New VATS key. Won’t turn in ignition
Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
New VATS key. Won’t turn in ignition
I have looked everywhere in the forum but have had no luck. I lost a ignition key, the only key I have left is starting to wear and sometimes kills the car, then I wait. So I got a new key and had it cut. It goes into the ignition just fine but won’t turn.i have jiggled many times and in and out in and out about 50 times. The original key works just fine. I made rubber molds of each key and they appear to be exactly the same. They even look exactly the same. I’m getting frustrated. I had the burrs removed, but still no idea why it won’t turn the ignition. Any ideas?
Last edited by Stellabarbara; Jun 4, 2019 at 08:34 PM. Reason: Miss spelled words
Team Owner
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I have looked everywhere in the forum but have had no luck. I lost a ignition key, the only key I have left is starting to wear and sometimes kills the car, then I wait. So I got a new key and had it cut. It goes into the ignition just fine but won’t turn.i have jiggled many times and in and out in and out about 50 times. The original key works just fine. I made rubber molds of each key and they appear to be exactly the same. They even look exactly the same. I’m getting frustrated. I had the burrs removed, but still no idea why it won’t turn the ignition. Any ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
Vats key
I have looked everywhere in the forum but have had no luck. I lost a ignition key, the only key I have left is starting to wear and sometimes kills the car, then I wait. So I got a new key and had it cut. It goes into the ignition just fine but won’t turn.i have jiggled many times and in and out in and out about 50 times. The original key works just fine. I made rubber molds of each key and they appear to be exactly the same. They even look exactly the same. I’m getting frustrated. I had the burrs removed, but still no idea why it won’t turn the ignition. Any ideas?
Last edited by Stellabarbara; Jun 5, 2019 at 06:39 AM. Reason: Spelling
Race Director
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Burning Brakes
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From: Diamondhead Mississippi
St. Jude Donor '17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I would think any reputable locksmith would have a blank and should be able to make it work. Don't go to one of the big box stores or a local hardware store. Go to a real locksmith and you should have no problem.
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Team Owner
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I thought that maybe if it were an '87 or '86 maybe you ended up with an inappropriate key. The cylinder design was changed and the actual key length was changed also in '87. I wouldn't think ZIP had any older keys. Regardless of how the key looks or appears maybe what I'd consider is going to a dealer and have a 'work key' cut and see if it will rotate the cylinder. A GM # for the 'work key' would be 26007687. Do you know if the cylinder has ever been changed? Maybe get the dealer to a 'key call' by VIN and see if maybe the original code matches what you've got now. Let the dealer cut it by 'code' vs tracing if the code matches the VIN still.
I don't recall if the longer key worked for the older shorter (I believe so) but the older shorter key likely didn't work in the newer later cylinders.
**If the code still matches the VIN let them do an attempt cutting by code of the key that doesn't now work.
Yours isn't an unheard of situation! You only had the one working key? Happens when tracing!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jun 5, 2019 at 07:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
New Vats Key
OK, who cut the key for you? about the only thing I can say is have a locksmith take a look a the keys. there may be something the average person is overlooking - ??? you may want to go to an actual dealer for a replacement, have them cut the blank, and go from there. there could be something with the cylinder lock and the key interaction. good luck -
Checked it on the Ohms reader. They both read the same number. 🤔
Last edited by Stellabarbara; Jun 5, 2019 at 07:55 AM. Reason: Add information
Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
New VATS key
I ordered another key, but now I’m wondering if that one will work.
It goes in nicely, but just won’t turn.
Does the resistor allow the key to turn? Or is the connection to the resistor done when the key is turned and then makes the contact to start the car. 🤔
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,830
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From: Gainesville FL
Also, you might have to have another one cut from a blank but this time don't let them copy it, have them cut it using the VIN number.
Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
New Vats key
I’ll check the key in that area with calipers to see. Interesting. Thank you.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Saskatoon Sask.
As has been mentioned, take it to a locksmith. They have a hand held "punch" that shears the key rather than grinding it from the worn key. Each pin land(I believe the GM key has 5) will be measured, wear accounted for, and the dials set on the key punch.
Thread Starter
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
New Vats key
Guys - if the cylinder isn't original cut to VIN is a 'NO GO'! I mentioned asking a dealer to check!! I also mentioned 'IF' the code matched a VIN to attempt to cut the non worker with the 'CODE' vs a trace! I mentioned a 'work key' also. OP posted after that the key was done @ a dealer. The dealer owes him nothing but 'help' - it ain't their fault I'm surprised they charged but I asked a friend ( works @ delaer) a while ago and he said they charge for carry in blanks UNLESS it's a known good customer.
My whole car is pretty much original, other than the parts that wear over time. I have 21,300 miles on her (Sweetie).
I guess my best bet is to take it back to dealer, have them rerun the key and when I get the new key, have them go off the vin.
Still have one good key for now. But I’m SOL if this one goes bad.
Thank you everyone for you thoughts and help.
Race Director
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- if you get another key blank, get it thru the dealer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 147
From: Gainesville FL
Its the original key cylinder for the car.
My whole car is pretty much original, other than the parts that wear over time. I have 21,300 miles on her (Sweetie).
I guess my best bet is to take it back to dealer, have them rerun the key and when I get the new key, have them go off the vin.
Still have one good key for now. But I’m SOL if this one goes bad.
Thank you everyone for you thoughts and help.
My whole car is pretty much original, other than the parts that wear over time. I have 21,300 miles on her (Sweetie).
I guess my best bet is to take it back to dealer, have them rerun the key and when I get the new key, have them go off the vin.
Still have one good key for now. But I’m SOL if this one goes bad.
Thank you everyone for you thoughts and help.