C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

How can I get VATS number?

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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 09:50 PM
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Default How can I get VATS number?

Is there a way to get my VATS number so i can order keys, without going to the dealer? I thought it could be done with an ohm meter, but what values am I looking for that correlate to the VATS numbers. Thanks folks.



Bob
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 09:59 PM
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I just copied this off the internet...

VATS Key Codes and Associated resistance
Codes in OHMS

Pellet Resistance
Code Ohms
1 - 402
2 - 523
3 - 681
4 - 887
5 - 1130
6 - 1470
7 - 1870
8 - 2370
9 - 3010
10 - 3740
11 - 4570
12 - 6040
13 - 7500
14 - 9530
15 - 11800

Art
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
Is there a way to get my VATS number so i can order keys, without going to the dealer? I thought it could be done with an ohm meter, but what values am I looking for that correlate to the VATS numbers. Thanks folks.
Bob
(Pellet Code) (Nominal) (Low) (High)
1 402 386 438
2 523 502 564
3 681 654 728
4 887 852 942
5 1130 1085 1195
6 1470 1411 1549
7 1870 1795 1965
8 2370 2275 2485
9 3010 2890 3150
10 3740 3590 3910
11 4750 4560 4960
12 6040 5798 6302
13 7500 7200 7820
14 9530 9149 9931
15 11800 11328 12292

If you don't know how to use a multimeter (voltmeter, ohmmeter), just take your key to your local Radio Shack, and have the measure the resistance value on the embbedded chip on your key. Then use the above chart or goto http://asttraining.com/Files/vats1.pdf and have them tell you what it is. Then seach for VATS Key on Ebay. I got mine for $8.00 ea. But you have to know the resistance of your orginal key.....
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 11:08 PM
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I have been having a hard time finding someone to cut the key once I get it. No one seems to want to touch them so I didn't get the blanks. Someone is selling them on Ebay for less then $10 a piece.
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 11:11 PM
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Just did mine today at the electronics shop while buying a 100 ohm resistor to fix the light pop up problem.
Measured in at 679 ohms. Its a number 3 key. Super easy.
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Insane1
I have been having a hard time finding someone to cut the key once I get it. No one seems to want to touch them so I didn't get the blanks. Someone is selling them on Ebay for less then $10 a piece.
I'm not surprised. On an older C4 with VATS the key will wear down over time. Sometimes a newly cut key made from a worn key will not work properly in the ignition. Now you have a key that won't work. Hard to blame the locksmith but people do so instead of this hassle, some locksmiths won't cut a key brought to them. Now if you bought the key from the locksmith then they'll probably do it. Cuts out the hassle cause if it doesn't work you're not out the dough.

Art
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Insane1
I have been having a hard time finding someone to cut the key once I get it. No one seems to want to touch them so I didn't get the blanks. Someone is selling them on Ebay for less then $10 a piece.
I found the opposite.... I go to Walmart, Home Depot, or Loew and show them the key. I tell them I would have been happy to have bought the keys from them, but they don't sell them (and they don't).

I then ask if they could cut it for me. Some seem hesitant, by once I let them know that I won't hold them responsible if it's miss-cut, then they always do it. If fact, they think its cool that they can cut a resistor key using their normal cutter. Go when there not busy....
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Canam
Just did mine today at the electronics shop while buying a 100 ohm resistor to fix the light pop up problem.
Measured in at 679 ohms. Its a number 3 key. Super easy.
What is the 100 ohm resistor fix? Never heard of it....
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 03:26 PM
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To disable the lights, carefully pull the light sensor located directly above the speedometer out of the dash to expose the 2 wires running in to it. Place a 100 ohm resistor in parallel with the sensor. Tape it up and stick the sensor back in the dash. You will now have complete control of when your headlights turn on and off.
No more annoying lights popping up all the time under bridges and generally whenever they feel like it
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 03:30 PM
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Default Vats

Ace Hardware has the reader and key blanks, $25 if I remember for a new set. You're welcome
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 04:47 PM
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Your local Chevy dealer can check the code for you. Just tell them you bought the car used and want to document the pellet code for future reference.

I did that, as well as cross-referencing it with the ohms reading, then bought my blanks on ebay for $10 each. Dealer wanted $35 each.

I then took the blanks to Walmart one night. The guy wasn't busy and was happy to cut them along with some house keys I was having made. He wouldn't charge me for Vette key cutting!
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Old Apr 11, 2006 | 07:04 PM
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If your local mall has a one of those key stands(kiosk), they can measure and cut your keys. I decided to have three keys cut and it cost me 20 bucks a piece.
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Old Apr 12, 2006 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ED HEISER
Ace Hardware has the reader and key blanks, $25 if I remember for a new set. You're welcome
ACE Hardware made a spare key for me to. Less than $20

Jake
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Old Apr 13, 2006 | 04:48 PM
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Default Thanks folks

My multimeter has a dead battery, so I havent' gotten too far just yet. but it all sounds easy enough. I have to swap out my entire steering column. Found 1 on e-bay for $175. It would appear a really heavy person used the wheel an exit handle, or sat on the steering wheel all together. The piece the 4 reverse torx bolts hold was split. Well, a couple of more bolts and some electrical connections and I pulled the whole thing out. new used one is ont he way. Have a happy....


Bob
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Old Apr 13, 2006 | 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
My multimeter has a dead battery, so I havent' gotten too far just yet. but it all sounds easy enough. I have to swap out my entire steering column. Found 1 on e-bay for $175. It would appear a really heavy person used the wheel an exit handle, or sat on the steering wheel all together. The piece the 4 reverse torx bolts hold was split. Well, a couple of more bolts and some electrical connections and I pulled the whole thing out. new used one is ont he way. Have a happy....
Bob
I just pulled and replaced my steering column. It seems hard, but is extremely simple. A couple things:
1. Always remove the fuse for the air bag...
2. Unconnect Yellow Air bag wire.
3. Remove battery (You need it removed to remove the column screw)
4. If you haven't purchase a one, get quotes from recyclers list in this forumn. The price of Steering columns run about $125.00
5. The column you get will have the key, but the resistor will probably be something other that what you have. The key is only needed for the key cut. Don't let the locksmith cut you a key with this VATS value because your VATS will probably be something else. Remember, your CCM module holds the resistor value, your column doesn't know anything about VATS. Luckly, the steering column I purchase had the same value as my other one, so I was lucky.
6. I recommend buying the key on Ebay (about $8.00) and just take it to Home Depot, Loews, Walmart. They will cut it for free (since you are providing the blank)
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