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The key i had made at the hardware for my 96 Vette will not go into the ignition, do i have to get one made at the dealership?
You don't need a dealership key BUT you do need a correct key. I'm guessing that you were sold a key that doesn't have the VATS resistance chip embedded and it's also the wrong "key-way". The "key-way" is what's restricting the insertion.
Does your new key have a "letter" stamped into one side of the blade OR maybe a generic hardware blank would only have a reference on the key head.
If the resistance chip is in the key then maybe you were sold a "double-sided" blank that would do later C5 Corvettes.
Thanks i will return the key, i only needed a door key anyway in case i locked my ignition key in the car.The door key works.
If you only have a "single" ignition key it might be considered wise to get a second. Get the resistance value of yours confirmed and purchase where appropriate. Maybe an exchange for the correct at the hardware store since they've already got your money?
If you only have a "single" ignition key it might be considered wise to get a second. Get the resistance value of yours confirmed and purchase where appropriate. Maybe an exchange for the correct at the hardware store since they've already got your money?
Thanks, i have another ignition key, I am sure the hardware will return my money, $2.50.
You can buy resistance key blanks on-line, and have them cut anywhere. Just measure the resistance on your existing ignition key to get the correct blank. (I would never want to be in the situation of having only one key and then losing it). No need to go to a dealership.
Thanks, i have another ignition key, I am sure the hardware will return my money, $2.50.
anothe key would be good idea evan with two the chip can go bad after 20 years. I have never seen them at a hardware store 15 differant chips and more money.
anothe key would be good idea evan with two the chip can go bad after 20 years. I have never seen them at a hardware store 15 differant chips and more money.
More than "TWO" if they work is foolish and a waste of money! If the key cylinder fails and you elected to replace the cylinder "NONE" of your current keys will work - FOOLISH WASTE OF MONEY IF YOU HAVE TWO!!
More than "TWO" if they work is foolish and a waste of money! If the key cylinder fails and you elected to replace the cylinder "NONE" of your current keys will work - FOOLISH WASTE OF MONEY IF YOU HAVE TWO!!
both of my keys stoped working in the same month when I was in upper michigan. I am sure glad I ( wasted) my money it would have been a long walk with a pissed of wife. money well spent.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Sep 21, 2015 at 01:21 PM.
both of my keys stoped working in the same month when I was in upper michigan. I am sure glad I ( wasted) my money it would have been a long walk with a pissed of wife. money well spent.
Do I find that unlikely? Certainly! The odds likely approach astronomical.
If the OP has a relationship with a GM dealer he might get the key information, confirm and carry with the information with him but more than "two" is foolish so long as they both currently work.
I measured the one key that I had to find the resistance value. Then I found key blanks on the auction site (I found 2 for $6 each). I read that the dealer will cut them for free, so I asked mine about it. I even told them that I already had the blanks. They said no problem. The cut the two keys I bought for no charge. I also read a couple other posts that the dealer did it for them at no cost also.
Do I find that unlikely? Certainly! The odds likely approach astronomical.
If the OP has a relationship with a GM dealer he might get the key information, confirm and carry with the information with him but more than "two" is foolish so long as they both currently work.
but the key starts the car much better than the infomation and bought two more as soon as I could. if original they are old and worn and can quit anytime and never at a good time.
I measured the one key that I had to find the resistance value. Then I found key blanks on the auction site (I found 2 for $6 each). I read that the dealer will cut them for free, so I asked mine about it. I even told them that I already had the blanks. They said no problem. The cut the two keys I bought for no charge. I also read a couple other posts that the dealer did it for them at no cost also.
not a C4, but my new C5 (well new to me 2000), when i bought it, it only had 1 key.
my mechanic friend did some calls for me quick (he knows local people better than i), and this local locksmith would make a duplicate key for about $50. so i went and had one made.
the cost of the key at the chevy dealership would have been $75, and i would have had to wait for them to get a key ordered in with the resistor in it. the local guy was funny, he said to me: boy i haven't seen one of these keys in a long while, but yet he had one in stock for me!!! kind of funny.
Do I find that unlikely? Certainly! The odds likely approach astronomical.
If the OP has a relationship with a GM dealer he might get the key information, confirm and carry with the information with him but more than "two" is foolish so long as they both currently work.
People continue to call the resistor pellet a "chip" when it has absolutely no electronic components other than a fixed resistor. There is nothing to "wear out" internally. The only thing to destroy them is over voltage or physical mechanical damage.
not a C4, but my new C5 (well new to me 2000), when i bought it, it only had 1 key.
my mechanic friend did some calls for me quick (he knows local people better than i), and this local locksmith would make a duplicate key for about $50. so i went and had one made.
the cost of the key at the chevy dealership would have been $75, and i would have had to wait for them to get a key ordered in with the resistor in it. the local guy was funny, he said to me: boy i haven't seen one of these keys in a long while, but yet he had one in stock for me!!! kind of funny.
I would have waited. Online you can get a key blank for about $14 and the dealer will cut it for free.
I won't debate the online purchasing choices but if the key isn't an NOS GM, Briggs & Stratton or STRATTEC I wouldn't bother. Often enough you'll receive "other than" the requested resistance but if the key isn't branded as these I'd just leave it alone.
but the key starts the car much better than the infomation and bought two more as soon as I could. if original they are old and worn and can quit anytime and never at a good time.
cheap piece of mind. 
