DeLorean keys and locks

All DeLoreans use the same ignition key - part number 109100 - improved quality reproduction molded head key blanks are available from all the full-service vendors for less than $13 each.

The ignition key is the same key that is used on the locking gas cap (if fitted to your car) and the locking compartment behind the driver's seat. The DeLorean glove box was never fitted with a lock from the factory.

If possible, try and have the key cut from the key code - DMC (Texas) has written this downloadable article on how to locate your key code. You can also contact us as we have several thousand keycode records from the factory. DMC (Texas) also cuts keys to code, as well.

If you cannot locate a key code for your car, but have an existing copy, we can usually decode it from a good, close-up photo of the key. In the unhappy event that you have lost your keys, and do not have or cannot get the code for your car, a trip to a locksmith is definitely in your future.

It is a good idea to locate the key code on your car NOW so that you have it for the future. If you can't locate the code, take a good photograph of the key and keep it with your car records. It may come in handy someday!

Two different styles of door locks were used on the DeLorean. They can be identified by their exterior appearance. Early style locks are all black in appearance, as shown below:

The later style locks have a black ring around the center silver circle where the key is inserted, as, shown here:

These later style locks use the same 109100 ignition key described above, hence the description "one-key" system. If you have the late style locks and the key does not work in your ignition, odds are that your door locks were changed at some point and were not keyed to match your ignition. They can be re-keyed to match your ignition by your nearest DMC dealer.

If you have the early style (two key, one for doors and a different one for the ignition) locks, your original door key contained a little light bulb and battery. There are no more known stocks of ORIGINAL key blanks for these locks, though generic key blanks (Curtis Industries BL-1 or Ilco X169) can also be used.

On VIN's PRIOR to 4200, the door key code will probably be written underneath the drivers side headliner. It will be a 4 digit number starting with a three or five, and possibly prefixed with the letters "WR", as in "WR5004". THIS IS NOT THE CODE FOR YOUR IGNITION. Instances of the key code for the ignition being written under the headliners of a pre-4201 VIN are few and far between. If your car doesn't have anything written under the door headliners, contact us as we do have an incomplete list of keycodes by VIN, but we may have one for your car. There are also known instances where the locks were changed on a car after it left the factory, meaning that the code written under the headliners will no longer be correct.

In later (post-4200 VIN) cars, the code will start with "K" or "7", end with "X" and is the code for the one-key that operates all locks. See this article for details.

In the unhappy event that you have lost your keys, and do not have or cannot get the code for your car, a trip to a locksmith is definitely in your future. If your early style door locks are damaged, odds are that your local locksmith will NOT be able to repair them. Removing the early style locks usually breaks the plastic clip that holds them in place, and this clip (nor the whole lock assembly) is no longer available. Unless you are dealing with a concours car, consider upgrading to the later style locks and having them keyed to your ignition key. This is a relatively simple DIY (do-it-yourself) task that can be accomplished in a few hours. Contact your nearest DMC dealer for details on this option.

Written by James Espey, DeLorean Motor Company (Texas)

Revised 6/23/16 DAS [minor edits and links]

Article ID: 9, Created: 9/13/2010 at 9:25 AM, Modified: 7/23/2021 at 2:03 PM

Was this article helpful?

Share this article