key replacement
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
key replacement
i lost my keys the other day and have run into a problem. i went to the dealer to get a new key but they didn't have a vats code linked to my vin. they called the hotline and it went to level two. but they came back empty handed. so the guy just cut me a key and wished me luck.. i unclicked vats in the pcm but it still wont engage the starter.. i can manually jump the starter and the car will run but i still need to figure out how to get the proper key. i tried getting to the build sheet but that isn't happening. any ideas without having to buy 14 more keys and do the process of elimination.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
go on line and buy a resistor kit, $4 , has every resistor vats has, one by one attach them to the two wires under your dash, when your car starts thats the resistor key you need, seems complicated , but its not, other option is to have a locksmith do the same thing for $200
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
heres the resistor values, you can go to radio shack and get them for $5. 392/523/681/887/1,130/1,470/1,870/2,370/3,010/3,740/4,750/6,040/7,500/9,530/11,800. disconnect the vats wires under your dash, twist one wire arround each end of the resistor, try to start your car, wait 10 minutes between tries. Mine started 2nd try. Hope this helps.
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Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 679
Likes: 18
From: Vernon Hills Ill
I'm afraid it's going to be a roll of the dice. Most cars that come in with a no start condition have their keys and you can read the resistance value of the chip. In my experience I have had to either bypass or replace the vats reader in the ign cyl. In that instance you can get the correct key or wire in a resistor in the vats circuit leading to the ign.cyl. Without the key, well..........You could get the ecm programmed to bypass vats? But I'm not sure for your year vehicle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
The dealership has a "Kent Moore" Pellet Key reader & resistance pellet key substitution box.
That device allows you to hit or miss 9 different resistance values till the vehicle starts.
You plug that Kent Moore tool into the vats module or tap into the thin white wires of the ignition tumbler.
I have used that Kent Moore tool at least 10 times in the past to find the correct/ exact "Pellet Key" resistance code when all ignition keys were lost by the owner.
The Procedure is covered in the FSM for your year of Corvette.
Its in my 87 Corvette FSM too.
If your dealership will let you borrow that Kent Moore VATS/ Passkey1 service tool,
It will save you alot of time & aggravation.
BR
That device allows you to hit or miss 9 different resistance values till the vehicle starts.
You plug that Kent Moore tool into the vats module or tap into the thin white wires of the ignition tumbler.
I have used that Kent Moore tool at least 10 times in the past to find the correct/ exact "Pellet Key" resistance code when all ignition keys were lost by the owner.
The Procedure is covered in the FSM for your year of Corvette.
Its in my 87 Corvette FSM too.
If your dealership will let you borrow that Kent Moore VATS/ Passkey1 service tool,
It will save you alot of time & aggravation.
BR
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Your method works too Bob with the Radio Shack 1/4 watt resistors & trial & error.
With that Kent Moore Vats service tool,
I light up a cigarette,
flip a rotary **** to a desired resistance or letter code,
try starting the car.
One of those rotary **** selections will start a Vats equipped C4 vette every time.
BR
With that Kent Moore Vats service tool,
I light up a cigarette,
flip a rotary **** to a desired resistance or letter code,
try starting the car.
One of those rotary **** selections will start a Vats equipped C4 vette every time.
BR
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
Dealer won't let me borrow the interrogator. I have tuning software and unclicked vats. The starter interrupt is still activated. It will run if I jump the starter. This car has really been pissing me off lately.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
easiest/quickest way IMO-since you already have the PCM covered.This may be another option if you want to keep the starter enable part of VATS. There is a GM bulletin # 10-00-89-010--It states that older vehicle key codes may have been sent to "archive status" so they wouldn't be available through normal dealer vin inquiry. Further states to contact your local dealer
Last edited by Grumpy; Jul 11, 2011 at 11:43 AM. Reason: Asked for # removed by GM rep
maby he could spend the other $140 on something else?
