i have a 94 auto, i went to leave for lunch and my car would'nt start.
i have done just about every test you guys have posted about. when i checked the resistance on my key there is no value just OL on my meter. any ideas.
thanks
jason

 

Get another key.

 

Bring the key to a locksmith. They have a tool that they plug the key into and it is very accurate as it is used to determine which of about 8 resistance ratings your key is. If they don't get a reading they should be able to make you a key for no more than 35 dollars. If the key is okay it is troubleshooting time. An ohm meter will give varied readings on the same key so go to a locksmith or the dealer.

 

If you go to a Chevy dealer they also have a box that reads the keys. They can tell you what key you need ,then you can order it online for about $15.00 and have the local hardware store cut it for you, much cheaper.This way you can get 2 keys cheaper then GM gets for 1...WW

 

lugnut680,

by "would'nt start', do you mean it cranks but doesn't 'catch', or that it doesn't even crank?

If it does not 'catch' (i.e. while cranking, the engine will NOT start), then your problem lies elsewhere.

If it does NOT crank, then it might be related to the PASS-Key system (key resistor 'read' by ignition switch).

BTW, I'm not sure I understand the results of your testing of the key.

Does "0L" mean 'zero resistance' (i.e. closed circuit with no resistance -- equivalent to touching the tester leads together),

or an open cicuit with infinite resistance (equivalent to NOT touching the tester leads to anything)?

Because, normally resistors fail by creating an open circuit, not by creating zero resistance.

Testing the key's 'resistor' should be done first on the the 'continuity' setting (beeps when leads are touched together or touched to something that has no resistance).

Then on the high resistance (K) setting.

Both are done by touching one test lead to one side of the key's resistor and the other test lead to the other side of the key's resistor (small metal protrusions on either side of the key in the middle of the small black hard plastic insulator material).

Your results should be a 'beep' on the continuity setting and a high resistance on the high 'K' setting, which will equate to one of 15 different resistance values -- each corresponding to a particular key blank (here's Eckler's website link as an example: http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1283

 

the key had 0 resistance, i went to the dealer where my friend works and we tried the interragator and the key would not read. and the vin code only came up with the door code and ingition switch codes. no vats code. so i started using resistors and after the 9th one it started. called my friend back and gave him the value and he cut a new key. and everything is good again. thanks to everyone who posted. next time i have a problem i will post a better description.
thanks
jason

 

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky!

You did some right moves and got thru it. Now do the next right thing write down the VATS key code number in one of the corvette books you have. And get a spare key and put it in a safe place.