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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 11:20 AM
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Default Extra key

I need an extra key for my 95. Several places that advertise making Chip keys do not have a listing for this. I gather it is a resistor rather than a microchip. Any recomendations other than the Stealership?
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by StatmanRN
I need an extra key for my 95. Several places that advertise making Chip keys do not have a listing for this. I gather it is a resistor rather than a microchip. Any recomendations other than the Stealership?
Stealership - interesting comment!
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 11:31 AM
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You need to check the resistance in the chip in the key. Then find a key maker than can make the key with the same chip.
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 11:47 AM
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If the '95 is new to you the dealership might be the best source. A couple of reasons, if you take your registration and personal identification for a '95 MY a key code request from the dealer to GM might return a key code with the "resistance" value.

The dealership can "drop" your key to confirm the resistance of the key in your hand and duplicate it - no problem.

If you have them do the key request which they can charge for but depending upon your "relationship" with the dealer is often waived, if the key in your hand is a match to the build of the car and if you were 500 miles away from home you lost your keys you could have a dealer request the codes and know that they would work and get you home.

When you swing the door open to the parts department try not to let your attitude show.

The key is just like the car in your profile "except" that it's single sided.

If the price is reasonable for the key request you might ask that they maybe check your '01 also. It's good to have information regardless of the number of keys that you have.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 12, 2014 at 11:51 AM.
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 12:24 PM
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IF you have lost your only key, then you're relegated to do as WVZR-1 suggests. However, if you just need a duplicate made, most professional locksmiths will be able to read the resistance for the VATS chip imbedded in the key and cut a copy with the appropriate chip.

If, however, you are dealing with a lessor equipped key maker you can read the resistance between the contacts on either side of the imbedded VATS key chip with a volt-ohm meter and comparing it to the chart below, you can have the proper key duplicated using the proper blank.



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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul Workman
IF you have lost your only key, then you're relegated to do as WVZR-1 suggests. However, if you just need a duplicate made, most professional locksmiths will be able to read the resistance for the VATS chip imbedded in the key and cut a copy with the appropriate chip.

If, however, you are dealing with a lessor equipped key maker you can read the resistance between the contacts on either side of the imbedded VATS key chip with a volt-ohm meter and comparing it to the chart below, you can have the proper key duplicated using the proper blank.

All of that of course works BUT it seems a "new to him" with a single so the best visit for him is the dealer - he learns a good bit about the key he's holding as to whether it's a match to the build to cover future losses. If the key request is returned to the dealer with the VATS information and the mechanical cut of the key is a match to GM records he's covered for future losses!
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Old Mar 12, 2014 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by StatmanRN
I need an extra key for my 95. Several places that advertise making Chip keys do not have a listing for this. I gather it is a resistor rather than a microchip. Any recomendations other than the Stealership?
Had new keys made today for 92 coupe...previous bad keys at Ace...expensive at dealers...

today went to local locksmith... new correct ignition key $30, glove box key 1.75 without black rubber, 4 bucks with..
checked keys before leaving parking lot....all good...
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 12:06 PM
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If you can measure the resistance of the key yourself you can determine the VATs code (see URL below). The dealership will charge you for a new key. Once you know the code, you could buy a blank (i found one on ebay) then have lowes/HD cut the key.

http://www.vatskey.com/vats/vatskeylock.htm
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Burt_hacker
If you can measure the resistance of the key yourself you can determine the VATs code (see URL below). The dealership will charge you for a new key. Once you know the code, you could buy a blank (i found one on ebay) then have lowes/HD cut the key. http://www.vatskey.com/vats/vatskeylock.htm
Just what I needed. Thanks!
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 02:25 PM
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All good information.

My only suggestion is get 2 keys made. I have had some unique problems and my outlook is you can't have too many keys. I have 3. One home, one with me and one is a secret place. The inconvenience of not having a key is worth $25 to me any day of the week.

I like going to a locksmith. My guy charges me $25 per key.
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by pcolt94
All good information.

My only suggestion is get 2 keys made. I have had some unique problems and my outlook is you can't have too many keys. I have 3. One home, one with me and one is a secret place. The inconvenience of not having a key is worth $25 to me any day of the week.

I like going to a locksmith. My guy charges me $25 per key.
The very reason why I suggested the "dealership" for the visit. The OP can confirm the key that he "holds" is done to the original build of the car (both ignition and the door), if the resistance code is transmitted to the dealer with the request the OP then can confirm that aspect also. A '95 key request might generate the original resistance code. NOT all year requests will!!

He's assured that if all "match" if the keys are lost anywhere - the key information from a dealer will work and he can save the locksmith fees that might be incurred.
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Old Mar 13, 2014 | 06:51 PM
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I bought mine on Ebay they are many for sell for $10 or less with the GM logos. I just measure the resistance made sure I got the correct ones and then to it to a local locksmith that charged $1 a key to cut them. For less than $25 I had two extra ignition keys.
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Old Mar 17, 2014 | 10:25 PM
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Mine arrived in the mail today. Ran down to the depot and had it cut. Fit perfect and fired up. All for about $10.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:24 AM
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Thank you, I only received one set of keys, so I needed this information, too.

I did get a door key from Ace Hardware, but they didn't have the ignition key blank. My existing key measured right near the design value, so I knew what to order.

I'm not too worried about the original factory value (my car has had some "rebuilding" done to it) as long as I know the current value.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 06:46 PM
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Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

WVZR-1, I get the distinct feeling you may work for [or be] a dealer!
I have had bad luck with the local Chevy dealers in recent years. In the Past I had a friend whose Father owned one dealership, and I had close ties with another via the RV industry and the chevy zone office. But lately, not so much. Hence my "stealership" comment. Have had good luck with GM parts house, who is a vendor on here.
You make a good point re the key code down the road. I may give them a shot.
Also good pickup on the profile pic. I am mostly on the C5 forum. I have had my 95 ~12 years, only had the one key all that time. Resurecting it for a second car for the GF.
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