Hi, I been looking around the forum, but couldn't find anything pertaining to whether I need to replace my ignition.

The thing is I had an accident with my 2002 RL, and I kept the car at my friend's place, but he lost the key. So I went to the dealer, and they said that I have to change the ignition, because that was the only key I had.


Is this my only option? I would appreciate anyone who can help.

 

If that was the only key you had and you don't even have the valet key available, then yes you have to replace the ignition to get a new red key to program the immobilizer. I think they can cut a new physical key with your VIN number, but the immobilizer in the 1st gen RL required the RED key to program.

If you had a working key, they could copy the chip in the key to make a new key without needing to program the immobilizer. But if you have no working keys, you need to reprogram the immobilizer and only the red key will allow that.