Capri Key Origination

As a locksmith technician, I find that making a key to a vehicle can be a really easy task or hassle sometimes. Nowadays, for most make and model automobiles, in order to make a key from scratch, all that is needed is getting a code from the locksmith database software system using the VIN number. However, in the "old days" and even for some models pre 2000, there were two options that are still in use today for originating a key. The first one is impressioning which can be somewhat of a headache as this method works on 50% guessing the cuts that needed to make the key. The second one is by code as well except that the code will need to be retrieved from the cylinder itself. This mean taking apart the steering column for ignitions or door panels and mechanism for the door lock. Even though it may sound time consuming, it will still be much easier and more accurate than impressioning.

I got a call the other day from a customer who wanted a new key mad for his 93 Mercury Capri. He claimed that he can't find the key he had anywhere in his house, so he would need a new key originated from scratch. I didn't have much experience working with these types of models before, but I did make a key for a similar Ford model before, so I decided to accept the job. As far as I remember, making a key to the Ford model did not involve any type of issue, and I recall making a new key successfully.

When I arrived to the customer's address, I ran a quick review of my locksmith key origination book to get some information on the key blank that I needed and the series number that was required in addition to the code in order to make the new key. Since it was mentioned in the book that the same key supposedly will operate all the locks in the vehicle including the ignition, I figured I could take apart only the lock on the door to read most of the cuts and then use the series information to complete the cuts to operate the ignition.

After I finished taking apart the door panel and all the necessary components that were on the way of accessing the lock to read the code, I was able to retrieve it and started to make the new key. Once I finished making the key, I started testing it around the vehicle starting from the door locks, trunk and finally the ignition. When I got to the ignition, I noticed that I couldn't get the key inside it properly to turn it. After few minutes playing with it, I realized its not going to work and I called a fellow Reno locksmith of mine for advice.

When I got my technician friend on the phone, he mentioned that he had encounter this type of issue with these older Capri models. He then said that the issue is in the key blank. Apparently, the part that was closest to the head was not narrow like on the original key and needed to be file a bit in order for the key to fit properly in the ignition. And so I did. I filed the part closest to the head from both sides and surprisingly I was able to insert the key successfully to the ignition and start the vehicle. It seem as this issue is only related to these Mercury models as I haven't had any problems using the same blank on other manufacture models such as Ford or Mazda.