Locked Out Of My Disco!!!

[islander007us]

I am locked out of my 2000 DII! Went for a jog on the trail and keys fell off (was on the zone and listening to Pink floyd's "Crazy Diamond") and did not hear them fall. Sadly, the spare copy I had the dealer cut for me two years ago does not work. Luckily the rig is parked on my bro-in-law's yard, but I can't function with one car. I need my gas-guzzler! The dealer said to have it towed and they will open it, change the door handle lockk, the ignition switch and order and program the new remote. The whole thing will cost me more than front-row Pink Floyd tickets!

So, on to my questions to all of you Rover Gurus...1st, since the rig is on "park" and with no keys for the ignition to unlock the gear box, will it damage anything as the tow truck loads it up on the flat bed?; 2nd, I can assume it will be cheaper to order and try to install and change the locks and switch myself? if so, anyone knows of a decently priced after-market source for these parts? should I buy used?

I have been reviewing you postings and I must say that I am incredibly impressed by your knowledge and commitment to educate each other. I look forward to contribute a bit in the future.

 

[joey]

First I would buy a nice metal detector...... and go for a walk.... results could be worth even more than the cost of the detector and getting keys back.

Second... it should not hurt your Disco to have it slide up on a roll back.

Third. you could change them yourself, but the odds are that if you are like me, you would probably end up breaking something that will cost more

Getting parts, I would call http://www.dap-inc.com/homeframe.htm

 

[islander007us]

Thanks. Been shopping around and the parts range between 300.00 and 600.00 for both the lock cylinder and door handle lock (used and new). The dealer is charging 5 hours labor at 90.00 and hour. Man, I must really love this truck!

The day I lost the keys, I walked the whole trail back trying to locate the keys to no avail. An hour run turned into a three hour walk.

Will consider paying the almost 500.00 for the installation. Thanks for the advice. will let you know how it goes.

 

[RoverDisco98]

Had the same problem with my wife's Crown Vic. Called a local locksmith, he inserted some sort of impressionable blank into the lock and from that made up a new key. The spare, even though it does not work, will give him a starting point.
Another thing to try is to apply a thin layer of something lake a tempra paint on the spare key, insert it into the lock and turn it. Then file down where ever the paint has been removed.

 

[islander007us]

Becoming a Land Rover man Here!!!

I tell you, to do the things we dare do...only Rover owners would dare...Built-up the courage and I am now in the process of replacing the lock cylinder ignition switch myself. (I have never done any mechanical work to this vehicle on my own) I located a used-parts dealer who has both the lock cylinder and the door lock cylinder with keys, removed from the same vehicle. I have already pulled the steering cover off and the electrical wires seemed simple to disconnect. Now ready to disassemble the unit itself. Anyone knows if there is a special tool to remove the ribbet-like screws holding the piece to the steering wheel frame?? Anyone doen this before? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[joey]

If I recall correctly, you have to drill them out... they are one time use screws. I have never done it, but have talked to people that have.

 

[lrxd]

Spare Key

Since the spare key was cut 2 years ago by the Landrover dealership I would attempt to contact the dealer or corporate office and let them know that you have a "faulty" spare key that doesn't work. If they deny making you the key and you do not have the original sales receipt, they should be able to print it off from thier computer system. It's time that the dealer stands behind their work.

 

[discomike]

What is all the talk about towing the vehicle, changing out parts, none of that is needed.
Call or go to your dealer get the key code, the people in service can do this for you. Once you have the key code and a new key blank, find out who the dealer uses to cut new keys and you are in.
Don't be a little shocked when you hear the price for the remote but it is alot less then anything you have looked at.
Good luck,
Mike J.

 

[millermatt2003]

What is all the talk about towing the vehicle, changing out parts, none of that is needed.
Call or go to your dealer get the key code, the people in service can do this for you. Once you have the key code and a new key blank, find out who the dealer uses to cut new keys and you are in.
Don't be a little shocked when you hear the price for the remote but it is alot less then anything you have looked at.
Good luck,
Mike J.

I have tried to get a key pattern from the dealership and was told that Land Rover did not hand out that info. I have been trying to get a door key made as my ignition switch had been previously changed and do not have a door key. Found a locksmith who told me to take the door lock cylinder out and drop it off and he will call me back in about a week when he's done and then tell me the price....

 

[islander007us]

Making progress...

I have attempted to get keys made by both the dealer and the local locksmith(using the codes in the dealer's records). Both attempts were futile.

I refuse to tow the rig to the dealer. At least not yet. Like I stated earlier, I decided to give it a shot myself. So far I was able to take the whole unit out. The bolts were rather easy to remove. A couple of bangs with a hammer and small chisel and voila! They were loose. After loosen them up, I was able to remove them by hand.

I received the used unit from this used parts dealer from NC (Jaguar East). My first time dealing with them. Fast service and some advice in replacing the unit. Not sure if the unit was removed from a 2000 disco like mine, but what the hell...at this point I'll try anything. So I replaced and connected the "new" unit. After connecting the battery, the alarm went on. (8pm...the neighbor was ******!) I attempted to start the rig, but it would not start. I can tell that the switches and everything else was in working order(lights, console, etc.) I wonder if the antitheft system is not allowing it to start. If so, how do I disconnect or disengage the antitheft system? Should I go ahead and buy the new remote from the dealer and find out how to program it? Or should I throw in the towel and tow it to the dealer to have it programmed there? THey will probably blame the switch I bought as the faulty item and charge me for both a switch and remote...bastards!

Well my fellow Roverers...I am at the mercy of your expertise. Any ideas, suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated.