Lost my one and only Key and Remote!!! - Land Rovers Only

jcw000 · 10-29-2009, 08:58 PM

Last night, I locked my '95 RRC and managed to lose my one and only key and my remote between my garage and my building. It's a high-traffic area, I've looked everywhere, and it is unlikely to ever be found.

Unfortunately, I can't get a replacement key based on my VIN because I do not have the original ignition lock. When I bought her in 2002, the key kept jamming in the ignition so I replaced it and they installed one that didn't match the original. Just recently, in August, I finally had a locksmith match the lock cylinders in all the doors to the ignition key, so now I can't get in and can't start it even if I do manage to get in.

WTF am I supposed to do??? Help!!!

sideview · 10-29-2009, 10:05 PM

You could bypass the lock cylinder and put in a couple switches. It should be real close to this tech writeup for a 97 Disco.

kevin-ct · 10-30-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcw000

Last night, I locked my '95 RRC and managed to lose my one and only key and my remote between my garage and my building. It's a high-traffic area, I've looked everywhere, and it is unlikely to ever be found.

Unfortunately, I can't get a replacement key based on my VIN because I do not have the original ignition lock. When I bought her in 2002, the key kept jamming in the ignition so I replaced it and they installed one that didn't match the original. Just recently, in August, I finally had a locksmith match the lock cylinders in all the doors to the ignition key, so now I can't get in and can't start it even if I do manage to get in.

WTF am I supposed to do??? Help!!!

Maybe a locksmith?

If it were my RRC. I would break in to it (by a coat hanger or breaking a window, is your rear hatch locked?) and remove the steering column trim and remove the two-shear bolt that holds the lock into the column and remove the elect part off the back of the switch and then use a flat head screwdriver to start the engine and drive it home.

Call around the Rover breakers and buy a set of locks and key’s

Paul Grant just took apart a 95 RRC he may have the locks.

paulgrant@mac.com

I hope that helps!

Kevin

FlagRover · 10-30-2009, 08:22 AM

I made a slim jim out of some banding off of lumber at my local lumber yard. Its black thin metal. Took me 10 seconds to pop the lock. Dont bust a window

PM me if you need and I can tell you how to break in with slim jim.

I bet you make an extra key after this is over huh? We have all done it, just not fun when its you.

JP

Paul Grant · 10-30-2009, 09:39 AM

Yes, Kevin, I do have an ignition switch for a '95 RRC. In fact it already has two keys! I do not have the remote for the alarm though.

JCW000 if you don't find the key and decide you want to replace the ignition switch assembly drop me a line.
Cheers,
Paul

p76rangie · 10-30-2009, 02:43 PM

Getting another key is the least of your problems. It is the remote that will cost you. As you have lost all the remotes you will now have to replace the whole security system as you will not be able to get any new remotes to work.

Jonesy · 10-30-2009, 04:15 PM

Ian - he should be able to replace the remote with one from eBay and just reprogram using the right steps...I dont think you need the original remote for this procedure...

DiscoDream2 · 10-30-2009, 04:49 PM

It can be done but the B**ch is paying the $100+ for a key/fob then the programming at the dealership.

I thought there was a code the dealership/vehical had that could be used to reproduce the key? or is that too old school non-rover?

jcw000 · 10-30-2009, 05:32 PM

Thanks for all of the ideas; I'm going to try to put them to work this weekend. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Paul, I will PM you if I do need the ignition lock.

FlagRover, I will PM you if I need to know how to use a slim-jim (or make one). Hopefully my roadside assistance will at least work for getting the doors open.

As far as the remote goes, I've used a CrimeStopper CoolStart remote starter (which also controls the door locks and alarm) for years and it has worked out well for me. I should be able to get a new remote and get it programmed without mutch problem once I have the doors open.

FlagRover · 10-30-2009, 06:42 PM

Let me know man. Good luck to you! Bummer, but you will learn lots from this! Just hard to see that now....

p76rangie · 10-31-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonesy

Ian - he should be able to replace the remote with one from eBay and just reprogram using the right steps...I dont think you need the original remote for this procedure...

To program a new remote you need an existing one for your system. If you do not have a working remote you have to replace the whole security system (very expensive). That is why you should always ensure that you keep two remotes in case one is lost.

kevin-ct · 10-31-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p76rangie

To program a new remote you need an existing one for your system. If you do not have a working remote you have to replace the whole security system (very expensive). That is why you should always ensure that you keep two remotes in case one is lost.

He has an aftermarket remote. Should be easy to replace.

p76rangie · 10-31-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin-ct

He has an aftermarket remote. Should be easy to replace.

All the remotes are the same until to program the unit in the vehicle to accept its code. To do this you require an existing remote to satisfy the system that you are the owner. Then you go through a process to tell the system to accept the new remote as well. How will he replace it without the existing remote to get codes, etc, from. If any generic remote can open our vehicles, then we are all in trouble.

The only way that he may get out of it is if the factory security system has previously been replaced by an aftermarket one. For example, my Disco has an aftermarket unit in it as the previous owner managed to lose both remotes.

kevin-ct · 10-31-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p76rangie

All the remotes are the same until to program the unit in the vehicle to accept its code. To do this you require an existing remote to satisfy the system that you are the owner. Then you go through a process to tell the system to accept the new remote as well. How will he replace it without the existing remote to get codes, etc, from. If any generic remote can open our vehicles, then we are all in trouble.

The only way that he may get out of it is if the factory security system has previously been replaced by an aftermarket one. For example, my Disco has an aftermarket unit in it as the previous owner managed to lose both remotes.

Hmm, yes, all remotes are the same until programmed. When I was into installation of auto gear. When a customer would lose a remote we had to open the aftermarket unit and note the code number for that unit and call the manufacture that made the unit and tell them the code and they would send the remote already programmed.

For the factor Land Rover unit, that is a different store.

Cheers,

p76rangie · 10-31-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin-ct

Hmm, yes, all remotes are the same until programmed. When I was into installation of auto gear. When a customer would lose a remote we had to open the aftermarket unit and note the code number for that unit and call the manufacture that made the unit and tell them the code and they would send the remote already programmed.

For the factor Land Rover unit, that is a different store.

Cheers,

This is a direct quote from the "The Formal Introduction" section of my Range Rover Classic's owners manual:

"If for any reason both handsets are lost or damaged when the alarm system is armed, a new electronic control unit will have to be fitted and two matching handsets obtained"