duplicate key.....
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,404
Likes: 55
From: Glastonbury CT.
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'20, '21,'22, '23
duplicate key.....
I would like a spare key for my 2000 corvette.
I went to a locksmith showed him my key, he cut one .....and it unlocks the door but doesn't start the car. I am aware of the chip in the key but whatever blank he used, it doesn't work.
Is there an alternative to the dealership where I can obtain a proper key ?
777
I went to a locksmith showed him my key, he cut one .....and it unlocks the door but doesn't start the car. I am aware of the chip in the key but whatever blank he used, it doesn't work.
Is there an alternative to the dealership where I can obtain a proper key ?
777
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
Well, just my .02; when I was obtaining a duplicate key I first measured the resistance in the chip on my key and I purchased a blank with the corresponding VATS # from Ecklers Corvette Parts online for relatively cheap (if I recall it was 15 dollars or so which was significantly cheaper than what my local dealer was trying to charge me. I then took it to a local Vette shop and they cut it according to my VIN number. I did first attempt to bring it to a few locksmiths, and each refused to cut it in fear of ruining the key since it was "chipped". I say pick up your duplicate blank w/ correct VATS # online and then bring it to your local dealer and get it cut there. As long as you provide the key, they shouldn't charge much to cut it, maybe a couple bucks. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Well, just my .02; when I was obtaining a duplicate key I first measured the resistance in the chip on my key and I purchased a blank with the corresponding VATS # from Ecklers Corvette Parts online for relatively cheap (if I recall it was 15 dollars or so which was significantly cheaper than what my local dealer was trying to charge me. I then took it to a local Vette shop and they cut it according to my VIN number. I did first attempt to bring it to a few locksmiths, and each refused to cut it in fear of ruining the key since it was "chipped". I say pick up your duplicate blank w/ correct VATS # online and then bring it to your local dealer and get it cut there. As long as you provide the key, they shouldn't charge much to cut it, maybe a couple bucks. Good luck!
You nailed it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 285
From: Puyallup Washington
You need to get a refund from the locksmith and then get a new locksmith. I have had duplicate keys for our BMW, Acura and Corvette done by my local locksmith for much cheaper than the dealers wanted.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
I measured mine, ordered the correct # code on ebay for $9.00, took it to Lowe's and they cut it for free.
#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)
#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)
Last edited by 65GGvert; Dec 29, 2010 at 09:27 AM.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Florida
Whoo Hoo... and here I was about to blow some cash at a dealership for a new key.
I'm not very electrically inclined, what setting do you set the multi meter to in order to check the key resistance?
I'm not very electrically inclined, what setting do you set the multi meter to in order to check the key resistance?
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My guess is he used the wrong VATS number for the key blank. Get your original key measured, then purchase a correct one and have it cut.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
I'm a little confused.
I know how to use a meter but I don't understand
what procedure you are doing to check the resistance
of the chipset in the key.
Specifically, what are you touching the probes of your
meter to? I don't know if you are supposed to go from
one side of the chip to the other or from one side to the
key.
If I try to go from one side of the chip to another I get no
measurement. HELP!!!!
Thanks
Also,
What ebay username did you buy your keys from?
Thanks
I know how to use a meter but I don't understand
what procedure you are doing to check the resistance
of the chipset in the key.
Specifically, what are you touching the probes of your
meter to? I don't know if you are supposed to go from
one side of the chip to the other or from one side to the
key.
If I try to go from one side of the chip to another I get no
measurement. HELP!!!!
Thanks
Also,
What ebay username did you buy your keys from?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 41
From: Conn.
St. Jude Donor '21
one side of chip to other side of chip.....set the meter to ohms, if you have a meter with multiple ohm settings, try each one til you get a reading...just type in "corvette vats key" for the auction site
Last edited by SEE3ER; Dec 29, 2010 at 12:28 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Prescott Valley Arizona
I guess that means I need a 6.040 #12 key?
Thanks SEE3ER and 65GGvert for your help.
Last edited by hd-wingnut; Dec 29, 2010 at 02:27 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: TN
#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)
#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)
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Florida
I think these codes are good for all C5's since Eklers.com sells all 15 Vats code keys listed as 1997-2004. go to eklers.com and search "key Vat", then pick the code corresponding to your keys' Ohm in the chart above. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
