Keyless in Reno

[rusty_tlc]

So my DD, a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis died from a cracked intake manifold. I refuse to spend a weekend installing a $400 part on a car with a KBB value of $1200.

I found a 2006 Honda CRV on Craigs list to replace it. I kinda love the car so far except for one thing. It has a set of Yakima bars on it that are noisy as hell on the highway. No key from the PO. I'd like them gone until I find a need for them.

My options:
Visit the local Lock Smitheria
Post on Mud and tap the collective wisdom of the ages on all things camping and roof rack related.
Poke around on the Yakima web site looking for a helpful link.

Results:
Too cheap to try that as a first option
DUH this thread
Spent way to much time there, they have some cool stuff.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Yakima locks have a number on the face of the lock. Record those numbers and call Yakima. I have same Yakima Keys from back in the day as well. If you want to try them, I can send them to you, but I need them back right away.

Or, you could cut the sheet metal inside portion that locks the towers.

Still, those are very good racks/load bars, I'd try and save them.

Good trade, BTW.

 

[80t0ylc]

My Yakama bar locks came with a key that allows the owner to install or remove the locks. Not sure if they need to be unlocked to perform this procedure, but if you know some one with the bar locks, they might have that key. And it's damn sure worth a try. HTH

 

[snobdds]

I also have some old Yakima keys. If needed...

I will find them and post up any numbers found.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I didn't see any numbers on the lock faces, I'll look again in daylight.

I do want to save the bars, unlike my Land Cruisers this car is low enough I could actually load and un load bikes with out a lot of grief. It also has a lot less interior cargo room so the rack would be nice with a basket of box installed for longer trips.

 

[JohnVee]

Go to a Yakima dealer and see if they have the right key to sell you.

 

[Outdoorboy]

I didn't see any numbers on the lock faces, I'll look again in daylight.

I do want to save the bars, unlike my Land Cruisers this car is low enough I could actually load and un load bikes with out a lot of grief. It also has a lot less interior cargo room so the rack would be nice with a basket of box installed for longer trips.

The key code is on the inside of the lock core. I've had the same issue with a set of Yakima racks that I bought off CL. Owner did not have a key and they were locked. I took them to a locksmith and had them pick the locks. Cost around $10. You will then need a "controller key". It looks like an uncut key. This will allow you to pull the lock core completely out and the numbers are on the back side. The code will not be on the outside face. You can then order the correct keys from Yakima. Total cost around $20.

Here is a link from their site. How to remove SKS lock cores

 

[80t0ylc]

^^^ What Outdoor boy said. The link is very informative and it does say the lock needs to be unlocked to do the removal. Reminded me of when I added a 3rd bar for my RTT. I ordered matching locks to my existing.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Huuuummmm.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

spend $50 on new keys from Yakima (send them the tumbler number)... or get a sawzall out

 

[80t0ylc]

Nice find on the video! Now you can get the lock # (you'll need a control key) and assuming all are the same #, one key will do it. Being that the locks are optional, you can pick them all and just not use them. But at least you'll know they are the same or not. Given the PO did not have or supply the key, there's a good chance they're different. Whatever you do, I remember Yakima to be pricey, so get a quote 1st.

 

[rusty_tlc]

spend $50 on new keys from Yakima (send them the tumbler number)... or get a sawzall out

If I could get the tumbler out that would be great.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

there's a number stamped on the face where you put the key in - that number will get you the correct keys.... I'm probably not remembering which is which, but one of the manufacturers only have 16 different keys (I think it is Yakima).... why that is important? if you have a REI nearby, they carry all the keys and you can borrow a key from them to open it... (or any other dealer - but REI is pretty good at helping out when there really isn't any benefit for them to be nice).

 

[rusty_tlc]

there's a number stamped on the face where you put the key in - that number will get you the correct keys.... I'm probably not remembering which is which, but one of the manufacturers only have 16 different keys (I think it is Yakima).... why that is important? if you have a REI nearby, they carry all the keys and you can borrow a key from them to open it... (or any other dealer - but REI is pretty good at helping out when there really isn't any benefit for them to be nice).

Read the thread, the numbers are not stamped on the face they are on the side of the tumbler body. You have to remove the core to get to the number.

I would not accept help from REI, I do not patronize their stores.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

then a full refund for the advice... good luck

 

[rusty_tlc]

I thought there was a double your money back policy?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Mace set the policy, he's not that generous.