Door key question...

[Jamo]

Hi All,
I just bought a 2004 Tahoe & working out a few problems. My key fobs are now both working with new batteries, but neither of the two keys provided will work the door lock. They both work the ignition OK. They are not unusually worn. The PO said they never used the key, always the fob for unlocking.

I've heard I can have a new door barrel keyed to my ignition, but is that a dealer only thing? I'm not opposed to just installing a diff barrel with a diff key, and just hiding the thing somewhere on the Tahoe in case the fob fails. Back up with no need to carry, until there's a bad fob.

Any alternatives or ideas??

Thanks...

Jamo

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Either the key and tumbler have been replaced before or all the door tumblers were. That would be the only reason the ignition key would not unlock the doors. Can get a locksmith to match a key to the door tumblers and make extra keys but will always have different keys for the ignition and doors or have locksmith re key the door tumblers to match the ignition.

 

[Jamo]

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure a locksmith would be cheaper than messing with a dealer, especially our local dealer. My only other thought was, since the PO's never used the key to unlock, that maybe the barrel was seized in the bore. Dis-similar metals maybe?? Both fobs have been working fine for now, I'm just not a 100% trusting person when it comes to pencil neck geeks designing stuff that looks great on paper (and/or bottom line) but sucks in real world app's.

 

[MO Viet Vet]

The previous owner can say anything they want but if it was ever broken in to and the ignition key tumbler was replaced because of breakage they could say anything to keep someone from knowing it was broken in to.

I have always said this all along:

"Car Fax or Vehix only list what has been "REPORTED" and nothing else." Not saying you got your info from those 2 sources, I am just saying that anyone can "SAY" anything but that does not make it gospel.

 

[Jamo]

Good point...