Key question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 42
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From: Bowling Green KY
Key question
I just got a 91, and there's only one set of keys with it. I want to get an extra set, but the ignition key I have has no resistor. There is just a hole in the key where the resistor should be.
Is it possible to get a key made with no resistor?
Is it possible to get a key made with no resistor?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,066
Likes: 3
From: Milpitas ca
Originally Posted by gotn2o?
I just got a 91, and there's only one set of keys with it. I want to get an extra set, but the ignition key I have has no resistor. There is just a hole in the key where the resistor should be.
Is it possible to get a key made with no resistor?
Is it possible to get a key made with no resistor?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,794
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I do not know it the '91 was a VATS era model or not.
IF it was and your resistor is missing... someone did a VATS bypass.
IF it wasn't or someone did, you don't need to worry about it...
other than a non VATS car has had a key part of the theft deterent system removed and your car is a lot easier to steal
IF it was and your resistor is missing... someone did a VATS bypass.
IF it wasn't or someone did, you don't need to worry about it...
other than a non VATS car has had a key part of the theft deterent system removed and your car is a lot easier to steal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 42
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From: Bowling Green KY
It seems that it was a VATS car, since the key has a spot for the reistor. My first step is to get an extra key or two in case we lose this one. My second step is to see if the VATS is bypassed, and see if I want to re-enable it to prevent theft.
I may leave it alone, and get a different theft deterrent.
Thanks.
I may leave it alone, and get a different theft deterrent.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The key with the pellet showed up in 86 and continued on thru the end of the C4 run. You can get a VATS Bypass wiring connector that effectively disables the factory VATS system. The keys with the pellets are pricey and you may find that a dealer will require ID and proof of registration to duplicate a VATS key. Lockshops should be able to make a key too. There are 14 different combinations of key based on the resistance value of the pellet.
I think you would be better off to get the correct key and if the VATS system is working, you can disable it by getting the so-called VATS Bypass connector from the various accessory catalogs.
I think you would be better off to get the correct key and if the VATS system is working, you can disable it by getting the so-called VATS Bypass connector from the various accessory catalogs.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Redmond Wa
I had the same issue with my '91 when I bought it.... one one set of keys.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
The problem I think you might run into is that you don't have a pellet. The dealer has a cool little device that they stick your original key into. This device reads the resistance of the pellet which indicates which key they need to seel you. I don't know how you know which key to buy if you don't have a pellet to start with.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
The problem I think you might run into is that you don't have a pellet. The dealer has a cool little device that they stick your original key into. This device reads the resistance of the pellet which indicates which key they need to seel you. I don't know how you know which key to buy if you don't have a pellet to start with.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Bowling Green KY
Originally Posted by Grace91
I had the same issue with my '91 when I bought it.... one one set of keys.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
The problem I think you might run into is that you don't have a pellet. The dealer has a cool little device that they stick your original key into. This device reads the resistance of the pellet which indicates which key they need to seel you. I don't know how you know which key to buy if you don't have a pellet to start with.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
The problem I think you might run into is that you don't have a pellet. The dealer has a cool little device that they stick your original key into. This device reads the resistance of the pellet which indicates which key they need to seel you. I don't know how you know which key to buy if you don't have a pellet to start with.
If I keep down that road, I'll need to know what ant-theft devoces other people have used effectively. Any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by gotn2o?
I agree. That's what makes me reluctant to try to revive the VATS if it's not broken. If the key without the pellet works, and I can duplicate pelletless keys, then I may just go with that concept.
If I keep down that road, I'll need to know what ant-theft devoces other people have used effectively. Any suggestions?
If I keep down that road, I'll need to know what ant-theft devoces other people have used effectively. Any suggestions?
Don't spend $40 at a dealer when you can get a blank pellet key for $15 and take to a hardware store and get it cut for a couple of bucks.
just enter ===> vats where it says "Keyword or Eckler Part#"
http://www.ecklers.com/find.asp?mscs...6VX0AWTK293EAC
Last edited by MikeC4; Mar 26, 2005 at 04:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
You will have an issue if you find the bypass and remove that resistor. Don't have my manual handy, but the resistance value is stored in (I think) the CCM. It is seeing the bypass as the correct value and allows you to start the car. When you find the by pass, you can get the resistance read at Radio Shack (or do it yourself with a DVM), match it up to the resistor chart (someone posted it a while ago) and get a key with that value cut. That way you will have a fully functional VATS.
OK, so I'm second with the info.....
OK, so I'm second with the info.....
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 13,002
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From: Paint Hill NC
My 88 was like that when I bought it too. The PO removed the pellet and soldered it into the wires running up the steering column. Take a good look under the dash. If I remember correctly (it's been years) the wires are both yellow and very small gauge.
Harold
Harold
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Bowling Green KY
Thanks. I'm seriously considering leaving it alone.
If I do so, what are some good anti-theft / alarm devices?
The remote is also missing from the car, so an aftermarket solution may be in the future.
If I do so, what are some good anti-theft / alarm devices?
The remote is also missing from the car, so an aftermarket solution may be in the future.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
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key
ok i have read post here for like two years i dont post much mostley read em the vats system is a recall item dealer has to fix for free no mater how old your car is they recalled them because the vats system wasent reconizing the keys leaving motorest stranded mine used to do it it would start fine then once in a blue moon it would not start come back 20 min later starts fine go to gm recall or auto zone . com they have recall info at auto zone.com if its a recall and they have not done it yet they will replace vats and cut you new keys also recalled is the brake sensore on top of master cylender it can cause loss of brakes with no warning call dealer tell them you have recalled stuff not yet done they have to fix it it is the law hope this helps 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,066
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From: Milpitas ca
Originally Posted by Grace91
I had the same issue with my '91 when I bought it.... one one set of keys.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
I had to go to the dealership and show them my title before they would cut me a new pellet embedded key. I think it was about $40.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 42
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From: Bowling Green KY
Went to Lowes and had them cut a door and ignition key both. They screwed up the ignition key match, it won't turn. I'll have to get them to try again.
Checked the recall info from the NHTSA. No VATS recall for a 91.
I may look to see if it's bypassed, but I think I'm gonna leave it alone, get a couple of extra keys, and look for a decent aftermarket security system.
Checked the recall info from the NHTSA. No VATS recall for a 91.
I may look to see if it's bypassed, but I think I'm gonna leave it alone, get a couple of extra keys, and look for a decent aftermarket security system.