Key code 1995 Geo Prizm - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

hancockr · 10-25-2011, 09:52 AM

Slowly trying to fix all the little stuff that needs fixing on my fiancee's old Prizm since I pulled it out of storage and am driving it myself. One of the things which worries me is that the keys barely work anymore (some of the ridges on the keys are nearly gone). I expect one morning I will come out to go to work and the doors will no longer open. I am half considering leaving one back seat folded down so I can enter through the trunk (not kidding) as that lock is less picky.

ANYWAY, Chevy dealer says they can get the code with the VIN if the owner of the vehicle is with me (and additional fee, of course). Question I have is this: where could I find the key code for a Prizm without having to pay the dealer to do it for me? Is it in the owner's manual or glove box somewhere? She bought the car used, about 2 years old at the time. I also wonder if I have the code if they would cut it without her present. She lives 30 miles away, so it is kind of inconvenient.

Thanks again for the great forum.

kickfli12 · 10-25-2011, 08:50 PM

there should be a plastic key thing in the owners manual specifically for that reason. ill upload a pic of what im talking about from my old prizm.

kickfli12 · 10-25-2011, 09:03 PM

here you go. i thought everyone else would like to see this as well. if you have this you dont even need your fiancee there. just take it to lowes and they will make a copy for you for less than 3 bucks. its a 35 or a 35r key i cant remember but im sure they will figure it our for you. now, if you dont have this i dont know what to tell you lol. i dont know if toyotas are the same but the key code is on on the ignition key cylinder on hondas. maybe that helps?

hancockr · 10-26-2011, 06:33 AM

Wow. Didn't even THINK of looking at the owner's manual. So when you say "Lowes" you mean the Lowes home improvement store? (Not some other Lowes store...) I had no idea they could cut a key by code. I thought for sure that would have been something I needed to do at the dealer.

I will check when I get home (of course I don't have the manual with me) to see if it is there. It would be none too soon as this morning I had to try both keys several times to get the door open. Seems to be worse now that the weather is getting colder.

Since she is the second owner of the car, I hope the previous owner did not take the plastic key out for "safe keeping"...I will let you know!

Thanks!

hancockr · 10-26-2011, 06:42 AM

OK, I think I get it now. The plastic key you showed as an example is just an example! The one in the owner's manual SHOULD be cut to match the original key.

Too early. Haven't had my coffee...

hancockr · 10-26-2011, 01:18 PM

Rats. No luck on the key. Got home and checked the owner's manual and there is no key. Says in the manual that a "metal tag with the key code is given to the original owner". No sign of the metal tag. This is a 1995. Not sure when they started giving out plastic keys. Back to getting the key cut at the dealer.

speedy25 · 10-26-2011, 05:39 PM

Go to a locksmith and have him cut a key for you. I have done that in the past. You would also be surprised at what some lube can do for you too.

I have gotten keys copied at Lowes too. The Axxess brand blanks are very cheap. I got a key made at the Ace hardware store and was FLOORED by the MUCH BETTER quality of the key. It probably weighs three times what the cheap one does.

-SP

kickfli12 · 10-26-2011, 06:30 PM

the plastic key i posted is an exact replica of the key for the car. it was used for making copies and such. my prizm was a 93 LSI so if mine had it, yours did too. maybe it was an option?

fj62 · 10-26-2011, 07:18 PM

Key code should be stamped on your door lock cylinders. Remove door trim and then remove lock cylinder. If you are the owner take the owners card to a dealer and ask him to cut you a key. As previously stated dealers don't like to do this unless they know you or you can show proof of ownership. This stops anyone who looks at your vin in the windshield and then goes and get a key cut to steal your car.
As mentioned before graphite spray may solve your problems.

kickfli12 · 10-26-2011, 07:57 PM

look what i found! the little tag was actually taped to the back inside cover of this book and on the inside cover the dealer wrote it down along with a bunch of other info. i think were getting somewhere.

fj62 · 10-26-2011, 08:03 PM

I am glad you found it. I would still use a graphite spray on new keys before inserting them in all locks.

kickfli12 · 10-26-2011, 08:25 PM

i just looked in the manual to my second prizm and it also has the plastic key. i didnt have any luck finding the tag though. so my guess is that the original owner did in fact keep all that stuff.

hancockr · 10-27-2011, 07:21 AM

I already used graphite. That seemed to help, but only in the drivers door...oddly the passenger door lock is the one which will not open anymore with either key. The driver's door I can open usually if I turn the key toward LOCK first, then unlock. Ignition cylinder sticks a bit, but not bad, and the trunk opens first time every time. Hence I have started leaving the seatback unlatched in the rear seat in the event I have to make my entrance that way. I am sure my coworkers would enjoy that if it happens when I am leaving work...

I had one Chevy dealer tell me they can cut the key if my fiancee (the owner) comes with me to the dealer. When I called another dealer in the city where she lives, they told me they can ONLY cut keys by code for 2007 and newer vehicles. Hmmm. Seems to me that the newer cars are the ones LEAST likely to need new keys.

Guess I am back to removing a lock and taking it to a locksmith.

fj62 · 10-27-2011, 10:07 AM

Once you remove the lock, call around to different dealers to ask if they have key blanks and are able to cut keys for your car. Don't forget to call Toyota dealers also. I had trouble getting a key for a 1989 Toyota about 5 years ago. I had to wait until the dealer got them in. They didn't want to order because they had to order a package of 10 if memory serves me.

Bitter · 10-28-2011, 08:36 PM

Silicone spray lube, put the straw all the way in the lock and spray as you draw it out. Work the key in and out and turn side to side a few times.

Is the key worn down or are the lock tumblers worn out ;-). You can get a rebuild kit from a dealer and re-code the new cylinder yourself.