TPIJay

I am trying to get an extra set of keys for my Vette and am trying to figure out which resistor my key has. Can anyone tell me how to figure out which key i have? Everything I have read tells me there is 15 different keys. What can i do to determine which resistor is in my key? Any help is very much appreciated.

Pete K

You can ohm test the key and compare it to the chart that has the values. I have seen the chart here. Possibly in the FAQ section.

jabez

Why don't you just take it to a key maker that can measure your pellet and just make your keys there?

wilsonbh

Hello: This is how I determined my Vats number for my key. I then went to eBay and bought a blank for $12 and once it arrived, I took it to ACE and they cut it for me for $1. My local locksmith wanted $30. I saved a little money, just a little, but the satisfaction was enormous.

Bill

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How to determine the Value of your key?

By chance you may know what vats key you now have. Most people do not. There are basically two ways to determine what vats key you have. Remember, there are 15 different possibilities. First, your key can be " read " in a vats tester. Most locksmiths have these readers, and don’t charge anything to tell you. There is a way for you to read the key value yourself. If you have a Volt Meter you can test the OHMS (The Value) of the chip yourself. Just set your Voltmeter to check to 20 K OHMS Take each lead and place it on each side of the " chip " on your key. A number will appear. Take that number on your voltmeter and apply it to the OHMS chart below. Keep in mind that it may not be exact. Just pick the closest value to your reading. I do realize that some of you don’t even know what a Volt Meter is, not to mention having one. So there is a great alternative for you. Just take your key to a Radio Shack, or your local Auto Mechanic. Ask them to do as I described above.

THIS CHART IS FOR ANY GM PRODUCT, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, AND PONTIAC THAT HAS A VATS KEY, SINGLE OR DOUBLE SIDED KEY.



VATS # k OHMS

1———— 0.402

2———— 0.523

3———— 0.681

4————-0.887

5————-1.130

6————-1.470

7————-1.870

8————-2.370

9————-3.010

10————3.740

11————4.750

12————6.040

13————7.500

14————9.530

15————11.801

CMYC4GO

Most Ace Hardware stores have a key reader, and will cut you a new key for under $20

ZRWON

Here's another source to get single and double sided GM VAT keys, $3.95 each, once you know the VATs # code (resistance in ohms) as "wilsonbh" posted in his VAT table
http://clksupplies.com/shop/index.php?cPath=24_26_66
or phone them @ 1-800-848-6989 They are most helpful, S&H is inexpensive and fast.
My local Ace doesn't sell blank VAT keys and the locksmiths were selling and cutting for $45-$70 (Cehv dealer was >$80 with tax). Ace did cut my blanks for a couple bucks each. We've had several C4 VAT keys made for club members this way. Average cost this way is < $10 per key.

murraybob

I had a dup VATs key made for my 88 at a local key shop. There was no problem and it worked fine.

rws.1

I had a duplicate key made at a local shop that worked firn the first year, but this summer it was getting stuck in the cylinder.
I lubed the cylinder, checked to make sure the reverse lockout was aligned, But still the replacment key kept sticking.

i went back to the orginal key and it works fine...
the learning is to ensure any key is cut by a competent locksmith.

BADDUCK

I got the dealer to read my key, ordered a new one from CLK for $3.95 ea., and a local hardware store cut it for free cause they don't guarantee resistor keys!

ZRWON

Worse yet pity the poor guy (in our club) that went to a hotshot key cutter in the local shopping mall who promised him he could make one that works for only $3. Later he tried it; worked and turned in the steering column...radio and all else worked BUT the starter didn't work. He didn't know the VAT code controls starter and injectors. The one he had made for the door lock worked fine.
Got what he paid for...almost...

VetteUSA

Does anyone know if these key codes changed through the years, or did these resistance codes stay the same, ie is there any difference from '86 - '93? ?

GIJoe

Check my VATS site to find out how to find out what key you have. Pics included.

www.joestradingpost.com/vats

Its in the Pass Key Ignition Switch Bypass section, 1st set of steps shows you how to get the key's resistance measured and to find out what Key Code you have, then where to order the keys from.

RacerX70CC

I use a VATS Interrogator to determine what key to use.

trulytex

Go to any GM Dealer and they have a VATS Interrigator to test the key. Takes about 30 seconds. The write it on the inside cover of your owners' manual.

93*Corvette

ZRWON hit it right on the head !!! ...CLK Supplies is the way to go. Keys are only $3.25... Just take them to Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and have the blacks cut. These places use the same key manufactures called "ACCESS". You will have them cut the VATS key as they would to cut a ACCESS #4 key. BTW the ACCESS #4 key is the blank you use if you decide to remove your VATS. It's basically the key without the pellet.
As far as measuring your key, here is a picture that I posted previously. The top one will tell you what the resistance is (which I made to tell you which resistor to use to bypass your VATS). The bottom will tell you how to read your key.

TPIJay

Thank you all very much. I was not expecting this much feedback. I do have a volt/ohm meter and will be checking it tonight. Thank you guys once again!!

cyclerage23

nice