URGENT - please can anyone advise?

rosie-lee

My OH has lost his NISSAN van keys.

It is quite old and we have already had the row about why he hasn't got a spare cut before now:mad:

PLEASE can anyone advise how we can go about obtaining a replacement.

The van is locked and we are moving house at the end of the week, so I am sure you can imagine the state we are in.

Any constructive advise would be very gratefully received.
Thank you

Wig

Find out from the manufacturer if the keys were chipped (immobiliser) if not then you could by hook or by crook, get into the van, break the steering lock and hot wire the van to start it. You did say the van was quite old, so would this really be such a problem to do?

Not having any experience of breaking steering locks, I would be concerned about the broken parts suddenly jamming whilst driving - doesn't sound like a very enjoyable experience - but I have no idea if that sort of thing regularly (or never) happens to scumbags who steal cars.

An alternative would be to force the (ignition key barrell) lock - breaking the lock in the process of course- this should have the logical advantage of not having to break the steering lock. I have no idea of what tool could be used for this? Perhaps a big flat screwdriver hammered into the lock barrell? We need some input from someone who knows about car theft.

If the keys are chipped then there is no point trying the above, because it will never start. Sorry if this is not the advice you wanted to hear, I'm just thinking aloud here.

rosie-lee

Wig wrote: »

We need some input from someone who knows about car theft.

I promise that if anyone posts under an AE and gets any sort of abuse as a result (we've all seen it happen), I will immediately get the thread deleted.

angeltreats

Might be worth giving Timpsons a call to see if they can help?

LeeSouthEast

Rather than steal your own car, why not get a company to come out and replace the locks? The costs involved may even be met by your insurer.

rosie-lee

Thank you for your replies.

Just for info in case anyone does a serach for this same problem, the link provided by Angeltreats has lead me to an 'out of hours' contact. Price varies according to make, model and age of vehicle but they are able to help me, and I would recommend ringing for a quote.

The freephone number on the website gives another number for out of office hours and they have provided me with a man who works on a mobile basis.

Premier_2

Any reputable emergency locksmith would provide a similar service to the one linked to.

But as this is a moneysaving site, and you won't be moving until the end of the week, I would have advised you to have contacted any reputable locksmith this morning, rather than pay the emergency call out fee, which was probably even higher being a Sunday.

anewman

How old is the van? If it is really old (15+ years) there's more cheaper options open to you. If however it's old as in 8 years (which most people mean when they say old these days) then it will have an immobiliser and coathangers down the side of the window won't work.

Is there a key inside? If there is consider smashing a small window that will be cheap to replace to get your arm inside and open the door. Just use a hammer and an old tea towel or something.

LandyAndy

Would your local Nissan dealer be able to access the original spec of the van and supply a replacement?

Locknut

Sorry i missed this post, did you get it sorted? if not I may be able to advise.