Lost Ignition Key 1986 E350 URGENT
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Lost Ignition Key 1986 E350 URGENT
So I managed to drop my keys somewhere while I was out window shopping today (and then had to go back into EVERY store that I was in looking for them). To top it off, I'm out of the country GEICO doesn't DO roadside assistance in Canada. So...
My friend Herman said that on some vehicles the key type is usually printed somewhere near the ignition, but I found nothing on mine.
How can I find out what kind of key blank my bus takes so that I can get a key blank from the dealership and not have to pay locksmith fees?
One locksmith said he might be able to help for "under $100" but Herman says dealerships should have key blanks for about $5-10.
My friend Herman said that on some vehicles the key type is usually printed somewhere near the ignition, but I found nothing on mine.
How can I find out what kind of key blank my bus takes so that I can get a key blank from the dealership and not have to pay locksmith fees?
One locksmith said he might be able to help for "under $100" but Herman says dealerships should have key blanks for about $5-10.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
A key blank is not even $0.50 and you can buy the whole cyl with keys at Autozone and Advance Auto for $10.
What you need is the key codes, on your door jamb sticker look for codes that begin with FA and FB, to the effect of FA9063 (ign) or FB9562 (door). Then just take the code to any locksmith and have spares cut.
You are unlikely to find a dealership that has the equipment or (mild) skill to cut the older keys going by a door code.
It is fairly easy to drill out the pin that holds the ign lock cyl in and just pop in a new one.
A good locksmith should be able to sit in the front seat and make a new key by trail and error in less then two minutes just by inserting a blank and looking at the marks the tumblers leave.
Many times if you insert a few different cut Ford keys and wiggle the ignition you can turn the lock so you can easily remove the cyl on older vehicles since the lock is worn.
What you need is the key codes, on your door jamb sticker look for codes that begin with FA and FB, to the effect of FA9063 (ign) or FB9562 (door). Then just take the code to any locksmith and have spares cut.
You are unlikely to find a dealership that has the equipment or (mild) skill to cut the older keys going by a door code.
It is fairly easy to drill out the pin that holds the ign lock cyl in and just pop in a new one.
A good locksmith should be able to sit in the front seat and make a new key by trail and error in less then two minutes just by inserting a blank and looking at the marks the tumblers leave.
Many times if you insert a few different cut Ford keys and wiggle the ignition you can turn the lock so you can easily remove the cyl on older vehicles since the lock is worn.
Last edited by rebocardo; Oct 15, 2006 at 03:08 PM.
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Ok so the door jam sticker says Incomplete Build (it's a school bus on a E350 chassis). The only thing that starts with F that I see is at the bottom of the sticker and it says FG1366 SB.
I tried the Ford Crown Vic key that I had in my backpack (I'm a cabbie) but it was too big.
I am a super duper beginner on this stuff. Do you think my friend who was gonna help me put in a new alternator could help me install a new cyl or should I find a mobile mechanic? Can I find out what key it takes from the VIN number?
Or should pay the locksmith $100?
Any thoughts?
I tried the Ford Crown Vic key that I had in my backpack (I'm a cabbie) but it was too big.
I am a super duper beginner on this stuff. Do you think my friend who was gonna help me put in a new alternator could help me install a new cyl or should I find a mobile mechanic? Can I find out what key it takes from the VIN number?
Or should pay the locksmith $100?
Any thoughts?
Last edited by beachcoffee; Oct 16, 2006 at 12:48 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
That might be the key number. FG1366
> Do you think my friend who was gonna help me put in a new alternator could help
> me install a new cyl
Installing is easy, taking out the old one, without a key, takes time and a bit of minor skill. I think it is doable as long as you have a drill handy. If you were willing to destroy the column you could be gone in 30 seconds, though I imagine getting stopped at customs with a yanked ignition might not be the best thing.
You are out of the country and need help, $100 Canadian is about $75 US? If that includes a lock, I say go for it.
I always keep a spare set of door/ign keys on my house key ring in case I lose my truck keys.
> Do you think my friend who was gonna help me put in a new alternator could help
> me install a new cyl
Installing is easy, taking out the old one, without a key, takes time and a bit of minor skill. I think it is doable as long as you have a drill handy. If you were willing to destroy the column you could be gone in 30 seconds, though I imagine getting stopped at customs with a yanked ignition might not be the best thing.
You are out of the country and need help, $100 Canadian is about $75 US? If that includes a lock, I say go for it.
I always keep a spare set of door/ign keys on my house key ring in case I lose my truck keys.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I had new keys made for my 87 town car last year. Dealer did it from the VIN number and it took only about ten minutes and ten bucks, if I recall correctly.
Since yours was a school bus, I'm not sure if it's that easy. Lucky for you, and decent locksmith should be able to break in for you if needed, and a new ignition cylender is pretty simple to install.
Since yours was a school bus, I'm not sure if it's that easy. Lucky for you, and decent locksmith should be able to break in for you if needed, and a new ignition cylender is pretty simple to install.
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Thanks for all the advice
Yeah, calling the local dealership didn't work, since they only keep info on VINs they've sold, or so they say. $100 CAN is basically $104 US now, with canadian tax at 14% and the exchange rate only at 11% (20 US=22CAN). Roadside assistance even with AAA only reimburses.
Luckily, my roommates finally found my spare set (after telling me they'd given up they ventured back into the death trap that is my room) and are fedex-ing them to me. Hooray.
And I'll be INSTALLING one of those under the bumper things real soon, lol. As well as making like 10 copies to keep around the house, in spare luggage, etc.
Those fake climbing clips to hook keys to your bag or belt loop? NEVER AGAIN!
And I am SOOOOOO investing in a locksmithing course when I get home. Talk about a racket! ("Well $55 dollars barely covers the gas to drive to your location" I'm right in town. Are you running your rig on liquid gold?)
Luckily, my roommates finally found my spare set (after telling me they'd given up they ventured back into the death trap that is my room) and are fedex-ing them to me. Hooray.
And I'll be INSTALLING one of those under the bumper things real soon, lol. As well as making like 10 copies to keep around the house, in spare luggage, etc.
Those fake climbing clips to hook keys to your bag or belt loop? NEVER AGAIN!
And I am SOOOOOO investing in a locksmithing course when I get home. Talk about a racket! ("Well $55 dollars barely covers the gas to drive to your location" I'm right in town. Are you running your rig on liquid gold?)
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