I'll post this here since it's almost a general question and i need some quick answers.

Well, long story short my body shop LOST one of my key + keyfob.

I was wondering if I get a new key and reprogram the car/keys with a new code, if someone uses the old lost key to try and open my door, will the alarm sound?

Trying to think of cost effective way to ensure that my car is still "safe" without having to replace all the locks in my car.

Any input would be appreciated everyone!

 

Nope. It would be best to just have the deler reprogram all of your keys. I lost my key and the delaer gave me a new one and reprogrammed my others.

 

So if I get new keys reprogrammed, will the old key be able to unlock my car and disable the alarm? since it's not changing my locks?

 

Correct but they will not be able to start the car.

 

hmm, i dunno how safe I feel about that....

thanks for the info though!

 

shouldn't the body shop be on the hook for *loosing* them?

JMO, but I'd definitely get the locks replaced.
It could be an employee setting up a theft.

 

yea, just trying to save that bodyshop some money. The cost of replacing the locks is going to be more than the work I had them do!

I was quoted $600 for the parts and about $150 for the labour

 

^Wow, that's a scary thought...

Ya, but Eric, if he's got a 2004, we're not talking about intelli-keys. If a stranger *finds* the keys, he'd have the actual key - so the fob might not work, but he'd be able to start the car, no?
Al

 

no, the old key will not be able to start the car regardless, since our keys are chipped.

I'm just concerned that someone can find that key and open my door, then pop the hood and do what they want without the alarm ever going off. And look like they own the car while they're at it.

 

+1......

The reprogram of the keys, replacement of lost key, and new locks should be covered by the shop that lost your key.
They probably have liability insurance to cover that cost.....Go after them.

You are correct in assuming that the lost key could still access the doors and trunk since they are mechanical, but not the ignition after reprogramming new keys ........ still not good.

G/L , Get an estimate of costs from the dealer and let us know how you do with the body shop...

Colin.

 

just as an update, he's agreed to pay to get the locks changed. great customer service! and I'd still recommend him to anyone who needs a body shop. While he did lose my key, he's taking responsibility for it, plus it's not a usual occurrence for him.

Thanks for all the quick responses guys!

 

Glad to hear that man.....They sound like standup people......

C.

 

^+1 excellent news

 

^Yep, seems we hear more of fights over this stuff than getting it right in the first place.