Originally Posted by
KDW4Him
The MZB dealer will sell you parts without a MZB VIN? I have not heard of much success doing that.
And it would take the car off the grid so to speak when it comes to getting replacement keys from places like Needswings or a Chrysler dealer since there is a key/VIN mismatch now.
I just want to make sure the OP knows this before proceeding this way.
I had to do that to my '04, not sure what you mean, if the tumbler is bad, you have to fix it.
I took the key housing into the parts department at the Fresno MZB dealership, they ordered the tumbler, it came with a key. Cost around $70. I replaced the defective tumbler with the new one, ordered an original key and case, uncut off of ebay for $50 I believe. Took the chip out of my original case and put it in the new case with the key cut to match the new tumbler. Simple, easy and it works perfectly.
The tumbler assembly doesn't have the micro chip I think you are concerned with, the receiver is wired to the car and the chip is in your case. If you keep the chip no reprograming is required. Not sure how it would take it off the grid, the chip is what is connected to the serial number.
There are two problems associated with the key not turning, one is the column lock and the other is a worn out tumbler. The column lock is a good thing to remove when you get into the key assembly. But if the tumbler is worn out, it has to be replaced, it won't fix itself.
Dave