doable there is also a risk of damaging your car locks further and can cause more problems that rekeying will no longer fix it. But with that out of the way, let's start with the tools you need in rekeying a car lock.
First, you need a Slotted Screwdriver, a Nose Plier, a Spare Key that comes with the vehicle, a new key, and an automotive rekeying kit that matches your vehicle model.
After you have all the tools you need, the next step is studying the components of your car door locks. While all GM vehicles have similar lock components, it's best to know the ins and outs of the locks so you won't be overwhelmed once you start working. You can learn the components by checking them from the owner's manual or if you misplaced it, check their website. You'll need to know what each component does and how they work together.
The third step is removing the car door lock. But first, it's best to record yourself doing the process so as to not forget the process once you reassemble the components after rekeying. Use the spare key that comes with the car to open the driver's seat door and shut the windows. Remove the window crank by removing its cover underneath the handle.
You will see a head screw that holds the handle and pull it off from the handle. After pulling off the head screw, disassemble the cluster panel from your driver-side door by taking off the screw heads. If there are any plastic seals, remove them to access the cylinder locks. You can use your screwdriver or nose, pliers, to access the cylinder through the holes. You can now detach the lock cylinder by taking off the clip that holds it from the door.
After you've detached the lock cylinder, it's time to disassemble it. Now keep in mind that you need to work in a clean environment to not lose the many small pieces of the lock cylinder. It's best to use a white cover or cloth as a base and a container with wall separators for the small pieces.
The first step in disassembling your lock cylinder is prying out the C-clip at the back of the cylinder and removing the lock's arm by using your slotted screwdriver. Make sure that when you're removing the locks, put enough pressure as it can be hard to remove. Once removed, you will see a hook spring at the back of the lock, remove this as well with the slotted screwdriver.
After this, you'll be easily able to pull out the tumbler from the cylinder by using your car key. Remove the car from the lock cylinder to let the pins peek out of the tumbler. Now, using the nose pliers again, remove the pins as well as the springs inside the tumbler and store them on the container with wall separators.
After removing the pins and springs, it's time to rekey your locks to match the new key you've bought. Start with the pin farthest from the front of the cylinder, and slide it in one at a time. Put your spring into place before inserting each pin so that you don’t get confused about where to put them. The key pin should line up with the spring when inserted. If it doesn’t, try a different-sized pin for that slot. Keep trying until the tumblers fall flush with the pins when you insert the key. If not, a stuck pin will keep it from rotating and opening.
You don’t need a pinning kit to re-key your GM door lock cylinder, but you do need some tools and some patience. This method is best used if you have the original pins, but it will also work with any other type of pins.
Step 1: Get one pin and start the trial and error for its position. Insert the key. The pin is in a good slot if it flushes entirely inside. If not, file it down until it does.
Step 2: Do this until most of the pins align with the tumbler’s surface. To place pins in the slot, put them where their height is close to that of the surface.
Step 3: For any remaining pins that are still too high, file them down until they match up with their slots as well. Then you're ready to move on!
Now if you've lost your car keys and find it hard to rekey a car lock by yourself, try the impressioning process by a locksmith. Lock impressioning is a method of secretly crafting a working key for an existing lock without having to take the lock apart or use traditional picking techniques.
Making an impression of a key can be a time-consuming process, but it's necessary if you're trying to copy a key.
You will need the correct key blank for your lock cylinder. The first step is by inserting the key blank into the lock cylinder. Wiggle the key up and down to make marks on the key blank. Turn it anti-clockwise and wiggle it up and down again. Remove the key blank from the lock cylinder and identify the markings on the key blank. File the impressions or markings on the key blank using a filing tool and insert it again on the lock cylinder. This is a trial-and-error process until you can lock and unlock the lock cylinder which can take hours.
If you have ever tried to re-key a car door lock or ignition, you know that it is not an easy task. It is important to have the right tools and knowledge to get the job done right.
Rekeying a car door lock or ignition can be done by anyone who has access to the proper tools and instructions. However, it is best to leave this type of job up to a professional locksmith because they will have all of the necessary equipment and experience needed to complete this type of job correctly. A locksmith will also make sure that your vehicle's security system remains intact after the job is completed.
There are many reasons why it is best to hire a professional locksmith for this type of work rather than trying to do it yourself.
Locksmiths are not just for changing locks or rekeying door locks. They can also program keys, fobs, chips, and remote controls. They can reprogram new keys and even change locks on car doors.
A locksmith can help you with all kinds of automotive lock-related problems. From programming a car key to changing a car door lock, they are your go-to guys when it comes to automotive locksmith services.
Locksmiths have the tools and knowledge needed to do the job right the first time around. They are equipped with the right tools and equipment that allow them to work on any type of vehicle make or model without having to worry about damaging anything else while doing so.
The answer to this question is a definite yes. When you request a new car key from a locksmith, they will need to know the VIN or vehicle identification number of your car in order to verify and confirm that you are the owner.
We hope we’ve answered your questions such as “can you rekey a car by yourself” and "why do you need a locksmith for rekeying?" Master Locksmith is a local New Orleans locksmith that can help you get into your car, home, or office. From vehicle trunk and car lockout services to car door lock replacement and much more, our automotive locksmiths are here to help you with the automatic locking systems on your automobile or motorbike. Need to rekey your car locks or ignition? Contact us!
Master Locksmith provides top-notch locksmith services to home, business, and vehicle owners throughout the greater New Orleans area.
