How do you program a new/spare igition key?
 

2002 C5 A4

Currently with only one ignition key...

I did a few quick searches here to learn how to program an additional ignition key I am going to p/u from the dealer, but haven't found any mention of the procedure. Unless it's buried in another thread somewhere or I just plain missed it. Anyway, I hope my question is not a stupid one...

I know how to program additional keys for some of the newer GM vehicles provided you have a known working key. Would my '02 C5 be the same?

1) Using a known, working key, turn the ignition to the "run" position.

2) Wait for the SECURITY light to turn off.

3) Turn ignition to the OFF position and remove key.

4) Insert new key to be programmed in ignition and turn to RUN position

5) Wait for SECURITY light to turn off.

6) Start vehicle with new key....

The key does not "program". It just needs to be mechanically "cut" to fit and also have the same "resistance" pellet. That is the black thing with the metal bar on each side. It is easy to measure the resistance and any good key cutter shop can match you up. There are only about a dozen or so resistances used in the C5 but it has to match to work. Any dealer can do it but it may cost more than a local key shop.

You could measure the OHM resistance with a meter and buy the key blanks at Ebay and have it cut at your local hardware store. All together was like $15

Ok. Thanks. I buy a ton of parts from our local dealers and get wholesale prices, so I guess buy ordering it using the VIN# they will look up the key code and cut it on the appropriate blank.

Stealership for a key??? Bet they stick you for at least 50 bucks if not more.

It will be quicker to take out an ohm meter and do it yourself..And get the key from ebay and have it cut like someone above said. its easy and should be less then 30 bucks...The dealer charges 50 just to tell you what it is.

Pass Key Codes:

To check your key value:

Set your digital volt meter to “ohms mode” and measure the value across the pellet.

The 15 VATS key codes are:

Resistance Value (Ohms)

1 0.402 (acceptable range .386-.438)

2 0.523 (acceptable range .502-.564)

3 0.681 (acceptable range .650-.728)

4 0.887 (acceptable range .850-.942)

5 1.130 (acceptable range 1.085-1.195)

6 1.470 (acceptable range 1.411-1.549)

7 1.870 (acceptable range 1.795-1.965)

8 2.370 (acceptable range 2.275-2.485)

9 3.010 (acceptable range 2.890-3.150)

10 3.740 (acceptable range 3.590-3.910)

11 4.750 (acceptable range 4.560-4.960)

12 6.040 (acceptable range 5.798-6.302)

13 7.500 (acceptable range 7.200-7.820)

14 9.530 (acceptable range 9.149-9.931)

15 11.801 (acceptable range 11.320-12.290)


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...eter-help.html

$75 for me. I did it last year. I had no other choice, since the key that came with the car was so worn out I was having trouble starting the car with it. No point in making a copy of that.

Well I really appreciate the info you guys have provided. As for buying parts from the dealer. I pick my pieces, so to speak. The key was yesterday for my cost of $22.37 and was cut for free ( I buy a lot of parts). Best part is I now have it....the following day...without freight. Hope it works tonight when I get home to test it!!! Thanks again.

Fleebay keys about $10
 

Can get a pellet key for about $10 on fleebay and get it cut by a locksmith for less than $2. Have done this for VATS and also PATS keys. Check resistance of pellet with a DVM and use the chart in a post above this one.