Lug Nut "KEY"???? Help

[SuzyQ]

I went to get my tires rotated and the guy at the shop wanted the wheel-lock "key" This is a new one. I purchased this vehicle used about 6 months ago (very pretty, 1999, black, 5-speed SEV6) Any ideas? Apparently you need a special "key" to remove one of the lug nuts from each wheel. Do I have one stashed in the car somewhere or do I need to go to the dealer and spend the $50 they quoted for the key. Any info is appreciated.

[Jackass-Jeff]

I think the car had wheel locks... (key to unlock a nut from each so people don't steal your rims)

The guy that sold it to you should have provided it... =\

[Flipside909]

I went to get my tires rotated and the guy at the shop wanted the wheel-lock "key" This is a new one. I purchased this vehicle used about 6 months ago (very pretty, 1999, black, 5-speed SEV6) Any ideas? Apparently you need a special "key" to remove one of the lug nuts from each wheel. Do I have one stashed in the car somewhere or do I need to go to the dealer and spend the $50 they quoted for the key. Any info is appreciated.

If they are Toyota wheel locks, all Toyota dealers have the master set to every one they have. Usually the previous owner would give the key lock or tell you where it's at. You may want to take a look in the glovebox, or even the trunk (tire well where the tire is stored) for the keylock. Otherwise, you will need to get a new key.

[SKYravefever]

When I bought my TRD rims, they gave me a set of McGard ones. Do you think the dealer would have the key? What if I loose mine?

[Flipside909]

When I bought my TRD rims, they gave me a set of McGard ones. Do you think the dealer would have the key? What if I loose mine?

Yes, Toyota uses McGard. They should have the master set of keys if you were to accidentally lose yours. That happened with the Avalon I was driving before. They ordered me a new one.

[guest]

When I bought my TRD rims, they gave me a set of McGard ones. Do you think the dealer would have the key? What if I loose mine?

you can call McGard direct to get a replacement wheel lock key..costs about 15-25 dollars

[Missay]

locking lug nuts are great for security but suck otherwise. so many people don't realize they have them on their car until they get a flat tire and "surprise!" ..they can't change the tire! unless the dealer can get you a key you'd have to tow it, not the best. some dealers are pretty strict w/ their master lug nut key and won't let it leave. if you can buy it directly like someone mentioned that might be a good idea. they definitely should have given you the key when you bought the car. sometimes you'll find it tossed in w/ the spare tire and tools.

[Jay]

When I had my Mustang, locks came with it..(I had the factory 17" rims..)
I didn't even know I had it until I got a flat... But then when I dug out the wrench, the key was attached to it!

I think they are worth it especially if you have a fancy factory rims or custom rims... I've seen some pictures of Mustangs sitting on the 4 center blocks without rims and tires...

[Missay]

SuzyQ, have you searched the car top to bottom to see if you have the locking lug wrench?? like jay said, it was attached to the wrench. i'd just hate to see you pay for it when chances are it's hidden somewhere in the car. if you haven't searched yet, i'd check the glovebox (i'm sure you already know it's not in there!), the trunk, the spare, and the tools. you never know, it might be there! i have so many customers find the key in the most random places!

[ericatdallas]

Hey, what does this key look like?

[Missay]

as far as i know it's just a small piece used to get the lug nut off. usually w/ locking lug nuts there's one lug nut that's different w/ from the rest. the other 4 will be the standard lugs that you can get off w/ the standard tools, but the last lug nut isn't shaped like the others...like one side might be at a different angle.
The good part is that someone can't steal the tires easily unless they have the key..the bad part is exactly what suzyq and jay mentioned! if you look at the lugs on the car you should be able to see if you have them or not.

[Fairlite]

as far as i know it's just a small piece used to get the lug nut off. usually w/ locking lug nuts there's one lug nut that's different w/ from the rest. the other 4 will be the standard lugs that you can get off w/ the standard tools, but the last lug nut isn't shaped like the others...like one side might be at a different angle.
The good part is that someone can't steal the tires easily unless they have the key..the bad part is exactly what suzyq and jay mentioned! if you look at the lugs on the car you should be able to see if you have them or not.

It is ussually in the trunk Take out the rugs etc, and it is in a plastic holder right under the Cardboard wheel well cover. if you tilt the straight up it will be on the right hand side. It looks like a lug nut with one of those funky round keys with ridges around it.

[Jim F]

Here's a picture of what the keys look like:

http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/wl_keys.html

Hope this helps.

[Whatever]

hmm.... sorry i know it's kinda dumb, but i still wanna know when should i do my tires rotation?? cuz my solara is about 2k miles, and i'm thinking about change the oil at 3k miles.

[ericatdallas]

Way too early to rotate your tires.

you should rotate every 6k miles or every other oil change.


but I like the effort! This ladies and gentlemen is someone that cares!