86 Lost Keys Help
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86 Lost Keys Help
I have a chance to pick up an 86 automatic cheap. Only problem is the owner can’t find the keys. How hard would it be to find the ohms and have keys cut? I am pretty sure a dealer can tell me the cut dimensions with a vin search (had this done on my C5) but would they be able to tell me the VATS ohms?
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I have a chance to pick up an 86 automatic cheap. Only problem is the owner can’t find the keys. How hard would it be to find the ohms and have keys cut? I am pretty sure a dealer can tell me the cut dimensions with a vin search (had this done on my C5) but would they be able to tell me the VATS ohms?
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Is it because of age? A locksmith should be able to cut a key to the cylinder though, correct?
ETA: I just found a VATS decoder kit at Ecklers, so that should help there. Now it’s just getting the correct cut. Any ideas?
Last edited by John Armond; Jan 9, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Fort Worth Texas
A locksmith should be able to help you. You can pull the lock cylinder and see if it has a code on it. If it does the locksmith should be able to cut a key off the code.
The VAT system has 15 different ohm readings that the chip in the key could be. The locksmith will have a machine thats called a key interrogator to determine what the ohm reading on the key should be.
The VAT system has 15 different ohm readings that the chip in the key could be. The locksmith will have a machine thats called a key interrogator to determine what the ohm reading on the key should be.
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From: Phila., PA burbs
I was in your same boat a few years back and here's what I did...........not saying its the best method, but it worked for me. I installed a new ignition lock cylinder from GM. It'll come with a key that has no Vats pellet so the ignition will then turn, but the car won't start. I then used a potentiometer to duplicate the 15 different possible resistances and when I got the right one the car started. I then took the key and had a dealership cut me one with the correct resistance chip. It was kind of a pain, but it worked.
