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Anyone know how to rekey an OEM center console?

16K views 10 replies 10 participants last post by  Protius 
#1 ·
hey guys. i recently got a '97 TJ that came with the front half console instead of the full console with the arm rest/storage compartment. yesterday i installed a used OEM full center console that i got on eBay. i opted for the factory version over the tuffy because i live in a safe small town and i prefer the look of the OEM console over the tuffy. it's just a weekend toy so security isn't a big concern and i don't keep anything valuable in there.

got the new console in and now i want to rekey the lock cylinder so it matches the ignition key. the whole lock mechanism is pretty gunked up too. the button doesn't come up all the way so i'd like to clean it with some WD-40 while i've got it apart. i understand how the pins work and rekeying seems simple but how do i get to the pins? i took the lock and latch out but that's as far as i could get. there was one small brass torx screw holding the the latch in place. when i removed the bolt, the whole lock/latch came out of the console lid. i didn't see any other screws or any sort of release device that would allow me to get to the pins. it didn't come with a key so if i ever want to lock it, i'll need to rekey. i know it's easy to break into and i shouldn't lock it but i'm not worried about that.

anyone know where to go from here?
 
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#3 ·
I'm at the other end of the spectrum. I bought my TJ with Tuffy center console and glove boxes. Both have different keys and are different from the ignition.

I want to at least get the lock boxes to match.

Or at least (and I have had a hard time finding a place that can do it) I would like to get back up copies of my tuffy keys.
 
#7 ·
yeah, i have heard the dealership can do it but i wanted to save a few bucks. i'll probably end up pulling the lock cylinder out and taking it to them. if it cost you $40 for a new lock and getting it rekeyed, hopefully it won't cost me a whole lot since i already have a working lock.
 
#9 ·
I know I'm reviving a dead post but this is the primary link of when you hit the forums searching for center console rekeying. I wasnt able to find an really solid how to's so I figured my first post for the forums should be this.

Step one is removing your center console lock, from the inside of the console, unscrew the small hex screw in the bottom of the lock and the sleeve should slide off, allowing you to remove the lock from the top of the console cover. So you know now, you need a working key to do this the rest of this, otherwise, take it to a locksmith who can do it right.
4513889

Step two, align the key in the unlocked position with the small groove facing up. Using a small but sturdy pin, your going to press down on the lock release inside that groove. It will only press if the lock is in the unlocked position and popped out. I used s 3/64th precision screwdriver but a large paperclip will work if you can put enough pressure behind it without it bending.
4513890


Step three, with the button pressed in, turn the key PAST the unlock position (counter clockwise) until it clicks a few mm further turned. then you can remove the press pin or screwdriver.
4513891


Step four, continue to turn the key in a counter clockwise motion till the cylinder releases from the inner sleeve.
4513892


From here you can access the key wafers(pins) and see what your current pin out is. You can pick up a new set on ebay or your local locksmith.
To remove a pin, using the screwdriver from before, press up on the underside of the wafer, and grasp the wafer on the top with a pair of small plyers. With steady force pull straight up and the wafer should release. BE CAREFUL OF THE SPRING BELOW, you do NOT want to loose or damage that. The spring sits under the hook on the side of the wafer.
4513894


waffers are numbered 1-4, depending on the depth, you may need to shave the wafer a little bit to get a perfect fit.
Once done, all 3 wafers should be smooth with the top of the cylinder.
4513895


GOOD Luck and happy rekeying!
 
#10 ·
I know I'm reviving a dead post but this is the primary link of when you hit the forums searching for center console rekeying. I wasnt able to find an really solid how to's so I figured my first post for the forums should be this.

Step one is removing your center console lock, from the inside of the console, unscrew the small hex screw in the bottom of the lock and the sleeve should slide off, allowing you to remove the lock from the top of the console cover. So you know now, you need a working key to do this the rest of this, otherwise, take it to a locksmith who can do it right.
View attachment 4513889
Step two, align the key in the unlocked position with the small groove facing up. Using a small but sturdy pin, your going to press down on the lock release inside that groove. It will only press if the lock is in the unlocked position and popped out. I used s 3/64th precision screwdriver but a large paperclip will work if you can put enough pressure behind it without it bending.
View attachment 4513890

Step three, with the button pressed in, turn the key PAST the unlock position (counter clockwise) until it clicks a few mm further turned. then you can remove the press pin or screwdriver.
View attachment 4513891

Step four, continue to turn the key in a counter clockwise motion till the cylinder releases from the inner sleeve.
View attachment 4513892

From here you can access the key wafers(pins) and see what your current pin out is. You can pick up a new set on ebay or your local locksmith.
To remove a pin, using the screwdriver from before, press up on the underside of the wafer, and grasp the wafer on the top with a pair of small plyers. With steady force pull straight up and the wafer should release. BE CAREFUL OF THE SPRING BELOW, you do NOT want to loose or damage that. The spring sits under the hook on the side of the wafer.
View attachment 4513894

waffers are numbered 1-4, depending on the depth, you may need to shave the wafer a little bit to get a perfect fit.
Once done, all 3 wafers should be smooth with the top of the cylinder.
View attachment 4513895

GOOD Luck and happy rekeying!
Welcome to the Forum, from Cave Creek AZ.
 
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