Acura Key Origination

Most of the times, cutting a key for a vehicle should not be an issue for the average locksmith technician. For most of the older model vehicles that were manufactured prior to the mid 90's, a code would need to be retrieved from one of the cylinder locks of the vehicle in order to make a key. However, on most vehicles that were manufactured late 90's early 00's a code can be retrieved from a database in exchange of a small fee. The story for making a key does not end there. Figuring out the correct blank to be used for a vehicle is another integral part of the process. Normally, a locksmith technician will check the manual for the correct blank to be used for a particular vehicle, but what are the chances that the manual would have wrong information?

I remember getting a call few years ago from a customer who needed a key made for his 97 Acura CL. Back then, I had experience making keys mostly for GM's and Fords, but not Honda's/Acura's. I didn't think it would be much different, so I accepted the job and took the customer's information. Before heading my way, I quickly checked the manual to make sure I had the correct blank in stock so I could make the key for that vehicle.

Once I got to the customer's location, I had to figure out first what was the best way to get the code so I could originate the key. The manual called for either the door lock or ignition cylinder. For me it was always easier going through the door lock for the code and that is what I did. After working on the door panel a while, I finally got to the door lock and was able to read the code. Next step was making the key using my mobile cutting machine.

After finishing making the key, I went ahead to test it. At first, it seem to work perfectly fine being inserted to the ignition cylinder smoothly and starting the vehicle. However, when I came to switch the key to the lock position and remove it, the key refused to come out. At the beginning, I thought it could be an issue with one of the ignition cylinder components, but after questioning the customer if he ever experienced any issues with it (which he didn't), I was quick to dismiss the thought.

Since now I had 2 issues on hand, a need for a working key and the key that was stuck, I decided to call a Seattle locksmith co-worker of mine to see if he had any insights regarding that particular vehicle. According to my co-worker, the info that was on my manual regrading the blank for that vehicle was wrong. The reason the key I made caused the issue was because it was shorter than the correct blank that should have been used for that vehicle. He then gave me the correct blank number, so I could make a new key.

First thing I had to do, was remove the key I previously made which required some modification to the shoulder of the key which allowed me to further insert the key in order to remove it. I then made a new key using the correct blank which luckily I had in stock and it tested successfully.