gas cap key problem

Hey guys,
I have been trying to get a copy of my key for a while now but locksmiths don't ever have the right blanks. So, the guy at Sears tried to make a key from a different blank. It worked in the ignition but not in the gas cap.

So I stuck with the key that worked. Until this week. Shitty week. I dropped my keys in a storm drain.

Now I can drive around with the key that works in the ignition, but eventually I'm going to run out of gas and I can't fill up.

So, my questions are as follows:
1. Is there a way for me to take the gas cap off without the key and without ruining it?

2. Is there a way for me to get a replacement key made?

Thanks for any help.

 

A locksmith can make one. I believe what they do is put some kind of die in the key slot, insert a key and it shows the tumblers of the lock on the key, and then the locksmith can cut it. I wouldnt think there is a way to get it off since it locks itself in a way that it would damage the gas tank to try to pry it off. Your only option is probably a lock smith or drill it out?

 

I can attest that it's not as easy as one might think to get the cap off without the key. I drove all the way to Florida with my tank and side covers for my dad to paint, and upon arriving found out my dumb ass forgot the key. We tried everything short of a pro lock picking set to get it off to no avail. The problem mostly being that the tangs that keep the gas cap closed are under pressure.. So you literally need to apply pressure to the cap while trying to get the key to turn. Many curse words ensued.

A good neighbor willing to mail it, and 26 bux later we got it just in time with 2 days to prep and paint. Without the key I'm not sure how you would get it open. Its simple yet effective design doesn't allow for easy removal. We tried a half a dozen ATV keys, 4 different lawnmower keys and even picked at it with a cheap ass lock pick set from the local hardware store.

As far as a replacement key... I came upon this post after doing some searching, and it may be of some help. As long as you can get it open at least once, you can at least get a replacement cap. One poster talks about using a flat tip screwdriver with the blade bent up a little at the end, and press down on the cap while pressing back on the latch with the screwdriver and it should open right up.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29719

 

If your cap is under pressure, I suggest dismantling it and look for rust at the "hooks" and springs.
I had a hard time opening mine at first. Apparently, the insides were rusted out.
After a nice treatment, you no longer have to apply pressure for the key to turn.

 

1. Not without damaging it or your tank.

2. A different locksmith. The one I went to got miffed because I brought my own blanks in (assuming he wouldn't have them.) Call around.

 

I did see OEM key blanks on Cheap Cycle Parts which, after reading several horror stories, am ordering some spares to be cut. Oddly enough I have two keys....one for the ignition and one for the cap as I don't have spares.
When a customer needs an automotive key I can call the respective dealer with the vin and have a key made, there are only a handful of key codes for each model, so I'm wondering if it's possible to get a key from Yamaha?

 

Probably not. Read chacal's catalog section on keys; and you can get the "code" for your ignition key off the bottom of the ignition switch assembly. However, it does no good if it's not the same as the tank or seat.

A locksmith can "recode" your locks (as long as they both use the same series blank) to match. There are only 5 blank series.

 

I had the same problem as you do. I eventually ended up drilling out the tumbler. If you are careful not to do too much damage, you can get the cap to function as intended with a screwdriver rather than a key.

Eventually I will replace mine with a boneyard or ebay gas cap.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. My bike and I spent a couple of hours with an expert locksmith and he was able to create a key for the bike. Super nice, super cheap. Rite Lock in Skokie.

 

Excellent outcome Motorduck! Your decision to go to a locksmith was made for the same reason I take broken studs/bolts to a machine shop to have them extracted. A 90% to 100% chance you would F it up if you tried to do it yourself. When this stuff happens suck it up and let the pros reward you with a happy outcome. It may hurt your back pocket for a bit but it is certainly nice to have a positive outcome.

Can you tell us how much it cost to have the LS make the key for you?

Loren

 

I'm pretty sure the guy cut me a deal. Ultimately, I paid $25 for 4 keys.

 

And you were there for a couple of hours?

He did. I was gonna say "he probably charged you less than he should have." That's been my experience with locksmiths, I always feel like I should be paying more.

They must make it up on house calls?