determining VATS
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7
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determining VATS
good morning , i have a 1992 coupe with no ignition key, how can i determine which of the 15 options is the right VATS code key for my car without going through every key from the dealership? Hope someone can help, extremely frustrated.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
The first thing I'd try is to take proof of ownership to a GM dealer and see if the the key info is on file. I can tell you it's definitely hit or miss with records this old, but maybe you'll get lucky.
If that doesn't work you can try to see if the dealer or a local locksmith has a VATS Interrogator.
If you strike out there you can do what I did when I lost my one and only set of keys years back. I first bought and installed a new ignition lock cylinder. The new cylinder comes with a generic key with no VATS pellet, but it will at least allow you to turn the ignition. I then followed the VATS wires from the ignition to a connector. I unplugged the connector and then proceeded to duplicate all 15 possible VATS resistances until I got the car to fire. I then took the key I got with the new cylinder and the resistance I'd found to a GM dealer and had them cut multiple spare keys. The whole project took me a few days, but I got the car running.
If that doesn't work you can try to see if the dealer or a local locksmith has a VATS Interrogator.
If you strike out there you can do what I did when I lost my one and only set of keys years back. I first bought and installed a new ignition lock cylinder. The new cylinder comes with a generic key with no VATS pellet, but it will at least allow you to turn the ignition. I then followed the VATS wires from the ignition to a connector. I unplugged the connector and then proceeded to duplicate all 15 possible VATS resistances until I got the car to fire. I then took the key I got with the new cylinder and the resistance I'd found to a GM dealer and had them cut multiple spare keys. The whole project took me a few days, but I got the car running.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,414
Likes: 2,745
The wisest move get codes from dealer - generally speaking the VATS ID on something older than '93MY the code will likely NOT be included with the key code request. Maybe? Yes !! You WILL NEED Current title (your name) or current registration and picture ID that is a match!
Get a VATS work key cut to the mechanical code of the key. If it rotates you're most of the way there. There's no chip but it's inexpensive. Then if the VATS was included with key code give it a go!
VATS work key: 26007687
Good - luck !!!!!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jun 27, 2012 at 07:49 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
The first time through the list I messed up the resistances.
It was very frustrating, but a nice sense of accomplishment when it roared to life.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Okeechobee FL
Check to see how much for a new lock cylinder with new keys. I think that the dealership can reprogram the car's computer to the new VATS code.
I think that you can also send your computer module to someone and have the VATS program removed.
I think that you can also send your computer module to someone and have the VATS program removed.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,414
Likes: 2,745
Where are you actually located?
Your original post was WED so I'd certainly think if you have all of the required documents you've been to a dealer and have what information was available. Did the VATS information come with the key request to the dealer? Might be useful information for others with older 'MY GM vehicles.
Your original post was WED so I'd certainly think if you have all of the required documents you've been to a dealer and have what information was available. Did the VATS information come with the key request to the dealer? Might be useful information for others with older 'MY GM vehicles.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jun 30, 2012 at 07:14 PM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Where are you actually located?
Your original post was WED so I'd certainly think if you have all of the required documents you've been to a dealer and have what information was available. Did the VATS information come with the key request to the dealer? Might be useful information for others with older 'MY GM vehicles.
Your original post was WED so I'd certainly think if you have all of the required documents you've been to a dealer and have what information was available. Did the VATS information come with the key request to the dealer? Might be useful information for others with older 'MY GM vehicles.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
So GM didn't have any key/vats info on file for your VIN?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,414
Likes: 2,745
If you've got the required documents go to the same or different GM dealer with it in hand. Any GM dealer can help you, they're not obligated but are generally responsive. You've lost keys and you'd like them to do a KEY REQUEST through their GM Direct inquiry system. The parts department is generally where this would be initiated.
You remain very vague about what you've actually attempted.
There's knowledge here but it requires accurate information!
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Did you actually hand them registration and a picture ID for ownership confirmation or did you just ask? I doubt a Canadian inquiry would be that dramatically different than a USA request! I believe at least the mechanical component would be available with a VIN request here in the US.
If you've got the required documents go to the same or different GM dealer with it in hand. Any GM dealer can help you, they're not obligated but are generally responsive. You've lost keys and you'd like them to do a KEY REQUEST through their GM Direct inquiry system. The parts department is generally where this would be initiated.
You remain very vague about what you've actually attempted.
There's knowledge here but it requires accurate information!
If you've got the required documents go to the same or different GM dealer with it in hand. Any GM dealer can help you, they're not obligated but are generally responsive. You've lost keys and you'd like them to do a KEY REQUEST through their GM Direct inquiry system. The parts department is generally where this would be initiated.
You remain very vague about what you've actually attempted.
There's knowledge here but it requires accurate information!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 101
From: Pendleton IN
slow down my american friend, dont be so quick to insult me, i have asked the dealership what my options are on three occasions, and have e-mailed Bowling Green Assembly plant as well. I simply posted a straight forward question wondering if anyone had been in the same situation, any advice i have received i appreciate , any insults.....not so much, and unlike most Canadians im one mean, tough, son of a bitch.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,414
Likes: 2,745
slow down my american friend, dont be so quick to insult me, i have asked the dealership what my options are on three occasions, and have e-mailed Bowling Green Assembly plant as well. I simply posted a straight forward question wondering if anyone had been in the same situation, any advice i have received i appreciate , any insults.....not so much, and unlike most Canadians im one mean, tough, son of a bitch.