Key cutting by VIN

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mahchu07
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So recently I bought a new OE key from the nismo shop inside the dealership at West Covina here, and when I asked about them cutting the key from my VIN number the guy that helped me out said "I'm not sure if we can cut it by the VIN, I think we only keep them in the computer for ten years or so." Does anyone(nsrZ32 I know you work at a dealership) know if this is completely true??? The guy wasn't being a d!ck or anything, and put my number into the computer but who knows.


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nsrZ32
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He is correct that he won't have it in his computer. But Nissan is only a phone call away and they should be able to get it for the dealership. We were able to get a code for a Z31 from Nissan so I'm sure he will be able to get you one for your Z32

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T45
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What about the code in the glovebox? Can't they use that code to cut a key at the dealer? On my OE key it has the same code stamped in it too.

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evildky
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check with a good locksmith, some cars they can cut by vin others they need the key code

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ArticDragon192
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A good locksmith would be able to decode your current key and cut your new key by numbers.

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mahchu07
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T45 wrote:What about the code in the glovebox? Can't they use that code to cut a key at the dealer? On my OE key it has the same code stamped in it too.
Where is this code in the glovebox you speak of???
ArticDragon192 wrote:A good locksmith would be able to decode your current key and cut your new key by numbers.
Would they be able to decode a slightly worn down key??? I have to shake my key around a bit to lock or unlock my doors. I'm thinking it could be the cylinders in the doors since I don't really have the problem with starting it.

Other than that, thank you guys for the help.

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T45
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It's on a sticker in the glove box. No stickie no codie.

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mahchu07
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T45 wrote:It's on a sticker in the glove box. No stickie no codie.
No codie.

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Akira-R
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T45 wrote:It's on a sticker in the glove box. No stickie no codie.
Does anyone know if the code can be found in any other places, aside from the glove box? I want to know, before I have a locksmith do a blind cut.

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JDMZ32
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i just replaced my walmart keys with nissan 300zx keys (black and red valet). i just got them cut at my dealership. some cool people work there (and there's a super silver R35 in the showroom and two Z34s outside). it wasn't cut perfectly at first, but they refinished it and now it's perfect. wish i had a local nismo shop!

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OUKNO
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Driving home from the bay area 1 day my key fell out of the ignition, so the following while in Sacramento i stopped at dealership and had a key made I grabbed the little sticker out of the glove box, 4 digit code and it was a perfect key (its just a little white sticker with 4 #'s wrote on it)made 4 of them so I have 2 spares with good cuts

carcrazyguy
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Akira-R wrote:
Does anyone know if the code can be found in any other places, aside from the glove box? I want to know, before I have a locksmith do a blind cut.
Well, most original keys often have it on the base. But (a. I cannot remember if the OE titanium / valet key had this and (b. you likely don't have that anyway, since you are getting one cut.

But most (real) locksmiths do keep "VIN books"...but it is hard to say how far back their volumes go. So look for a locksmith that has been around a long time if you want a key cut from VIN.

Also, since the OE blanks cost so much, I would make sure you get the key cut by a top notch locksmith...and make sure it actually is the locksmith and not the day helper at the counter (as the actual locksmith is almost always out on jobs).

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Honad
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The plain and simple is that before 1994, they didn't keep the key codes in the national database. Anything after 1994, they should be able to cut by VIN. Before that, you'll either have to know the key code or bring a key for them to copy.

I've cut by vin on my 94 Turbo. The other two, I've had to fish out the code and/or give them a key to copy.

skinZ32
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this maybe a little crazy but wen i bought my new key from nissan i just brought it to my local hard hare store to have it cut. my origanal key was very warn so the lady took it slow and made a passes. i also used a machine tool called a dial caliper to measure both keys and to get it write. new key works fine and she didnt charge me at the store either

carcrazyguy
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Honad wrote:The plain and simple is that before 1994, they didn't keep the key codes in the national database.
But locksmith VIN books go back decades before that. I had a key cut by VIN locally for a previous 84 AE86, for example. In other words, you are not limited to using the dealer for this.

240six
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OUKNO wrote:......my key fell out of the ignition, .....
Did it fall out while you were driving? Was it that worn?

How many keys do you have hanging off of your key ring? Weight of the key ring directly affects how fast your key wears out. The weight forces the ridges of the key to bear down on the tumbler and since the key material is softer than the tumbler, it will wear faster. All my cars only have the fob on them, if that.

Also, I regularly see Titanium key blanks. Are they really titanium material or is that just the color? It's not good to have titanium material as the key since it will wear out your tumbler instead of the key. If you do have the titanium, then I suggest you don't have any other weight with it.

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DINO THE WHEEL GUY
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The parts guy at metro nissan can actually look at you key and decifer the code by sight , I swear i watched him do it tuesday when he cut me a gtr key for my '90 240sx

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JDMZ32
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DINO THE WHEEL GUY wrote:The parts guy at metro nissan can actually look at you key and decifer the code by sight , I swear i watched him do it tuesday when he cut me a gtr key for my '90 240sx

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OUKNO
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3 keys 1 alloy nissan burger

how the hell are they gonna guess your key when its WORE


darthlu
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nsrZ32 wrote:He is correct that he won't have it in his computer. But Nissan is only a phone call away and they should be able to get it for the dealership. We were able to get a code for a Z31 from Nissan so I'm sure he will be able to get you one for your Z32
Hi everyone. I am a new Nissan owner. I bought my 1990 300zx Z32 this past thursday at the marshall's auction. The cars in this auction are sold without title or keys. Titles are given when you register your vehicle at the dmv but you are left to deal with on site s***ty locksmiths who charge up to $150 to cut you a key so you can open the doors and start the car.

I went to the dealer first to see if a key could be cut by VIN but the representative said the car was too old and like you said they only kept records up to 10 years ago.

What is the number to Nissan that you speak of to have my original key cut? Also, the stock alarm does not seem to go off, but the security light does remain on for a while after I turn off the car. does this have to do with the fact that I am using a non-OE key?

Thank you for your time and support. pics coming soon.

Rockafe11a
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nsrZ32 wrote:
Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:15 am
He is correct that he won't have it in his computer. But Nissan is only a phone call away and they should be able to get it for the dealership. We were able to get a code for a Z31 from Nissan so I'm sure he will be able to get you one for your Z32

Rockafe11a
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Does anyone have a number to contact Nissan about key cutting ny vin in case dealer cant find it


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