car can turn on without key
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
car can turn on without key
I just repossed a 89 C4 and I had to get the dealership to make me keys off the VIN of the car. It is a total soap opera how I got the car but now it is in a caring household. I recharged the battery and low and behold I can turn the ignition without the key and the car lights come on but the car doesnt turn over. I am trying to figure out to get this car started. I ran the codes and all i kept getting is 12. I figured this was due to the battery being dead. If anyone has a step by step or process of elimination to get this car started I would really appreciate it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 2
From: No HOA, New Hampshire
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
The thought of a 21 year old car being repo'ed is scary to me. Now you have a Vette you know little about. The dealer that made you the key didn't inform you that the key needed a Vat "chip" too. If you are going to keep this Vette you will be in for a lot of head-aches. If the PO didn't make the payments he/she didn't maintain it either. Sell it for as much as you can ASAP.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC, behind someone going 10 under the speed limit
I don't think you can have keys cut from a 1989 VIN, but anyways, there are 15 possible key codes, we use a device called a VATS Interrogator to try the codes until the right one starts the car. Only had to do this once though, usually customer has keys but the key cylinder is bad causing the no start. The Interrogator will measure the resistance of the key and give a number 1-15 that the parts counter can use to select the key.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Actually the vehicle was stolen by my brother in law ex girlfriend. I basically told him that calling the cops was the only way to get it back and he didnt want to do that. I told him to put it in my name and i will get it back. to make a long story short the car is in my possesion and in a safe location. I did find out the battery is dead. I charged it up everything seems to work except that I can get it to start. I think i have the wrong chip in the key or the key cyclinder bad. Since I can turn the car on without the key I guessin it more the cyclinder.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
The vats bypass resistor in my link above is the easiest way; no need for correct resistor in key.
