Replacement Ignition Key
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Replacement Ignition Key
Whats it take to get a Key made ? I have an 89 Project Car and I have no key. Its a pain to move around with the Column locked. So I'm sure I can just take the SN and proof of ownership to a Dealer and have one made but its not that easy. The Car has a lost Title so I have no proof of ownership. The State Patrol is closed for vehicle inspections due to Covid. So unless somebody has e better idea I might just break the Rag Joint apart. I really don't need the Vats I'm just want to turn the wheel.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
So I see that I can buy a Lock Cylinder with a " Test Key" . So that must mean that it does not have the Chip in it but it will turn the lock. I see there are 15 different Vats available and its just a matter of OHM ing out the Chip in the Key to determine which one you have. So if the Key is lost is the serial number of the car the only way to figure out what Vats you have ? Is there a code or some way to read the Vats OHMs with out the Key ? In my situation all I need is a " Test Key" but this Problem must come up all the time with cars as old as C4's.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 225
There is a decoder to determine what resistance key you need. A locksmith may have one.. or try a dealer. Maybe they'll lend it to you. One other thing to keep in mind, that lock may not be original, so coding by serial # may not work. BTW all replacement cylinders come with chip less keys.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
So I have a replacement Lock Cylinder headed my way with its " Test Key " . Since this cars future is to become a Track Car with an aftermarket ECM this is probably the only Key I will ever need. Now that I have read the various methods of determining the Vats code I find the one that is the most Obvious is missing. If your a betting man and want to play the odds just buy all 15 keys. Then have them cut one by one and try them out. Return the rest. If Keys 1 threw 5 are a winner then Your way ahead of having the car towed or having an Auto Lock Smith come to You. If 6 threw 10 work Your probably still ahead. If it takes 11 threw 15 then You can wish for better luck next time. The real question is, Do You try them in order, or mix them up and randomly pick them ?
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 225
Another option, and a lot cheaper, is to buy resistors to cover the 15 ranges that you need, and just try them one at a time by hooking them up in series in the cylinder circuit, There's a 2 wire connector that connects to the cylinder connector on the column.
Once you find one that starts the car, just wire it in permanently. If there's an electronics supply store in your area, just show him what you're trying to achieve. Otherwise, try online,
Once you find one that starts the car, just wire it in permanently. If there's an electronics supply store in your area, just show him what you're trying to achieve. Otherwise, try online,
Last edited by Mrvettenick; Sep 8, 2020 at 03:53 AM.