As our cars are getting older, so are the keys. You do not want to lose your only key or have a key break in a lock. Therefore, in the spirit of preventative maintenance, you want to get a solid spare key or even a new set of keys. The instructions below show how to do that in a proper way that has a good probability of getting your key business in order.

Please note, for the purposes of this tutorial, a locksmith is a specialist whose sole business is related to keys, locks, and safes. Do not attempt to cut keys at hardware stores. More on that later.

1. Take your ID and LR registration to a LR dealership and ask for a key code. The code is based on the car’s VIN and a competent locksmith may use the code to cut the exact copy of original key.

2. Bring the key code, the original key, and the car to a locksmith and ask the locksmith to cut the key based on the code using VR4 blank. The locksmith will lookup the instructions for cutting the key in special software. The locksmith will compare the instructions to the key you have.

3. If the instructions are highly likely to produce key that you have now, then you are in luck. You have the original factory key and you’ll get an exact replica of what it looked like when it was brand new. If the locksmith suspects that the key cut according to the code will look different than the key you have, it means that either the dealership gave you a wrong key code or the original factory lock is no longer in the car. Ask the locksmith to cut the key based on the existing copy.

4. If the new key does not want to cooperate, gently turn the key clockwise and counterclockwise so that the key gets lock marks. Bring the key back to the locksmith and ask the locksmith to review the marks. A skillful locksmith will be able to see where the new key needs to make adjustments made. Also, it is possible to make a copy of the key but give the key’s profile an extra height, say X/1000th of an inch. Again, take the key and gently attempt to rotate it in both directions. Do not force the key—all you need is the markings for the locksmith to see. The step of key adjustments separates most hardware stores where key cutting is a small side business from genuine locksmiths.

A few interesting notes.

Steel vs brass. LR keys are made of steel and some shops will refuse to cut new keys out of genuine LR blanks. That is an honest refusal—cutting steel requires special equipment. If you insist on having a genuine blank, call ask the shop if they can cut steel before going there. If you do not care, get yourself a brass blank.

Remote controls. If your remote control works well but the shell is worn and you want a new key, get a blank shell+key combo; they are available at many retailers. Cut the blank and then put the electronics from your key into new shell. If you want a brand new set of keys, have two options. The most expensive option is to buy the key and the programming services from a dealer. The less expensive option is to buy a key that comes with a bar code/6 digit code inside. The codes can be used to pair the key with your car. In either of the cases, you will have to get the key cut by a locksmith.

Inspect your keys often. See a crack? Time to get a new key.

 

With a dealership you will need a vehicle identification number to prove your ownership of the car before a car key replacement or set of new keys in locksmith cincinnati oh service is provided- this itself could be a time waster especially when you are on an emergency.

 

When I bought my D2 last fall the keys were one of the first things I did. I had one blade that worked and one remote on separate keys. So I bought two new blanks with buttons from AB. Pretty easy to swap out the blade and circuit board to a new one. Then I went to my local locksmith who operates out of his house. He cut the blank with his old school grinder. I wasn’t sure he’d get it to work but it was perfect no issues. Except I did have to solder a button back onto the board but no biggie. Get this done before it gets so bad you can’t.

 

Great write up!

Anyone have a reliable source for 315mhz key fob? My experience with some of the sellers on eBay is that they are actually selling 433mhz instead of 315mhz.

 

You're looking for the part number:

CWE100710KITG

Can get it from the vendor like https://www.roverparts.com/electrica...CWE100710KITG/. This will cost you...

 

Thanks for the link. Should have noted I was looking for the sub $100 option. 😜

 

Ordered from these guys. Good price. Waiting for the rental nanocom so I can reprogram. https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAND-ROVER-...72.m2749.l2649