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

VATS Ignition Lock Set Replacement?

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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:22 PM
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Default VATS Ignition Lock Set Replacement?

I need to replace my VATS Ignition lock set. My question is do you have to match the VATS code for the ignition lock set? Are the lock sets universal or are the coded to the key number? For example, if you have a #10 VATS key do you have to purchase a #10 lock set or does the computer just recognize the #10 key?
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:27 PM
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The lock just makes electrical contact with the pellet in the key. The key's resistance is measured by the computer. So if your existing key can work your new lock or if your new lock's key is the same resistance/pellet as your old key then you're in like flint and your uncle's name is Robert, Bob for short.
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:37 PM
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For example, if you have a #10 VATS key do you have to purchase a #10 lock set or does the computer just recognize the #10 key?
Copla years ago I replaced the ign lock set in my '88. The Chevy dealer had the lock & master key set on the shelf, he measured the resistance of my old key's pellet, used the master key to cut working keys from blanks that had the correct pellet.
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 65Z01
Copla years ago I replaced the ign lock set in my '88. The Chevy dealer had the lock & master key set on the shelf, he measured the resistance of my old key's pellet, used the master key to cut working keys from blanks that had the correct pellet.

So if I get this right, you guys are saying that the actual lock set is universal and will work with any VATS type key. However, the VATS key must have the correct pellet # to match up with the computer. DO I HAVE THIS CORRECT?
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by pmihaltian
My question is do you have to match the VATS code for the ignition lock set? Are the lock sets universal or are the coded to the key number? For example, if you have a #10 VATS key do you have to purchase a #10 lock set or does the computer just recognize the #10 key?
Hey Pete, the cylinder comes just as you pictured it. The gold colored key comes with the cylinder and will be cut for the new cylinder. You'll need to get a new VATS ignition key that matches your current key's pellet resistance. Then have this new key cut to match the gold colored key that came with the new cylinder.

When doing the job, a tip is to cut the VATS wires going to the original bad cylinder before removal. Then you can tape the old wires that run down the column to the connector on the new cylinder. Now when you carefully pull the old wires from under the column out, you'll pull the new wires down with it.

Good luck.
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by pmihaltian
if you have a #10 VATS key do you have to purchase a #10 lock set or does the computer just recognize the #10 key?
The computer recognizes the resistance, the lock set is just contacts and wires that connect the resistor in the key to the computer.
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 04:07 PM
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Thanks Guys ! I really appreciate you help, AGAIN....
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 06:09 PM
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DO I HAVE THIS CORRECT?
I think so.
The key comming with the lock-set can only turn the lock tumblers; then a proper (resistance) VATS key blank must be cut to match the lock-set key.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by pmihaltian
So if I get this right, you guys are saying that the actual lock set is universal and will work with any VATS type key. However, the VATS key must have the correct pellet # to match up with the computer. DO I HAVE THIS CORRECT?
YES!
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