Key codes

[Rich_NYS]

I want to verify the key code for my car; it appears the tumbler was re-keyed, I want to make sure the key code under the headliner is accurate.

The PO gave me the original assembly (ignition switch/tumbler/column thing) with a matching key, as well as two keys to the car that work in the ignition, doors, and storage compartment.

IIRC, James Upset Epsey can decode a key using a pic....can anyone who has done this confirm/deny that is correct? Can all the DMC vendors do it, or only James?

[David T]

You can put the key in a photocopy machine and print out the key. Scan it and send it to James to decode. Other locksmiths should also be capable of decoding this way too. You can try Jesser Keys but DMCH will have the correct blank, other locksmiths may only have generic blanks. The code was also on a small round sticker on the underside of the steering column but you usually won't find it anymore. If your car is an early car and it had a 2 key system and was converted to the 1 key system, the codes you find will not be correct anymore. If you still have the 2 key system, parts are NLA but they may still be cutting keys for it. I don't think the other vendors decode, they send it to a locksmith.

[Chris 16409]

I had James decode my key before. I just took a picture of the key and emailed it to James at DMC. He cut a new key and it worked perfect. My original key was so worn down it didn't even resemble the new key. I didn't think the new key was going to work but it did just fine. Some locksmiths can cut keys to code too.

[Bill6298]

James decoded mine from a photo as well.

[Rich_NYS]

Excellent info, thanks for the responses.

I'll get a pic of both keys (previous and current,) as well as the key code under the headliner for comparison to send to James.

[David T]

Include the VIN #. For some cars they have a table of key codes to VIN's. Of course that can only work if it was not changed. If you only have 1 set of keys you should have another set made up. For the 2 key system that was a door key, an ignition key, and a gas cap key. One has a light built into the head. For the 1 key system it is only the one key (no light). I think DMCH now has a blank for the 1 key system that has the light in it. If you have the luggage rack and ski adapter there will be another key. To save wear and tear on the key and door locks get a remote entry key fob. Be very careful with the door lock. In fact, it was such a problem it was the SECOND service bulletin! Look up ST-02-6/81.

[Maritime-elf]

James decoded my key without a problem. My understanding is the factory only had 6 or 8 key designs. I sent James a bad picture and a day later DMC Houston called me and asked how many keys I wanted to order. When I was trying to get new keys, I bought blanks assuming I would have them copied, but noone would copy the DMC blank, I heard everything from "the computer won't copy it" to, "we cant have the liability of copying a key for a car like that". James was able to identify my key code and cut new keys for me. Which helped when I ordered the door lock replacement.

Send the picture....its easy

[Rich_NYS]

Do they charge for decoding?

[Bill6298]

Do they charge for decoding?

It was a long time ago but I didn't pay anything. There's a limited number of ridges to measure. I believe it only takes a minute or so for someone who knows how it works. I went ahead and ordered the spare keys directly from DMCH along with some other parts.

[David T]

Not sure what the policy is now but when I did it they decoded for free if you bought a key or a lock.

[Rich_NYS]

I want to verify the key code for my car; it appears the tumbler was re-keyed, I want to make sure the key code under the headliner is accurate.

The PO gave me the original assembly (ignition switch/tumbler/column thing) with a matching key, as well as two keys to the car that work in the ignition, doors, and storage compartment.

IIRC, James Upset Epsey can decode a key using a pic....can anyone who has done this confirm/deny that is correct? Can all the DMC vendors do it, or only James?


I sent a pic of my current working key, door writing, previous key that works with the replaced ignition switch assembly, and proof of ownership.

They quickly verified the code on the door matches the currently working key. The key that matches the [replaced] ignition switch assembly is a different code, so I think the PO replaced the entire assembly, but swapped the cylinder instead of all the other locks on the car.

I also sent key code info for 4728 so they'll have it in their records....maybe that'll help the future owner someday. I know of another owner that was able to get a lost key replaced due to DMCH having his key code on file, it saved the cost of a locksmith.

[David T]

It is possible to send the ignition cylinder out and have it recombinated so the door key will work in it (as long as you have the 1 key system). If the door key will fit into the ignition it should be possible. A locksmith like Jesser Keys can do it. That way you will only need the one key to drive the car.

[DMCH James]

I only think about this thread (and others like it here over the years) in the springtime, when we get a lot of calls from people who have misplaced keys over the winter...but here's the story on key codes and decoding. When I started at DMC in the summer of 1999, there was no centralized database of key codes for DeLorean cars and only a few surviving records. Early on I gathered up what I could find and there were about 1,000 or so across several different documents. I've continued to gather them up from various sources over the last twenty years or so and there are now about 5400 - or 60% - of the key codes in our database.

I still offer to do key decoding for owners at no cost via email at [email protected] - ideally, now, I'd like to get them in photographic form like this:

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This allows me to keep track of them and make sure that I can keep the right key with the right car. The photo shown here is for illustration purposes only - I grabbed a random key from a car here and went a DMC-owned car for this photo, so if someday someone manages to locate this car and has had the foresight to have a key made matching the one in this photo, it will not work in this car. The photos sent to me by owners are stored are deleted after decoding.

Before we cut keys for anyone, we require valid, government-issued photo ID, an ownership document or insurance card with the name of the person on the ID and VIN of the car in question along with a photo of the door jamb VIN plate. Obviously if the car is locked and that's why you need keys, we'll accept a photo of the dash VIN plate.

[Bitsyncmaster]

When was the two key system stopped. I'm not sure if my car had new one key locks installed before I bought my car.

[DMCH James]

Right around VIN 4200 was when then 1-key system started. I've heard former factory workers say that the transition was a pain as it suddenly became important that a particular set of doors went with a particular car. Before it made little difference which door went with what car.


When was the two key system stopped. I'm not sure if my car had new one key locks installed before I bought my car.

[Michael]

66084

[Helirich]

66084

Not bad Mike. Lol.

I'm having James use his "force" to make me some keys and locks right now. I was just under the cut off for the one key system.

[David T]

To convert to the 1 key system you have to do a little filing to the door. Someone had a template they lent out to do it.

[Helirich]

To convert to the 1 key system you have to do a little filing to the door. Someone had a template they lent out to do it.

James told me they send a template with the kit. I've got a pretty good shop, so I don't foresee any issues. If it turns out to be difficult, I may do a "how to" thread.

[DMCH James]

The locksets come with this tool (https://store.delorean.com/j33310-door-lock-installation-jig.html) at no extra cost. The tools supplied to dealers by the original DMC were machined from metal, we had these "two-time use" tools made from Delrin.

66427



To convert to the 1 key system you have to do a little filing to the door. Someone had a template they lent out to do it.


James told me they send a template with the kit. I've got a pretty good shop, so I don't foresee any issues. If it turns out to be difficult, I may do a "how to" thread.