i think i lost my key

[2rz-fte]

i have a 90 evinrude 88spl but i think the previous owner changed the controls... i only had one key and i have misplaced (lost) my keys. i was able to get the spare for the trailer lock so i could move the boat into the garge but now i dont have a key to the boat. ive attached a photo of the controls. any help in the right direction would be awesome.

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: i think i lost my key

I think it would be easier and cheaper to replace the switch, than having a locksmith taking care of the existing switch. There are several switches listed in the iboats store. Just search for ignition switch. There are several different ones for a Johnson or Evinrude.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: i think i lost my key

Remove that rubber boot over the key slot. Check the area beneath that boot for a letter code. That code can be taken to an Evinrude/Johnson dealer and they will provide you with a key. There aren't very many keys so you could even take the boat to the dealer and they would use a "try-out ring" until they find the right one. Buy two right away. Cheaper and far easier than replacing the switch and screwing up something in the box besides.

 

[2rz-fte]

Re: i think i lost my key

Remove that rubber boot over the key slot. Check the area beneath that boot for a letter code. That code can be taken to an Evinrude/Johnson dealer and they will provide you with a key. There aren't very many keys so you could even take the boat to the dealer and they would use a "try-out ring" until they find the right one. Buy two right away. Cheaper and far easier than replacing the switch and screwing up something in the box besides.

word! good call i didnt know you could do that. this will probably be my solution.

 

[kartman]

Re: i think i lost my key

thats what i did when i learned about floating key rings. oops. it cost me 10 bucks for 3 keys, and a floater.

 

[2rz-fte]

Re: i think i lost my key

so i went to a dealerhip on my lunch break and they said they have a minimum labor rate (which is $90) then the part (the key) is like 5 bucks.

so for them to touch it, its 90 bucks... to pull a key code? thats gay, and supposedly if they get the key ring out its still considered minimum labor rate? i hope the guy wasnt refering to testing keys on a key ring, labor... if thats the case they wont be in business very long.

 

[kartman]

Re: i think i lost my key

thats dumb. the shop i went to let me test the keys out.

 

[Stachi]

Re: i think i lost my key

I would remove the switch and bring it to my local locksmith shop and see if they can make a couple of new ones.....make sure you make a list of what color wire to wich post as you remove it...if locksmith is unable to make a new set of keys , you'll be halfway thru the job of replacing the switch with a new one......hmmm, come to think of it , I need to get a few spares made for my boat !

 

[reelfishin]

Re: i think i lost my key

There is no reason why any Johnson Evinrude dealer wouldn't be able to just look at the controls and make you a key. I often buy motors and controls and quite often there are no keys or they've been mixed up or lost. Getting a key ordered isn't a big deal. The average cost is between $5 and $10 per key, depending on the brand. BRP, the current owners of Johnson, did just raise parts prices quite a bit, key prices doubled. Either way it's easier to replace the keys than to spend an hour or more swapping out a perfectly good ignition switch just for new keys.

If one dealer won't help, move on down the road and find one that will.

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: i think i lost my key

There is no reason why any Johnson Evinrude dealer wouldn't be able to just look at the controls and make you a key. I often buy motors and controls and quite often there are no keys or they've been mixed up or lost. Getting a key ordered isn't a big deal. The average cost is between $5 and $10 per key, depending on the brand. BRP, the current owners of Johnson, did just raise parts prices quite a bit, key prices doubled. Either way it's easier to replace the keys than to spend an hour or more swapping out a perfectly good ignition switch just for new keys.

If one dealer won't help, move on down the road and find one that will.

Good idea and I agree wholeheartedly. Customer service is dead nowadays.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: i think i lost my key

you ought to report that dealer to BRP. What a pirate.

If you have a lot of friends with "OMC's" you can try their keys to find one; there aren't that many.

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: i think i lost my key

I would just save the time and aggravation and replace the switch. I just bought one at Ace hardware in Swansboro, NC for $19 and it came with 2 keys. I got 2 more additional keys made for another $3. I replaced the switch in 45 minutes.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: i think i lost my key

Did you actually remove the rubber boot and look for the code?

 

[grego]

Re: i think i lost my key

Lost my key and tried all the keys I had, friend tried his. A key for a craftsmen toolbox worked. Made an extra at hardware store

 

[toocanshan]

Re: i think i lost my key

Lost my key and tried all the keys I had, friend tried his. A key for a craftsmen toolbox worked. Made an extra at hardware store

that s**t is funny, does that key really work?? i don't know if i would want to rely on it? TOOCAN