[Klamalama]

My car came with wheel locks installed. At delivery, they gave me a small bag with the original nuts. I've completely forgotten about them. Where I live, wheel theft isn't a problem or concern.

So I'm cleaning the car this morning, and I notice them. Hmm, I should find the key and make sure it's in a safe place, that I can remember. I find the bag, open it, NO KEY? Hmm, there is a tag saying that, if I mail it to McGard (with $14.99, plus postage) they'll send me a key.

This whole kit has a Nissan part # 999W2-JT000

So Infiniti sells me locks that can't be removed without paying more money. This is akin to buying the car or a house, and learning that the keys are extra.

What corporate idiot thought of this BS?

Am I going into rant mode for nothing? Anyone else have a similar experience?

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I did have wheel locks on my beloved 2001 Acura CL Type-S 6MT. Purchased them myself because, at the time, I lived in Philly. One time I got a flat at about 5 AM on I-95, and it was raining lightly. Using the wheel lock key, I change the tire to the temp spare (which leaked at the stem - didn't know, never used it), but forgetfully left the said key on the dark shoulder. I recalled all this later that evening when I nursed the car to a repair place and can't give them the key. No problem for them. They've seen this before. For a small charge, they can remove the wheel locks (they do become destroyed) and, for an additional small charge, they can install original nuts.

I'll never forget that day. Due to the leaking valve stem on the temporary spare, pressure would hold for about 5 miles. I had a pump that took about 5 minutes to refill the tire. That day I had to travel about 90 miles on the spare. You do the math. Oh, and it rained, lightly, the entire day.

 

[WShade]

The dealer should have provided you with a key for the installed locks. The order form is for an extra key if so desired. I would call them up and if the original key is lost they should provide you with another set of locks. If a thief wants your wheels they are going to get them, locks or no locks. The locks will only slow them for a moment

 

[cvipgo]

Talk to your dealer, i bet the service dept when installed the wheel locks and may have forgotten to put the wheel lock key in your car, "Wshade" is right.

 

[Klamalama]

The dealer should have provided you with a key for the installed locks. The order form is for an extra key if so desired. I would call them up and if the original key is lost they should provide you with another set of locks. If a thief wants your wheels they are going to get them, locks or no locks. The locks will only slow them for a moment

WShade, thanks for that tip!

Now conjuring that I had possibly missed the key, I went on an expedition. First, I removed the cargo net which, because of the hybrid's smaller trunk, contains all the stuff that was stored in my BMW's wheel well (factory empty due to run flats). Second, I removed the all-weather trunk liner. Third, I removed the carpeting. There, was found the wheel lock, attached to a tire wrench. Hmm, wrench yes, jack no? Putting all that stuff back was more difficult. Personal Note: must remove lunar mission detailing items from trunk.

I noticed that the black styrofoam insert, that held the wrench, and recovery bolt, had molded areas for different items. Anyone know what items these spaces are designed for?

 

[mr.smith]

Yea, sounds like BS. Something is wrong with the situation. You shouldn't have to order a key. That is messed up.

 

[vices]

They usually leave the key in the glove. At least on all the cars I've bought. If anything, the instructions for mailing are for spare or replacement keys.

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[Sinecure]

Glad you found the key.

The molded styrofoam also has a place for a jack (which probably wasn't there, right?) and the other tools that come with a car with a spare.

 

[cvipgo]

This is no scam. All new car owners need to chk the check list sheet before you sign it before taking delivery, c'mon. People are in hurry but never pay attention and this is exactly what happens, making mountain of the mole.

 

[TAMPAQ50]

Check the jack handle sometimes they ziptie the key to it

 

[rpiotro]

Check the jack handle sometimes they ziptie the key to it

Yup, That's where mine was.

 

[rdelaserda]

I noticed that as well... was wondering what went into these additional compartments...?