Is it normal to have 2 different keys?

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:47 pm

My 91 SS has a key for the locks and a key for the ignition. I already have 7 keys on my key chain and that's not counting the 2 SS keys because I don't drive it yet. That's too many keys!

Do all the first gen legacys come with a different key for the ignition and the doors? That's stupid. I hate that so much. Or did someone change the locks/ignition on this car seperately?

What's the easiest way to make it so I can use one key for the whole car? Change the 4 locks somehow to match the ignition?

brand · Post by **brand** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:59 pm

My 91 uses the same key for both, so I bet someone replaced the ignition.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 4:06 pm

That sucks. I had to replace the ignition in my last legacy and it wasn't a good one either. Caused intermitten starting problems. But I had the same locks to go with it.

Is there any way to match the locks to the ignition by changing the tumblers or something? Or should I just get a whole set of locks and ignition?

I hate working on the locks...and I hate the ignition. They both suck. Not fun.

suba · Post by **suba** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:08 pm

On my car its actually the drivers door lock that was replaced. People seem to think they'll save a lot of money by not going to the dealer and getting a matched lock, but in reality it's the same price. Kinda annoying isn't it.

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:56 pm

I don't understand why some people are so lazy/cheap! Your previous SS owner is a slacker.

New key from CODE = ~$8
New ignition lock cylinder = ~$30
Locksmith rekeying the ignition = ~$28

I did this all on the SS I recently bought since the key was worn down so much, it would rarely unlock the steering column.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:01 pm

So what should I do? I'm guessing take the steering column cover off and check to see if the ignition is stock. If it is, is it possible to match the locks to the ignition?

Post by **Legacy777** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:26 pm

You should be able to have a locksmith rekey it to match the doors or vice versa.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:48 pm

Alright, good. There's no way I'm having 2 keys for one car. One way or another I will make it a 1 key vehicle again.

Grayguy · Post by **Grayguy** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 3:07 pm

My SS has 2 keys. It's never bothered me too much, cause most the trucks I had when i was younger had 2 keys. It's kinda nice to be able to leave it running and lock the doors.

Buffman · Post by **Buffman** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:28 am

is there a key for the glove box or should that be the same as the ignition/door?

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:54 am

yes should be the same

Post by **Legacy777** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:43 am

The legacies should have come with three keys when new. The master, submaster, and the valet key. The valet key would not work for the glove box or trunk (sedan).

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... ns/008.jpg

Buffman · Post by **Buffman** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:45 pm

Hmm I appear to have the master key (has number on the key). Maybe the glove box lock is frozen..

Post by **Legacy777** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:34 pm

That number on the key is the number you can give to the dealer to have them make you a brand new key. Don't lose that key/number.

BSOD2600 · Post by **BSOD2600** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:22 pm

Legacy777 wrote:That number on the key is the number you can give to the dealer to have them make you a brand new key. Don't lose that key/number.

The dealer can also look up the ignition / key code from your VIN. Thats how they're able to cut a new one from code

brand · Post by **brand** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:13 pm

BSOD2600 wrote:
Legacy777 wrote:That number on the key is the number you can give to the dealer to have them make you a brand new key. Don't lose that key/number.
The dealer can also look up the ignition / key code from your VIN. Thats how they're able to cut a new one from code

If you're not unlucky, yes. I was told that anything prior to 98 runs the risk of not having this information because it was the responsibility of the dealer/salesperson to enter the key code and associate it with the VIN.

I was also told by a friend that works a Subaru parts counter that you cannot buy a new ignition cylinder based on VIN.

The key code is stamped on the front passenger door lock actuator.

kimokalihi · Post by **kimokalihi** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:43 pm

I asked them about making me a key and they said they don't make keys there for older cars and they could give me the lock number to take to a locksmith and have a key made but that's it.

brand · Post by **brand** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:53 pm

kimokalihi wrote:I asked them about making me a key and they said they don't make keys there for older cars and they could give me the lock number to take to a locksmith and have a key made but that's it.

Maybe they're lacking equipment or something, but that sounds like some bullshit and/or a lazy parts guy to me. There's a guy on AWDPirates that has had newer 10 notch STI key blanks cut with 8 notch key codes from XTs and RXs at the dealership, and then filed them down so they'll work.

Post by **Legacy777** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:24 am

As mentioned, anything older than the most recent years is a crap shoot whether they'll have the info based on the VIN.

As for the dealer not being able to cut you a key, that's bullshit.

JohnK · Post by **JohnK** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:41 pm

Just picked up a 91 SS last week. My key works for ignition, doors and trunk.

Interestingly enough my 98 OBS key also works for doors and ignition, didn't seem to work for trunk.

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Is it normal to have 2 different keys?

Is it normal to have 2 different keys?