GM Key Impressioning

Originating an automotive key can be a simple task most of the time. There are many methods available for getting the right cuts to make a key such as getting the code stamped on one of the locks or ignition switch, or just by getting the code from an automotive locksmith database which cost money. Impressioning an automotive key is one of the older methods of originating a key and can be difficult at times for the average locksmith technician. However there will be times where it will be necessary using this method.

I got a call the other day to make a new key for the ignition of a 1988 Camaro. The customer said the vehicle was mostly riven during the summer time, but he hasn't driven it in a couple of years and misplaced the keys to it. Since I knew it wasn't a GM vehicle that incorporated a VATS system ignition, I knew it won't be hard making a new key for it. I took the customer info and started heading his way.

Once I got to the customer's home, I went over my automotive guide for the best way in getting the codes to make a key for this vehicle. It seemed that I had to take apart the ignition switch since the key to the ignition switch was different than the key to the door and trunk lock. When I went to my van to get the steering wheel puller (as it is needed in order to get the ignition switch out on these vehicles), I could not find it. At that point I figured my best choice would be to impression the cuts and make a key.

I then grabbed a GM key blank from my van and as I started to insert him in order to get the marks for the cuts, I noticed it did not want to get in all the way. After couple of minutes of trying, I decided to call a co-worker of mine who had more experience impressioning an automotive key than I. After getting him on the phone, he said that the 5th and 6th position wafers are much deeper which prevented me fully inserting the blank. He then suggested to gently file a little from the tip of the key which inturn will allow me to fully insert the blank and get the marks I needed to make the key. Surprisingly it worked, and I was able to originate a new key for the customer in no time.

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GM Key Origination

As a locksmith technician with many years of experience behind me, I find that on most older make and model vehicles, originating a key can be a hassle at times. Depending on the type of key that need to be made, ignition keys usually require the removal of the ignition which means taking apart the steering column in order to get a code stamped on the cylinder. On some models, getting that unique code in order to make an ignition key is sometimes possible by getting it from the door lock. However, this is only apply to several older models. There will be times that in order to find an easy solution to generate a working key, a locksmith technician would need to improvise or think outside the box.

I remember a while back getting called for a job to make a new key for a 95 Camaro. According to the customer, the vehicle was a summer drive for him and after the long winter when he finally came to take the car for a drive, he couldn't find the key.  I knew that it would not be easy generating a key from scratch for this type of vehicle since not only the door lock and ignition were using to different keys, the vehicle was equipped with a VATS system which meant the ignition key had a chip in it. I decided to accept the job and drove to the customer's home.

Once I got to the customer's place, I ran a quick check for the correct VATS using the vehicle's VIN number to make sure I have a matching key in my inventory and luckily I did. Next,  I grabbed my tools and started working on the steering column in order to remove the ignition cylinder. The first thing I needed to do was disabling and remove the sir bag from the steering wheel. After doing so, I reached for my steering wheel removal kit and noticed that I didn't have the correct matching bolts in order to remove the steering wheel using the puller. At that moment I knew I was stuck since there wasn't any other way I could get the ignition cylinder out without removing the steering wheel.

I decided to give a call to a Seattle locksmith friend of mine hoping he would be in the area and would be able to come and loan me his steering wheel removal kit. When I got him on the phone, he said he was on the other side of Seattle, but he also mentioned something else. He said that some GM 94-95 models may have the depths numbers stamped on the wafers. According to him, all I needed is a good otoscope that will help me read the numbers while looking through the ignition cylinder key-way. After taking his advice, I grabbed my otoscope from the van and I was happy to find that this particular model did have the depths stamped on the waffers which allowed me to generate a new key without removing the steering wheel.