i remember there was a vendor selling them.... can anyone link me?

EDIT: I found them, now I just Have a Question below

 

I think it was Ecklers, but not sure.

 

I found it already, but now i got some questions

does it come with a working fob?

or do I have to install my fob into it? only reason Im shopping around for this is because I dropped my fob and now its shot

 

I don't have one, but my understanding is you have to use your FOB board, but they will sell you one if you don't have one.

I know there were some serious customer service issues with the manufacturer that are well documented on here. I wanted one, but that scared me off.

 

Ordered mine from Ecklers. Does not come with a new board, you have to use your own. I love mine!

 

they do look pretty cool, you have to find your resitance with an ohm meter on your key across that weird security chip (VAT) first before ordering.

WHAT IS VATS?
Vats stands for Vehicle Anti Theft System. Lots of people refer to this type of key, as a " computer Chip key". This key or "Chip" has nothing to do with a computer, nor is it a chip. But because of the popularity of calling it a computer chip key, so will we. The black chip on the blade of the key is actually a resister. GM first started using the Vats key in 1986 on the Corvettes, then some of the Cadillac’s, ECT. GM uses 15 different resistors in their vats keys. Just looking at the keys you can’t tell the difference.

How does the Vats System work?

Each vats key has it’s own unique cuts on the key to operate the lock. But the cuts alone will not allow the car to crank. This is called a mechanical key. Each car has a Vats module (Brain) under the dash that communicates to the starter, fuel pump, and the ignition lock. Each vats module is randomly given a # (value) from the manufacturer. When the proper mechanical keys, with the proper vats chip (resistor value) turns the ignition lock, the vats module reads the chip on the key. If it is the correct chip, the vats module will tell the starter and the fuel pump to operate. If the wrong chip is read, the vats module will tell starter and the fuel pump to shut down.

How to determine the Value of your key?

By chance you may know what vats key you now have. Most people do not. There are basically two ways to determine what vats key you have. Remember, there are 15 different possibilities. First, your key can be " read " in a vats tester. Most locksmiths have these readers, and don’t charge anything to tell you. There is a way for you to read the key value yourself. If you have a Volt Meter you can test the OHMS (The Value) of the chip yourself. Just set your Voltmeter to check to 20 K OHMS Take each lead and place it on each side of the " chip " on your key. A number will appear. Take that number on your voltmeter and apply it to the OHMS chart below. Keep in mind that it may not be exact. Just pick the closest value to your reading. I do realize that some of you don’t even know what a Volt Meter is, not to mention having one. So there is a great alternative for you. Just take your key to a Radio Shack, or your local Auto Mechanic. Ask them to do as I described above.



VATS # K OHMS

1———— 0.402 (acceptable range .386-.438)

2———— 0.523 (acceptable range .502-.564)

3———— 0.681 (acceptable range .650-.728)

4————-0.887 (acceptable range .850-.942)

5————-1.130 (acceptable range 1.085-1.195)

6————-1.470 (acceptable range 1.411-1.549)

7————-1.870 (acceptable range 1.795-1.965)

8————-2.370 (acceptable range 2.275-2.485)

9————-3.010 (acceptable range 2.890-3.150)

10————3.740 (acceptable range 3.590-3.910)

11————4.750 (acceptable range 4.560-4.960)

12————6.040 (acceptable range 5.798-6.302)

13————7.500 (acceptable range 7.200-7.820)

14————9.530 (acceptable range 9.149-9.931)

15————11.801 (acceptable range 11.320-12.290)

 

ok, looks like ill have to get to a good locksmith to get mine checked out.