Buick Trunk Key

Originating an automotive key level of difficulty may vary from model to model. Some models uses the same key for the door, trunk and ignition while others have two separate set of keys one for the ignition and the other for the rest of the vehicle. Sometimes, if a vehicle is equipped with a "master-key" it does not mean necessarily that the combination is exactly the same for all the locks in the vehicle. It can be that the glove box(if equipped), door lock and ignition cylinder will have the same cuts, but not the same amount. This fact sometimes will make it harder on a locksmith technician to originate a key. However, most experienced locksmith technicians with many years of experience in the field still have few tricks underneath their sleeves.

Few years ago, I remember getting a call from a customer who needed a key to the door and trunk of his 1988 Buick LaSabre. I did a lot of older GM models during my time and I knew I would not be able to get the codes to make that key neither from the dealer or the automotive key database I was subscribed to. The only way I could have generated the key was using the door lock. Since I knew it won't be such a big deal getting the door lock out to make the key, I decided to accept the job.

Once I got to the customer's home where the car was parked, I grabbed my tools and started working on removing the door panel, so I can the door lock out  in order to get the stamped code. As I started taking the bolts and trims holding the door panel to the door, I ran into couple of bolts that simply did not want to budge. After working on them for several minutes, I decided to stop wasting any time and started thinking of another solution.

At that point, the only solution I could think of was getting the 4 cuts out of the glove box lock and progress the other 2 to make the key. However, back then I did not have much experience progressing, so I had to call a more experienced Reno locksmith friend of mine for help. Once I got him on the phone and told him the story, he mentioned that progressing the extra 2 cuts won't be necessary since the glove box lock actually built with all 6 wafers. I did not believed him and wen to check for myself. Imagine my surprised as I finished taking apart the lock from the glove box and saw for myself it was a 6 cut lock just as the other locks in the vehicle. I then immediately moved on to decode the wafers, made a new key for the customer and assembled the glove box lock back together.