Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much of a problem is it?

7 posts / 0 new
Last post
watervole
Offline
Last seen: 7 years 1 month ago
Joined: Saturday, October 10, 2015 - 06:14
Points: 39
Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much of a problem is it?

Hi all, and thanks to Admins for boosting my points so I could post this. I just bought an '08 Vectrix VX-1. The previous owner forgot to give me the Master Key, so he sent it to me in the post. I just today received an empty envelope with a neat tear in the side. While I still hold out a tiny hope that Royal Mail have a box of such items lost during processing at each mail handling location, and I may be able to reclaim it, it is unlikely. How much of a problem is it likely to be for me, and what can I do about it if it's serious?

R
R's picture
Offline
Last seen: 2 months 3 weeks ago
Joined: Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 09:46
Points: 1768
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

You may buy a new clausor with key at vectrixparts:
http://shop.vectrixparts.com/ignition-lock-main-switch-with-key.html
A complete tear down of the front part of the Vectrix is required to replace it, not difficult, but quite long job ahead.

Magendanz
Magendanz's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 months 1 day ago
Joined: Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 00:21
Points: 155
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

This really was a royal PITA, unfortunately. Disassembly was pretty straight forward, but drilling out the old bolts was challenging for me. I ended up completely destroying the old lock, but since I didn't have the key that didn't really matter.

watervole
Offline
Last seen: 7 years 1 month ago
Joined: Saturday, October 10, 2015 - 06:14
Points: 39
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

Thanks for the link and advice, I'll keep it in mind in case I have to replace the whole switch assembly. However, I have the spare key so it's not an immediate problem. What I was more worried about was if the Master Key performs any special function or is required for any part of electronic repairs or maintenance? For example, I once bought a car that came with 2 black keys and one red key. I started driving it with the red key, and kept finding it refusing to start for no apparent reason. Turns out the red key had a master chip inside it and was for putting the car's immobiliser into 'program mode' to program the chip in a new spare key. Is there anything like that going on with the Vectrix red key?

BLUESTREAK
Offline
Last seen: 5 years 2 months ago
Joined: Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 19:55
Points: 282
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

And here we were thinking you were stranded? but you was not stranded after all. did you read the thread about spare key?

watervole
Offline
Last seen: 7 years 1 month ago
Joined: Saturday, October 10, 2015 - 06:14
Points: 39
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

Thanks for bumping the thread. I had briefly read it but at the time I was more concerned that not having the master key was going to present a problem in the future. Judging by peoples' comments so far, it seems that there's no special transponder or chip in the master key, so I only need worry about losing the key I have. I've noted the various codes for the blanks from that thread so I can just go to my nearest vehicle key cutting service and see if they can make me another key to keep spare. Thanks all.

Bikemad
Bikemad's picture
Offline
Last seen: 6 months 3 weeks ago
Joined: Saturday, December 21, 2013 - 03:03
Points: 213
Re: Just bought a used Vectrix - Master Key lost, how much ...

I have the spare key so it's not an immediate problem. What I was more worried about was if the Master Key performs any special function or is required for any part of electronic repairs or maintenance? For example, I once bought a car that came with 2 black keys and one red key. I started driving it with the red key, and kept finding it refusing to start for no apparent reason. Turns out the red key had a master chip inside it and was for putting the car's immobiliser into 'program mode' to program the chip in a new spare key. Is there anything like that going on with the Vectrix red key?

The two keys originally supplied with the vectrix should be the same, so there is no "Master" key, and fortunately for us there is no immobiliser chip inside the head of the key either:

//i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz44/GoldenMotor/Vectrix/keys_zpsduu1gm8d.jpg)

Simply get another key (or two) cut from your existing key and keep the original Vectrix key safely as a spare in case you ever need to have another one cut at a later date. (It is always better to have a copy made from an original rather than make a copy of a copy)
Most decent locksmiths will probably have the correct key blank in stock, but they should be easily obtainable if your local locksmith doesn't keep them.

I've just had a ZA 9P1 key cut for mine and it works fine:
ZA 9P1

Here are some alternative manufacturer references listed on sks.co.uk:

Silca : ZD 24RDP
HD : ZD24RDP
HD Hook : XPT066
Ilco : ZAD20P
Errebi : ZA19RP144
CB Hook : P362

I would suggest a visit to your locksmith first (before purchasing a blank key) as some locksmiths refuse to cut keys that they haven't supplied, and as a result of this I simply refuse to use or recommend that particular locksmith!

Whereabouts in the UK are you?

Alan

Log in or register to post comments

Buy Ecotric bikes, get free accessories!


Who's online

There are currently 0 users online.

Who's new

  • xovacharging
  • stuuno
  • marce002
  • Heiwarsot
  • headsupcorporation

Support V is for Voltage