Re-key my locks?

[mjeffrey]

My spare set of '04 Sprinter keys was stolen the other day, so I need to change the locks ASAP. MB is telling me $1000 for replacement tumblers, and $750 labor. The local locksmith says one or two hundred dollars to re-key the locks.

I still have the main 'switchblade' key with the remote.

Can anyone confirm that this is indeed possible, to re-key the locks? The service guy at MB said that the Sprinter pins are different than the usual auto lock (the pins come in from the side?) so I'd love confirmation either way.

Thanks so much!
Mike.

[autostaretx]

Any decent locksmith should be able to shuffle the existing tumbler pins to a new configuration, then cut a key to match.
No new cylinders needed: just remove existing, shuffle pins ABCD to (say) CABD and the old key won't twist.

That would prevent the stolen key from operating the lock, but would not prevent it from serving as the RFID "ok to run" chip if they applied a screwdriver to force the ignition lock (i don't know if that would work as an attack vector).

Simply changing the pins of the cylinders will *also* not block opening the doors with the remote.
That takes SKREEM reprogramming.

--dick (not a locksmith, but it's a hobby...)

[mjeffrey]

Thanks Dick! That was my thought too, but after speaking with more locksmiths who are familiar with Sprinters (rather than the dispatcher I spoke with initially), it appears trickier - none of them will touch it.

I might buy only the exterior locks for now, and live with having two keys (one for the doors, one for the ignition). Not sure how much that'll run me.

Any other suggestions?

Cheers,
Mike.

[mendonsy]

Maybe you could borrow K-9sprinter's dogs for a while.

[nebep]

Were it my truck:

I'd put a club on for a few days - or a little longer before going through the expense/headache...

If the key was stolen, contact your insurance company - they may reimburse a portion - Some insurance companies, with a police report of a key actually being stolen will cover charges like this. Depends totally on your policy/locale/etc...

[nebep]

Out near Rochester I see - hmm...trying to think through the "contact list" I have of NY locksmiths....most are over near the city is the bummer...

PM me if you can "stand some down time".....There is a way, but, again, it's loaded with down time.

If you're reliant on the van, I'd honestly do the club thing for a bit....

[lockrob]

Rekeying the locks is not that big a deal.
The hardest patt is pulling each lock out.
Down here in Miami I would charge 3-350
Pre 07 sprinters are not high security
So no special machines needed to cut key.

[mjeffrey]

Thanks everyone! Re-keying would be the best solution, in my mind. There's usually a bunch of camping equipment inside, since it's a conversion van, so I can't rely on just the club.

Lockrob, why do you think the locksmiths I've talked to are avoiding the job?

Nebep, sorry not to have put my location down. I've just updated my profile - I'm in Monroe, outside of Seattle, WA.

Thanks everyone for your help so far!
Mike.

[autostaretx]

Just a thought... contact any of the "parting out my T1N" posters and buy the exterior handles (with attached locks), plus the matching key.
Replacing the handles should be easier than extracting the cylinders.
(he sez, lazily not having looked up the procedure in the service manual (yet))

--dick

[mjeffrey]

Originally Posted by autostaretx

Just a thought... contact any of the "parting out my T1N" posters and buy the exterior handles (with attached locks), plus the matching key.
Replacing the handles should be easier than extracting the cylinders.
(he sez, lazily not having looked up the procedure in the service manual (yet))

Great idea, thanks!