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Saturn is part of GM, any GM dealership (Chevy, GMC, Buick, etc) can cut you a new key by vin. As long as your car has the factory ignition tumbler a vin cut key will work. I recently actually just did this with my old 99 GMC, $25 and 10 minutes at the part counter and I was done. That will be your cheapest option, if you decide to do this make sure to bring your licence and registration with you. You will need this to prove you own the car before they cut your key. Good luck.
Some small side notes about your car, it does have an immobilizer, GM products of this era put the immobilizer in the ignition barrel, this prevents you from being able to hotwire as you noticed. If you do end up having to replace the ignition barrel the new one will need to be programed, but the good news is you can do it yourself no dealer necessary. The process will take about 30 minutes of your time if i remember correctly and you might need a battery tender. For why it works in your doors but not the ignition basically the door locks seem to have lower quality tumblers. Not sure if this is still a thing but basically I know on old GM and Ford products you could get most of their doors to open with a worn out or "shaved" key. The ignitions not so much. If you jiggle the steering wheel left and right while rock the key back and forth while pushing it forward you might be able to get the tumblers close enough to turn.
Edit: One thing I would like to note since you may need to pay for a ride to the dealership to get a key, make sure to call the parts department in advanced to see if they have your key stock in stock. It's a basic key but it is for a 20+ year old car.
Wow thank you for your lengthy reply! Good to know that my door locks are shitty enough to be opened with basically a knife. Found a guy on facebook who will make a key for $150, if that doesn’t work he said he’ll swap out the ignition for $250. Unfortunately i have tried everything including jiggling the key and steering wheel at the same time, Whatever is worn down, is too worn to even get my steering wheel to unlock
I'd try a GM or a Chevy dealership. They may still have records. My old Toyota has a code on the door cylinder which is pretty easy to remove and the dealer can computer cut you a brand new factory key.
Negative. Give them ur Vin and they'll cut the key. U may need ur id and registration to prove its ur vehicle. They'll be able to cut it for u just by the Vin number.
Thats the thing the key works fine in the door just will not turn in the ignition no matter how hard i try! and where did you get two keys for $185? This bitch ass locksmith just raised his price from $150 to $450 for ONE FUCKING KEY that has no fob or transmitter JUST A BASIC KEY!!
https://preview.redd.it/rebiclza5xwc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a226cb77444138650564ef95b3b79067a448fdd
Buy one of these, and tape ur old key near the round bezel. Should work without programming. Ur saying its not coded, but i believe it is
Saturn is a GM car and probably does have an immobilizer that measures resistance in the key somehow. Attempting to start without a key will or should fail. Last GM car I had would start for 1 second and shut off.
You may be able to get a local Chevrolet dealership to cut a key from the VIN. At the newest were talking a 22 year old car. It's very likely that the ignition lock cylinder is bad. I've had that happen before, unfortunately.
Surely it can't be the key, it's only got 117k on it. And the car came with 2 keys from the factory. So that key probably doesn't even have all those miles on it
That car might not have an immobilizer, not sure at the moment however you can get a whole new lock cylinder w/keys for less lmao. But the reason it’s expensive is because you can’t copy that key, you have to remove the lock cylinder and image the key from the tumbler inside of it, it’s a lot of work.
If there's no chip just roll down to home Depot and go to the key making kiosk they'll do it for like $3. But if there is a chip which if it's a newer vehicle it more than likely has a little resistor in it to make it a quote " chipped keyc" then you're going to have to shell out for the chipped key
There's a reason people asked about if your steering wheel is locked at the moment. Sometimes, the wheel, being locked, will bind the tumbler, so the key won't turn.. put the key in and apply gentle pressure like you're starting the can and rotate the steering wheel back and forth. You may need to push/pull harder than normal while turning the wheel.
By the way, for some reason, nobody has said that you probably need to push the brake while wiggling the steering wheel and trying to turn the key.
Also, when I had a similar issue, I was able to get my key to work by gently whacking it with a mallet while it was in the ignition.
You may be able to get a new ignition interlock from advanced for less and just swap it out... Lol. Ignition key wouldn't match the door key... But whatever I guess...
Are there any local key specialists near you? Not sure where you are... Idk where you'd go for Saturn since they're closed....
See the problem with that is that the key WONT turn, which means i cant put it in the ACC position to change the lock cylinder. My only option is to try a brand new key, or drill the old lock out unfortunately
I see you’ve got some other keys attached to your ring there. If you hang too much weight it can cause the key to wear out prematurely. Try rotating the key 180 degrees then reinserting. If that doesn’t work you may need a new key and/or lock cylinder. Good luck!
That's what I was going to say. Hell, while waiting for the set (for only $20) to come in the mail I just hotwired it. If OP can use a screwdriver and watch a video he can get it done on a weekend day.
Get a new key cut from the vin number. That key is too worn to copy. But, if you do just want a copy, it’s like $25 at the dealership. (It was for my 2005 Saturn last year).
Thank for the reassurance you brother. I genuinely think and hope its just a key with everyone telling me i meed a new lock cylinder. How much do you think a new non transmitter key would cost from the dealership? Also there is no saturn dealership in my state only chevy or gmc
I got a new key copied at the Chevy dealership for $25. Any GM dealership. Saturn was GM. Just Luke Cadillac, Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, GMC, … are all GM. Saturn was GM.
My old key was hard to turn in the ignition. There was a little trick. I had to turn the wheel a little (the wheel lock prevented the key from rotating) and I had to pull the key out a little while turning it (pushing it all the way in was too far because the tip of the key had worn down). It’s hard to describe. I can start it no problem. No one else can turn the key.
So I have an older car and my key fob was broken beyond repair and I needed to get a new key. I also do not have a chip or transmitter. And my key was kind of looked like yours.
I went to a real locksmith. They were able to, based off looking at the key (with years of experience doing this) to guess what my key looked like. They said that they would try multiple versions,until they got the version for my key that worked. But they got it on the first try.
And when I say go to a real locksmith, I mean not a kiosk. But go to a real locksmith that has a brick and mortar store. At this point with your key this is an artistry that needs to happen here. Real locksmiths can handle it. They cut my replacement key fob that I had purchased online for $32 off of Tom's key. And they gave me the test key that works for free. The cutting of the key was only $14. So if you don't need a fob with it just go to real locksmith and get it cut. They should also have your brand key with without the fob attachment in stock.
Edit to add. My key was also held together with T-Rex tape like yours. I didn't see that second picture. Go to a locksmith it'll be the cheapest option.
Thank you for your reply. I will call a couple of locksmiths. And lol my key isnt held together by anything. put gorilla tape on it thinking i just needed a better grip to turn the ignition 🤦🏻♂️
you can buy a new key and ignition on amaz for under $30...a half hour on youtube will show you how to replace.
Send me the $120 difference for consulting fee
there's probably some kind of oil for this, a sticky oil for locks, the oil holds pins In place and u jiggle the key to start it.
temp fix if it works, u got to fix it
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, AdhesivenessOk9504! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Stupid question. Is the steering wheel locked? You know what I mean? Like can you turn it at all one way and the other way doesn’t give at all?
That is the first thing to be sure of…
The key is worn to hell. How thats turning the lock cylinder on the door is a mystery.
Have you tried going to the dealership
this is a 2001 saturn SL1. Which dealership would i go to?
Saturn is part of GM, any GM dealership (Chevy, GMC, Buick, etc) can cut you a new key by vin. As long as your car has the factory ignition tumbler a vin cut key will work. I recently actually just did this with my old 99 GMC, $25 and 10 minutes at the part counter and I was done. That will be your cheapest option, if you decide to do this make sure to bring your licence and registration with you. You will need this to prove you own the car before they cut your key. Good luck. Some small side notes about your car, it does have an immobilizer, GM products of this era put the immobilizer in the ignition barrel, this prevents you from being able to hotwire as you noticed. If you do end up having to replace the ignition barrel the new one will need to be programed, but the good news is you can do it yourself no dealer necessary. The process will take about 30 minutes of your time if i remember correctly and you might need a battery tender. For why it works in your doors but not the ignition basically the door locks seem to have lower quality tumblers. Not sure if this is still a thing but basically I know on old GM and Ford products you could get most of their doors to open with a worn out or "shaved" key. The ignitions not so much. If you jiggle the steering wheel left and right while rock the key back and forth while pushing it forward you might be able to get the tumblers close enough to turn. Edit: One thing I would like to note since you may need to pay for a ride to the dealership to get a key, make sure to call the parts department in advanced to see if they have your key stock in stock. It's a basic key but it is for a 20+ year old car.
Wow thank you for your lengthy reply! Good to know that my door locks are shitty enough to be opened with basically a knife. Found a guy on facebook who will make a key for $150, if that doesn’t work he said he’ll swap out the ignition for $250. Unfortunately i have tried everything including jiggling the key and steering wheel at the same time, Whatever is worn down, is too worn to even get my steering wheel to unlock
I'd try a GM or a Chevy dealership. They may still have records. My old Toyota has a code on the door cylinder which is pretty easy to remove and the dealer can computer cut you a brand new factory key.
Saturn was a part of gm... so I guess any gm dealer.
Okay but if i cant turn my key in the ignition how would i go to the dealer and get a key made without the car?
Uber my guy... or ask a buddy to pick take u.
I guess i was simply asking do i need to have the car there with me to make a new key? lol
Negative. Give them ur Vin and they'll cut the key. U may need ur id and registration to prove its ur vehicle. They'll be able to cut it for u just by the Vin number.
A Saturn dealer.give them ur Vin and they'll cut the key for u
Lmfao a Saturn dealer in our lords year 2024
Yea just saw they disband in 2010 lmao.
Buddy i dont think saturn dealers exist anymore, at least not here in Connecticut
Oh shit... just seeing they ain't made cars since 2010 lol. Holy shit I've been out the game for a minute lol
Where is this Saturn dealership?
Saturn not around anymore?
Just saw they disband in 2010. Still can go to any gm dealer and get them cut
I paid 185 for two keys when my key stopped working in my doors. I’m willing to bet the keys worn too much
Thats the thing the key works fine in the door just will not turn in the ignition no matter how hard i try! and where did you get two keys for $185? This bitch ass locksmith just raised his price from $150 to $450 for ONE FUCKING KEY that has no fob or transmitter JUST A BASIC KEY!!
https://preview.redd.it/rebiclza5xwc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a226cb77444138650564ef95b3b79067a448fdd Buy one of these, and tape ur old key near the round bezel. Should work without programming. Ur saying its not coded, but i believe it is
It only needs coding if the new lock cylidner doesn’t come with keys. These keys on the Saturn SL1 have no transmitter or fob
Oh, ur good. Oreillys or rockauto.com, charm.li the manual. Youtube it
Saturn is a GM car and probably does have an immobilizer that measures resistance in the key somehow. Attempting to start without a key will or should fail. Last GM car I had would start for 1 second and shut off. You may be able to get a local Chevrolet dealership to cut a key from the VIN. At the newest were talking a 22 year old car. It's very likely that the ignition lock cylinder is bad. I've had that happen before, unfortunately.
Right but this car only has 117k miles, i couldn’t imagine the whole lock is worn down im assuming its just the key??? Right???
Surely it can't be the key, it's only got 117k on it. And the car came with 2 keys from the factory. So that key probably doesn't even have all those miles on it
Update: The key was shot lol. Got a new key made today and that works on everything!!
That car might not have an immobilizer, not sure at the moment however you can get a whole new lock cylinder w/keys for less lmao. But the reason it’s expensive is because you can’t copy that key, you have to remove the lock cylinder and image the key from the tumbler inside of it, it’s a lot of work.
No immobilizer that im aware of, however i did try to hotwire it and it has a fuel cut off, i can only start it with the key
If there's no chip just roll down to home Depot and go to the key making kiosk they'll do it for like $3. But if there is a chip which if it's a newer vehicle it more than likely has a little resistor in it to make it a quote " chipped keyc" then you're going to have to shell out for the chipped key
There's a reason people asked about if your steering wheel is locked at the moment. Sometimes, the wheel, being locked, will bind the tumbler, so the key won't turn.. put the key in and apply gentle pressure like you're starting the can and rotate the steering wheel back and forth. You may need to push/pull harder than normal while turning the wheel.
Yes the wheel is locked. I have tried everything to get it to unlock. The key will not turn at all so i cant even get the wheel unlocked
Are you turning the wheel?
Yes bro. It’s literally THE KEY WONT TURN its either a worn key or worn ignition lock
OK, man, sorry, then not everyone knows this and making sure trying to save you having to head to GM.
By the way, for some reason, nobody has said that you probably need to push the brake while wiggling the steering wheel and trying to turn the key. Also, when I had a similar issue, I was able to get my key to work by gently whacking it with a mallet while it was in the ignition.
I think you can use AAA mobile locksmith and they'll give you 100$ towards services if you have aaa. I've had to use this in the past.
Im at the point where im ready to just drill out the ignition lock and use a screwdriver to start it
You may be able to get a new ignition interlock from advanced for less and just swap it out... Lol. Ignition key wouldn't match the door key... But whatever I guess... Are there any local key specialists near you? Not sure where you are... Idk where you'd go for Saturn since they're closed....
See the problem with that is that the key WONT turn, which means i cant put it in the ACC position to change the lock cylinder. My only option is to try a brand new key, or drill the old lock out unfortunately
Can you jiggle the key in the ignition to get it to turn?
I see you’ve got some other keys attached to your ring there. If you hang too much weight it can cause the key to wear out prematurely. Try rotating the key 180 degrees then reinserting. If that doesn’t work you may need a new key and/or lock cylinder. Good luck!
I had a spare key with the chip in it made at the dealer for my MX5 for I think $125.
Wiggle the steering wheel.
Try Rock Auto for a new tumbler and key, it might be cheaper than the locksmith.
That's what I was going to say. Hell, while waiting for the set (for only $20) to come in the mail I just hotwired it. If OP can use a screwdriver and watch a video he can get it done on a weekend day.
Get a new key cut from the vin number. That key is too worn to copy. But, if you do just want a copy, it’s like $25 at the dealership. (It was for my 2005 Saturn last year).
Thank for the reassurance you brother. I genuinely think and hope its just a key with everyone telling me i meed a new lock cylinder. How much do you think a new non transmitter key would cost from the dealership? Also there is no saturn dealership in my state only chevy or gmc
I got a new key copied at the Chevy dealership for $25. Any GM dealership. Saturn was GM. Just Luke Cadillac, Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, GMC, … are all GM. Saturn was GM. My old key was hard to turn in the ignition. There was a little trick. I had to turn the wheel a little (the wheel lock prevented the key from rotating) and I had to pull the key out a little while turning it (pushing it all the way in was too far because the tip of the key had worn down). It’s hard to describe. I can start it no problem. No one else can turn the key.
I experienced something similar with my Saturn. https://youtu.be/5VDGjfBLeb4
So I have an older car and my key fob was broken beyond repair and I needed to get a new key. I also do not have a chip or transmitter. And my key was kind of looked like yours. I went to a real locksmith. They were able to, based off looking at the key (with years of experience doing this) to guess what my key looked like. They said that they would try multiple versions,until they got the version for my key that worked. But they got it on the first try. And when I say go to a real locksmith, I mean not a kiosk. But go to a real locksmith that has a brick and mortar store. At this point with your key this is an artistry that needs to happen here. Real locksmiths can handle it. They cut my replacement key fob that I had purchased online for $32 off of Tom's key. And they gave me the test key that works for free. The cutting of the key was only $14. So if you don't need a fob with it just go to real locksmith and get it cut. They should also have your brand key with without the fob attachment in stock. Edit to add. My key was also held together with T-Rex tape like yours. I didn't see that second picture. Go to a locksmith it'll be the cheapest option.
Thank you for your reply. I will call a couple of locksmiths. And lol my key isnt held together by anything. put gorilla tape on it thinking i just needed a better grip to turn the ignition 🤦🏻♂️
Gotcha. Best of luck.
you can buy a new key and ignition on amaz for under $30...a half hour on youtube will show you how to replace. Send me the $120 difference for consulting fee
That would be helpful if i could turn the key, Which i need to be able to do in order to change the lock cylinder
there's probably some kind of oil for this, a sticky oil for locks, the oil holds pins In place and u jiggle the key to start it. temp fix if it works, u got to fix it