Should I Get New Keys?

[dankicksass]

My Jeep came with one key. It's a Chrysler plastic head that looks pretty old so I assume it's original. On the way home with it, I had a copy made just in case. The original was really worn down though. If I go to a Jeep dealer, can they make a key from a 1991 VIN or is that too old? If I did get a new key made, should I expect it to work nice or should I scrap this idea? The peaks and valleys on my key are more like hills and streams.

[Strokermjcomanche]

Take your old key and have it made at a dealer or at your local locksmith . It will work fine iirc there are some keys that are weaker than others in the style you have . Where ever you go just ask about the strength difference and they'll know what you're talking about .

[dankicksass]

The Ilco brass key I had cut is a lot lighter and feels like junk compared to the Chrysler key I have.

[Strokermjcomanche]

Right . I think it has to do with another groove being in the key .

[dasbulliwagen]

Take your registration and ID with you to the dealer and they can make you a new key just off your VIN. And as long as your old cylinder is still working maybe you can get a new one of those made too to make the whole thing new and fresh. I worry a little about a new VIN cut key and old tumbler set sometimes. The tumblers are brass as well and eventually wear too. In order to get it out easilly the key needs to be able to turn still in order to be able to press the release button for the cylinder.

[Rymanrph]

The dealer can't always make a key from your VIN.  I tried that with my brother's Stratus coupe when he locked his key in the car and the new key didn't work.

[dasbulliwagen]

^^^^ At my dealer we run into that sometimes as well. It usually means someone has changed the locks at some point, so not always the dealers fault. In that case you should remove the door cyinders and take them to the dealer and have them re keyed with new tumblers to match the key, ot have them look at whats in there to make a key to fit it. Most good locksmith shops can do this as well.