Hi Guys

My Disco came with two keys and one keyfob. One key was attached to the fob and was given to me by the seller. The other one I found wedged between the console and the passenger seat a few days after purchase

They key attached to the fob works in the ignition, but nowhere else.

The orphaned key I found works in the doors and gas cover, but not the ignition.

What the heck is going on here?

Dunno if this info helps, but it does have a salvage title.

 

Someone replaced the ignition switch with a used one and didn't re-key it.

 

yep. I have done the same. I have two keys on the key ring. One for the ignition and one for the doors and gas cap.

 

Word, Ill be doing that too I suppose.

 

One thing to keep in mind, these keys will wear down as will the internal tumblers in the ignition switch. It is easy to break a key off in the ignition switch (fairly common problem on these). That may very well be why a used ignition switch was installed with the different key from your door and gas keys.

My orignal key was so worn, I bought 2 blanks from Rover's North and took it to my local hardware store (one of those real old fashioned hardware store with a real key machine not one of the fancy new ones that require a program to run) and had spares made. Glad I did that because shortly thereafter that one broke.

The blanks are different than what places like Home Depot and Lowes stock. Paul Grant has them on his EBay site for under 10 bucks. You can get them duplicated if you find someone that has a old style key cutting machine.

Otherwise, a broken key cost you a lot or you can do the short cut on the sticky about taking the tubler out and filing them down. Or use a screwdriver like some do or wire switches like others do.

 

Yah it's been a PITA for me to get new keys made, tried the box store with the new machine, they work the door locks but not the ignition. Took it to an old tyme place and the old fart said I don't do no work on foreign keys. A-hole. But for now I'm good, need to find someone good soon though.

 

Local Locksmith here made me 3 copies for $20. Even had the key blanks in stock!!!! And they still work in all locks.

 

Yeah, I read some horror stories about that in researching this vehicle. Wouldnt be surprised if the ignition was replaced with something newer as, knock on wood, the key turns very smoothly in there.

 

Mine would act up, now I have the plastic off completely, the little red light out, have sprayed it good with lub (that helped) dry graphite powder occasionally.

I am on a third generation replacement key that Wes had to polish a little on his machine and one side up works better than the other side up. It is also a matter of feel. If you jam it in and try to force it, it can break, I have develop the exact touch required to ease it in, wiggle it just right, get it in the groove o to speak and finesse it to work smoothly, kind of like good foreplay. Don't just slam it in and twist it off.

Work it nice and smoothly and it fires right up. Then give her hell. Drive it like you stole it>>>>

 

Them Alaskans are resourceful! I enjoyed the minifridge under the porch, just like a real den down there. Nice touch.