Lost my only Ignition key
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Check with the dealer to see if they can get the correct key blank by the VIN. There are 14 different resistance values for the key so they need to know which key works. You may have to take your registration and picture ID to get a key.
The ignition cylinder can be removed and a key made to fit the existing cylinder or you can buy a new cylinder that typically includes a new key cut to fit and with the correct resistance.
The ignition cylinder can be removed and a key made to fit the existing cylinder or you can buy a new cylinder that typically includes a new key cut to fit and with the correct resistance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Check with the dealer to see if they can get the correct key blank by the VIN. There are 14 different resistance values for the key so they need to know which key works. You may have to take your registration and picture ID to get a key.
The ignition cylinder can be removed and a key made to fit the existing cylinder or you can buy a new cylinder that typically includes a new key cut to fit and with the correct resistance.
The ignition cylinder can be removed and a key made to fit the existing cylinder or you can buy a new cylinder that typically includes a new key cut to fit and with the correct resistance.
A dealer ship should be able make you a key from the VIN#. I think my dad ran into this same problem and they were able to use the VIN# for a new key. Unless the ignition cylinder has been changed from stock, this should not be a big problem.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Southington CT
i went to the dealer and they couldn't get the code by vin... But they loaned my a decoder device that lets you try all the codes until you find it. You then give them to code and they make a new key. Good luck
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 110
From: Austin Texas
Personally, I'd get a new cylinder from the dealer and have it installed.
The reason I say this is that the contacts inside the cylinder get corroded over time and eventually effect the resistance reading for the VATS, then you can't start the car and have to go through the "wait 10 minutes and retry"...
Chances are that it's the original ignition, and now is the perfect time to change it out. You'll get 2 keys with code tabs, keep 1 in a safe place and only use it to get a replacement key made from it. You'll never have an issue with the key not working if you do it that way (been there...done that).
Good luck...
The reason I say this is that the contacts inside the cylinder get corroded over time and eventually effect the resistance reading for the VATS, then you can't start the car and have to go through the "wait 10 minutes and retry"...
Chances are that it's the original ignition, and now is the perfect time to change it out. You'll get 2 keys with code tabs, keep 1 in a safe place and only use it to get a replacement key made from it. You'll never have an issue with the key not working if you do it that way (been there...done that).
Good luck...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Originally Posted by tsiawd1028
Hey guys, I lost my only ignition key, for my 87 vette. Any insight on getting a replacment key with the correct vats code? From the local dealer?
The same thing happened to me last year. Here's a thread discusing it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...m_id=48&arch=1
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Unless the dealer it was bought from keeps records longer... I don't think you will find that a GM dealer can access the key code from a VIN #...fora car over 10 years old.
It is one of the reasons, I cut a spare key and leave it in the safe deposit box.
It is one of the reasons, I cut a spare key and leave it in the safe deposit box.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Originally Posted by 88redvert
Unless the dealer it was bought from keeps records longer... I don't think you will find that a GM dealer can access the key code from a VIN #...fora car over 10 years old.
It is one of the reasons, I cut a spare key and leave it in the safe deposit box.
It is one of the reasons, I cut a spare key and leave it in the safe deposit box.
If its the same as when I went through this last year the "cut" code for the key may be on file but the "vats" code likely will not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Originally Posted by C4driver99
well the only thing you can do is to have a lock smith come to your house and put in a new cylinder and drill the old one out 
Last edited by 86PACER; Apr 3, 2006 at 06:57 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Unless you are the original owner, going to the dealer is not the best idea. You are taking a risk, because the ignition cylinder could have at one time been changed out. You have no way of knowing that. There won't be any record of that, and you won't get a refund from the dealer when your key does not work.
You might also consider just replacing the unit with a new cylinder key combo as suggested, since you have no way of knowing where the key is or who has it. If someone has it they can steal your car in a heart beat. I reused my old cylinder, as my original keys where lost in the desert far away overseas.
You might also consider just replacing the unit with a new cylinder key combo as suggested, since you have no way of knowing where the key is or who has it. If someone has it they can steal your car in a heart beat. I reused my old cylinder, as my original keys where lost in the desert far away overseas.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Centennial Colorado
Originally Posted by tsiawd1028
Hey guys, I lost my only ignition key, for my 87 vette. Any insight on getting a replacment key with the correct vats code? From the local dealer?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: richardson tx
Originally Posted by 93*Corvette
Just curious, do you have AAA. If you do, they send a locksmith out for free. The locksmith will have a "interigator" that will tell them what the value of you pellet is. Remember, you can change the lock out all day long, but the VATS code is held in the ECM, so replacing the lock does no good without knowing the what the pellet should be.
