Stolen Keys
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
Stolen Keys
My keys were stolen about a month ago for my 1990 Vette.
The lock smith wants $400.00 to replace the ign. loch and make new keys for the door.
A friend thinks I can get new keys from the Chevy dealer using the Vin#.
Is there a simple way to get a new set of keys or am I destined to pay the lock smith?
Thanks
Ralph
I know the ign. key number.
The lock smith wants $400.00 to replace the ign. loch and make new keys for the door.
A friend thinks I can get new keys from the Chevy dealer using the Vin#.
Is there a simple way to get a new set of keys or am I destined to pay the lock smith?
Thanks
Ralph
I know the ign. key number.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
keys
Having the key number any GM dealer can make you a new ignition key that has the correct code reading pellet.
You mentioned that the lock smith was only going to make you new keys for the doors. I would want new locks for the doors that would come with new keys so the key thief could not un-lock your doors with his stolen keys.
Leaving your car outside the garage using a new key for the cars ignition, there are ways/means to keep your car from starting with your stolen ignition key.
You mentioned that the lock smith was only going to make you new keys for the doors. I would want new locks for the doors that would come with new keys so the key thief could not un-lock your doors with his stolen keys.
Leaving your car outside the garage using a new key for the cars ignition, there are ways/means to keep your car from starting with your stolen ignition key.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
Changing the ignition & door locks is not very hard to do
The door panels are very easy to remove.. the steering wheel needs a 2 slot puller & a lock ring compressor
If you don't know your key resitor value...get your Ohm meter out.. there will be a ignition lead under the dash.. usually Orange & white wires... Test both sides till you get your Ohm value
The door panels are very easy to remove.. the steering wheel needs a 2 slot puller & a lock ring compressor
If you don't know your key resitor value...get your Ohm meter out.. there will be a ignition lead under the dash.. usually Orange & white wires... Test both sides till you get your Ohm value
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Feb 21, 2012 at 10:25 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Key code information is spotty at best from GM. When I lost the only set of keys to my 91 a few years back GM had the the cut on file but not the VATs code. I'd still try that route because if the info is on file it will obviously be the easiest way to get the car running. However, if its not on file you're gonna have to either pay the locksmith or get to work in the garage.
I chose to do it myself. It wasn't really that difficult, just a little time consuming. You'll need to get a new ignition lock cylinder and install it. It will come with a generic key with no VATs pellet. Once you get it in you'll be able to turn the ignition, but obviously it won't start without the VATS chip. You then need to duplicate each of the possible VATs values and try to start the car. I used a cheap potentiometer to set each value so I didn't have to mess with resistors. Once I got the car to start I took the VATs code to the parts counter and had them make me a couple ignition keys. The moral of the story I learned is make sure you have spare keys for your car.
I chose to do it myself. It wasn't really that difficult, just a little time consuming. You'll need to get a new ignition lock cylinder and install it. It will come with a generic key with no VATs pellet. Once you get it in you'll be able to turn the ignition, but obviously it won't start without the VATS chip. You then need to duplicate each of the possible VATs values and try to start the car. I used a cheap potentiometer to set each value so I didn't have to mess with resistors. Once I got the car to start I took the VATs code to the parts counter and had them make me a couple ignition keys. The moral of the story I learned is make sure you have spare keys for your car.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
Well I took the VIN # to the dealer and he cut me a new key.
Works good.
I had a duplicate key made about 6 months ago and wrote down the number.
It was $29.82 for the key and $20 to access the GM records and $3.51 to cut the key.
By the way they stole my keys that were in my pocket and I happened to have the 2nd set in my briefcase which was also stolen.
Now I'm thinking a 3rd set in the gun safe.
Will the insanity ever end?
Ralph
P.S. Thanks for the tip on the Helms manual.
Works good.
I had a duplicate key made about 6 months ago and wrote down the number.
It was $29.82 for the key and $20 to access the GM records and $3.51 to cut the key.
By the way they stole my keys that were in my pocket and I happened to have the 2nd set in my briefcase which was also stolen.
Now I'm thinking a 3rd set in the gun safe.
Will the insanity ever end?
Ralph
P.S. Thanks for the tip on the Helms manual.
