Locked-out motorists could get keys faster

Locked-out motorists could get keys faster

Bill would bypass dealers for copies

By Greg Lucas
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

May 21, 2006

SACRAMENTO – Motorists stranded because of a lost or broken key may not have to wait to get a new one from a car dealer under legislation approved by the state Senate.

Under the bill, manufacturers would be required to provide locksmiths the codes needed to create a specialized key on the spot, rather than waiting – possibly several days – for dealers to create one. It would be the first program of its kind in the country.

The California State Automobile Association and Automobile Club of Southern California – the bill's sponsors – say for an increasing number of key-related road service calls, locksmiths can open the car but don't have the necessary information to create a key that starts the vehicle.

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Automakers, who oppose Migden's bill, are creating increasingly sophisticated anti-theft systems that include keys programmed with specialized codes for individual vehicles. Those codes are the exclusive property of manufacturers and their dealers.

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Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060521/news_1n21keys.html

no one will try to steal it... so you dont need DNA scanning blood sampling anti-theft gizmos to protect it :)

Plus you don't cry if you make a habit of backing into concrete posts. :dunce:

with gas prices, i got a new '06 Beetle TDI that gets a 45mpg average. My key would cost almost $300 to replace.

With Chrysler, if you have 2 learned keys, I bought a 3rd for $40 and learned it to the computer myself, no speckle tools needed after the key is cut that has the right chip type in it. These new security systems are complex and special cables and interfaces are needed.

What started this complexity was not the security aspect but the Federal EPA interface and sensor requirements. The security complexity came after the EPA comparability since it was a simple add on at that point.