Where to purchase extra ignition keys?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 867
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From: Franklin, TN
Where to purchase extra ignition keys?
I just purchase an 02 EB Z06 about 2 weeks ago, and I really want to get a couple of spare keys around for it (just in case). Is the dealership the only place where you can purchase replacement keys, or are they sold other places? Any online places?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I haven't thought about more keys having been given two to start off with. But I wonder how much the dealer will want for spares. Keep us posted. I do know they have a magnetic slug in them which is I think one of 15 different slugs that can be put into the key. So you need the code for that key to start with. Good luck and we'll be waiting for a follow up. 
Race Director
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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VATS key codes
To determine the xx at the end of the part number you need to read the resistance of the key. If you have a DVM, set it on ohms mode and measure the resistance of the pellet on your key. Do a search on the web for "VATS" or "PASS-Key" for an explanation. The BCM is programmed for a specific resistance value. The BCM measures the voltage drop across the key pellet. If it is within +-10%, then the car will start.
The 15 resistor codes are:
Key# Value (Ohms)
1 392
2 523
3 681
4 887
5 1130
6 1470
7 1870
8 2370
9 3010
10 3740
11 4750
12 6040
13 7500
14 9530
15 11800
Once you know the code, you can order another key with the corresponding code from Ecklers, Fichtner, Fred Beans, etc. Then you take the blank to anyone who can cut a double sided key and you're good to go.
To determine the xx at the end of the part number you need to read the resistance of the key. If you have a DVM, set it on ohms mode and measure the resistance of the pellet on your key. Do a search on the web for "VATS" or "PASS-Key" for an explanation. The BCM is programmed for a specific resistance value. The BCM measures the voltage drop across the key pellet. If it is within +-10%, then the car will start.
The 15 resistor codes are:
Key# Value (Ohms)
1 392
2 523
3 681
4 887
5 1130
6 1470
7 1870
8 2370
9 3010
10 3740
11 4750
12 6040
13 7500
14 9530
15 11800
Once you know the code, you can order another key with the corresponding code from Ecklers, Fichtner, Fred Beans, etc. Then you take the blank to anyone who can cut a double sided key and you're good to go.
Last edited by blacksedan87; Feb 28, 2005 at 01:46 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by Vette#2
ONLY can be made / bought at a GM dealership.
if you know the value of your key, some locksmiths can make them for you. Another place to check is ebay.
I wish I had known these things last year when I had one made at the dealer... it was about $45.
some people will try to tell you that you have to reprogram the car... which is
Safety Car
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From: Rochester MN
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
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Originally Posted by Vette#2
ONLY can be made / bought at a GM dealership.
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I agree that if you know the resistance value of the pellet in the key, you can order the key from Ecklers or perhaps even a local locksmith. Good luck - some dealers are reasonable about the cost, some are not.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Point NY
i got my 03 about 2 months ago and only had 1 key. just take you key to a locksmith and they can read your code and cut you a new one in about 2 minutes. cost me $29.95. Only drawback - its a regular key (not the corvette logo kind). you can buy a blank corvette key from ebay and have it cut at a locksmith also.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Originally Posted by tchapma1
I just purchase an 02 EB Z06 about 2 weeks ago, and I really want to get a couple of spare keys around for it (just in case). Is the dealership the only place where you can purchase replacement keys, or are they sold other places? Any online places?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,615
Likes: 4,619
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
VATS key codes
To determine the xx at the end of the part number you need to read the resistance of the key. If you have a DVM, set it on ohms mode and measure the resistance of the pellet on your key. Do a search on the web for "VATS" or "PASS-Key" for an explanation. The BCM is programmed for a specific resistance value. The BCM measures the voltage drop across the key pellet. If it is within +-10%, then the car will start.
The 15 resistor codes are:
Key# Value (Ohms)
1 392
2 523
3 681
4 887
5 1130
6 1470
7 1870
8 2370
9 3010
10 3740
11 4750
12 6040
13 7500
14 9530
15 11800
Once you know the code, you can order another key with the corresponding code from Ecklers, Fichtner, Fred Beans, etc. Then you take the blank to anyone who can cut a double sided key and you're good to go.
To determine the xx at the end of the part number you need to read the resistance of the key. If you have a DVM, set it on ohms mode and measure the resistance of the pellet on your key. Do a search on the web for "VATS" or "PASS-Key" for an explanation. The BCM is programmed for a specific resistance value. The BCM measures the voltage drop across the key pellet. If it is within +-10%, then the car will start.
The 15 resistor codes are:
Key# Value (Ohms)
1 392
2 523
3 681
4 887
5 1130
6 1470
7 1870
8 2370
9 3010
10 3740
11 4750
12 6040
13 7500
14 9530
15 11800
Once you know the code, you can order another key with the corresponding code from Ecklers, Fichtner, Fred Beans, etc. Then you take the blank to anyone who can cut a double sided key and you're good to go.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg, SC
My local dealership wouldn't make a copy of my key, but I found-out from someone that was waiting in line behind me that the Ace Hardware store next door did! I walked to the hardware store and got my key much cheaper and faster than with the dealership. Try an Ace Hardware. The key for my C5 that the made works fine.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Originally Posted by leaftye
Randy, great tip, thanks a bunch!
ya...i was gonna order one from eckler for $15 PLUS shipping and yhen have it cut...
not a huge savings there especialy if something went wrong cutting it...
i figured if chevy screwed it up THEY would buy me a new one...
also...while it IS true that you can read the ohm value to determine which code you have, the dealer just looked up my vin and was able to get it that way as well...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Bought a couple at Ecklers and had them made at Home depot for free
since I had the keys. Dealer here in Maryland wanted $55 for keys.
They work great the only thing I ask the dealer to do was to give me the resistance on the key to make sure I bought the right one.
since I had the keys. Dealer here in Maryland wanted $55 for keys.
They work great the only thing I ask the dealer to do was to give me the resistance on the key to make sure I bought the right one.