New Keys

[mnrolvr]

Anyone know whether it is cheaper/better to go to a dealer or locksmith for new keys now. One of mine has completely worn out (buttons) the other is on the way out..

I've seen that replacement button site (silicon), has anyone used those?

[YellowBeast]

emphatically - a locksmith

I went to Barrenjoey Locksmiths in Brookvale, recommended by the Battery Factory, and of course close to home. $70 and about 15 mins. Peninsula Holden/Col Crawford wanted about $250 plus a few days. I had the same problem buttons worn out

[mnrolvr]

emphatically - a locksmith

Thanks mate, I always heed good advice...

[LECoupe]

Forget trying to replace the buttons, or the cases. The buttons on the originals are "welded" to the case on the inside. The replacements off ebay will just float around inside the case. Useless. Plus you'll be hard pressed to get the original keys apart without destroying the case (it's ultrasonically welded together)

You can buy replacement cases off ebay (non-genuine of course), but they don't work very well. Besides, the internal battery will almost certainly be shot anyway (or close to)

I got my first replacement key (including blade) from Mr Minit, I think it was about $150, and I'm almost certain that they used genuine Holden parts.

I got two further genuine uncoded electronic 'heads' off Gumtree, for about $80 (the guy worked for a Holden spare parts...I asked no questions...), then had them coded for ~$70 the pair at the local key cutting place in North Rocks. I re-used the original blades. Unless the blades of your existing keys are worn (doubtful!) you really only need the heads, I reckon. Dunno what Holden charge, but Holmart has genuine ones for $68 each: http://holmart.com.au/online/prod407.htm

Word of warning: Don't get to the point where you have no working keys, as I believe the locksmiths use the existing key to clone the new one. I would think that if they can't do this, you would need to go to Holden and pay whatever they say...

On a related note: if your key is getting sticky/reluctant to turn in the key barrel, do yourself a favour and get a new barrel before it jams up completely. Only about $30 and an hour or so to replace (I did mine myself but it is a bit fiddly...)

Cheers - Andrew

[Redhot]

I just got back from Barrenjoey Locksmiths at Brookvale.

They replaced and coded the plastic bit for $78.50 if you use the original blade. For a complete key it's $135 and they are Genuine Holden parts.

The guy at the shop told me the keys do have rechargeable batteries, so if you haven't used a key for a while it's a good excuse to go for a drive. Honey, just going out to charge my car keys.

[LECoupe]

I've heard it said before that the batteries are rechargeable, but I'm skeptical. They are just a lithium watch battery with some legs welded on, very similar to these:
http://master-instruments.com.au/produc ... -1HFE.html

I did replace one battery when I bought the cases off ebay, and it worked fine afterwards (except the cases are rubbish...)
But like you say: good excuse to go for a drive!

All said and done I think it's just easier to get a new "plastic bit". $78.50 coded is really good value I reckon!

[Tiny]

*YAWN*

[mnrolvr]

I ended up going to the locksmith at Rydalmere NEVER again...1 hour waiting for them to clone the new key...

Got one, next time I'll head over to Five Dock, they advertise on ebay so at least they may know what they're doing...

[oldholdensarebest]

Hi Guys

I used the Epay replacement buttons on my old VS keys, and I have them on my current VZ Adventra keys (in service for three years now) and I have not had a single problem. You don't have to open the key up, you trim the old button back with a sharp blade, and then you slide the new button in from the top. Like I said, no problems with them at all. For $0.99 that you can buy them for, why not find out for yourself? They come with instructions, or at least mine did!

[oldholdensarebest]

Since my Monaro keys look the same as my Adventra keys, I decided to replace the buttons with coloured ones - orange for the Monaro to match the seats, and red for the Adventra. The buttons came from epay and took about ten minutes to replace all buttons on both sets of keys - cost was about $6 for the lot.