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Key from dealer doesn't work - 2000 Grand Prix

W

workcar

New member
I lost all the keys for my 2000 Grand Prix. I have had my dealer's parts department cut a new master from my VIN but it would not work. The dealer then ordered a blank direct from GM to ensure he had the correct blank, then cut another key for me. After having no luck with both keys, I noticed that if you pull both keys out very slightly, you can find a sweet-spot where the key does turn the door, trunk and glove box, but it seems the ignition is a bit more picky.

Do I still have the wrong blank? Could the key have been cut wrong twice? The dealer insists the key should work and has offered to give me a refund on the key, but I just want to be able to use my car.

The blank the dealer gave is stamped with "PK3" and "M". I remeber the original key being very similar (slim transponder key), but I don't know for sure what was stamped on the original. While the car is used, the master I had did operate all the locks and the ignition. I find it unlikely that someone went through the time to replace all locks and ignition, but I guess that's always a posibility, but since I can get the locks to turn when I pull the key out slightly, it makes me think the code GM gave them was correct and they're using the wrong blank or maybe the keys aren't being placed in the cutter correctly.

I'm no locksmith. Any suggestions?

- Thanks
 


Also wanted to mention that when I say the keys do not work the ignition, I mean they will not turn it at all. So I haven't made it to the point where I need to do the 30 min. master key program.
 
I also have a 2000 with the same PK3-M on its key. I know it does have some kind of chip in it because they told me it would be $70 for a copy at the local key place.

I'm going to go in tomorrow morning and have a couple regular copies made for door/trunk use. I'll try them in the ignition and let you know if they will turn in it at all.
 
have you tried turning the steering wheel a bit when you turn the key? sometimes the steering wheel will lock and won't let you turn the ignition. May as well give that a shot!

Good Luck,
Jesse
 
Tried turning the wheel while attempting the same trick that worked on the locks, but no luck. Since the master I lost did work the locks and the ignition, I suspect the ignition is more picky. (maybe an extra tumbler not used by the locks?)

The dealer by work that failed twice at attempts to cut the key was willing to offer a refund and let me keep the two keys. Who knows, maybe those will help out later with the next guy that tries to make some. I'm headed to the dealer by home this week, so hopefully I'll have better luck this time around.
 
No luck at the dealer by home either. Brought the glove box lock with me so I didn't have to take the key home and try it. Same behavior with the key (have to pull it out slightly to get it to turn the lock.) He was stumped. No charge for the failed keys and he went ahead and gave me the key code from GM. His only suggestion was a locksmith. He mentioned that typically the locksmith's equipment is more adjustable and they may have better luck getting a key to work.
 


Thanks J GTP. Yes, I believe that will procedure help once I actually get a key that will turn the ignition switch. Luckily I have another car to drive until I get this fixed, but it's dragging on longer than it should, and driving the Tahoe is eating into my gas budget. Going to give some locksmiths a call tomorrow and see if they have any ideas.
 
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