Lost key solution?

[waltmail]

Somehow, I lost my good set of keys for the '89 Reatta. Only back up I have is a worn out set , that works, but I don't believe can be used for duplicating. I have been telling myself to make another set for quite awhile now, but stupidity overwhelmed me. What might be the easiest solution?

[NCReatta]

A good lock smith should be able to re-cut a key with sharp, unworn ridges.

I'm not talking Lowes or Home Depot, they'll just make an exact copy of your current key. Check the phone book for a local automotive lock smith.

[Ronnie]

Somehow, I lost my good set of keys for the '89 Reatta. Only back up I have is a worn out set , that works, but I don't believe can be used for duplicating. I have been telling myself to make another set for quite awhile now, but stupidity overwhelmed me. What might be the easiest solution?

One option is to replace the ignition key lock cylinder. It comes with two new keys. They aren't expensive and are available in

The Reatta Store - Reatta Owners Journal. Drawback to that option is having to install the lock cylinder. It requires some dis-assembly of the steering column. I haven't done that. I'm sure someone here can instruct you on how it's done.

[waltmail]

One option is to replace the ignition key lock cylinder. It comes with two new keys. They aren't expensive and are available in

The Reatta Store - Reatta Owners Journal. Drawback to that option is having to install the lock cylinder. It requires some dis-assembly of the steering column. I haven't done that. I'm sure someone here can instruct you on how it's done.

Just bought a replacement cylinder. Had new keys cut from old key. Just as bad as original. Would you want me to attempt a write up when I replace mine?

[Ronnie]

Just bought a replacement cylinder. Had new keys cut from old key. Just as bad as original. Would you want me to attempt a write up when I replace mine?

Walt I have been struggling recently with worn key issues. My worn key would still easily operate the ignition lock but the key got where it was worn so bad the key would come out of the lock going down the road and hit the floor.

I got lucky. I found my spare key that was still in good condition and works the lock as it should without coming out. I will be able to have it duplicated so I will have more spares.

I'm concerned that you say you bought a replacement cylinder and it wouldn't work. Did you buy it from The Reatta Store? It should have came with new keys for the ignition lock cylinder. I don't want to be offering something in the Reatta Store that won 't work.

I'm always looking for a good write-up of fixing our Reattas. I would be grateful if you could do a write-up.

[Barney Eaton]

Any GM dealer parts department should be able to replace the keys. You need the vin number and proof of ownership. They look up the vin number and it provides them the information to cut the keys.

[waltmail]

Walt I have been struggling recently with worn key issues. My worn key would still easily operate the ignition lock but the key got where it was worn so bad the key would come out of the lock going down the road and hit the floor.

I got lucky. I found my spare key that was still in good condition and works the lock as it should without coming out. I will be able to have it duplicated so I will have more spares.

I'm concerned that you say you bought a replacement cylinder and it wouldn't work. Did you buy it from The Reatta Store? It should have came with new keys for the ignition lock cylinder. I don't want to be offering something in the Reatta Store that won 't work.

I'm always looking for a good write-up of fixing our Reattas. I would be grateful if you could do a write-up.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I just bought a new cylinder but am waiting for delivery. I found some info from a youtube tutorial stating that if the key can be removed while the cylinder is in "run" position, it is well worn and will eventually operate without a key.

[SeanR]

After the GM bankruptcy things have apparently changed so YMMV. I went to several Buick dealers in Seattle area who struggled to even find me a key blank for what they considered antique style without passkey. They told me to go to Walmart! I had asked about getting it from VIN and they looked at me like I was from Mars.

Edited November 5, 2012 by SeanR
grammar (see edit history)

[Rawja]

Even if the dealership doesn't stock the blanks, they can provide the you with the code that a proper locksmith can use to reproduce the key.

[zoltanb]

One advantage to replacing the whole cylinder is that my warning buzzer is working again. The old lock was loose in the column.

[waltmail]

Anyone know the procedure for removing the steering wheel on an '89 and is willing to share it?

[NCReatta]

Anyone know the procedure for removing the steering wheel on an '89 and is willing to share it?

Pull the horn button off, remove nut, rent steering wheel puller from advance auto.

[padgett]

BTW we went deep into this a few years ago with pictures of the different keys. The original Reatta key had a relatively deep dish that aftermarkets do not match. At that time if you bought the cylinders you received the right keys.

[waltmail]

Pull the horn button off, remove nut, rent steering wheel puller from advance auto.

I thought it would be complicated, but then I don't have an airbag.

[NCReatta]

I thought it would be complicated, but then I don't have an airbag.

Haha yeah, 88/89s are super easy.