I bought a new vats key and fob online using a chart I found here on the forum. I programed the fob with no problems and then I went to Lowes and had the key cut. When I got home I put the key in the ignition, turned it....and nothing happened. I was sure the battery was finally shot, because I tried both keys and nothing worked. I let the car sit for a bit and used the original key and it fired up just fine. Then I tried the new key and it locked the car up again. I measured the resistance and according to the chart....I appear to have the correct key. I thought maybe the pill got dirty, so I used an eraser to clean it but no change. What gives?

 

Are you absolutely sure that the new and the old key measure the same resistance on the pellet? Measure them both on the same scale on an ohmeter and post back what you get.

 

Ok, this is kind of weird. Old key 11.82, new key 1.124. I bought a #5 vats key based off of the 11.82 reading. Is this key defective?

 

Wrong key, off by over 10,000 ohms. Let me find the chart.

 

You need a number 15 key.

This is a reply to a previous post on keys.... By DeeGee

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You can pick up keys at any locksmiths but sounds like Lowes may be the place. You need one with the correct resistor pellet or the VATS will inhibit the start.

The BCM measures the resistance value of the resistance of the pellet and allows the fuel system to operate. If it is within +/-10% the car will start.

To check your key value:

Set your digital volt meter to “ohms mode” and measure the value across the pellet.

The 15 VATS key codes are:

Resistance Value (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)


Edit, those should be "K" ohms. (thousands) Your key is reading 11.8K, so #15

 

Crap!!!! Thanks for your help, I clearly didn't pay attention to the decimal point.

 

Too bad you cut the key, I am sure they won't exchange it.
Mr.Bill

 

On a positive note, you can use that key to open the door and console.

 

Hacksaw off the thicker plastic part and slip it in your wallet (or tape it to the bottom of the frame) so its there if the keys ever get locked inside the car away from home ?

 

Good call.

 

Thanks for some great info on the resistance values (vats.) I have a 2000 coupe with only one key, so bought a blank vats 7 from Eckler's. (measured at your local dealership for free.) Had the key cut at Lowe's and they ruined it. I took the key to a local regular locksmith who could'nt do anything with it and ordered me a new one. The rubber part of the key was different than the original, did work if pulled out slightly. He ordered me yet another key (no charge) this one worked fine, started the car, he says if it runs for 15 seconds without dieing it will work. The vats resistance has to be very close. Now I am having an intermitant starting prob, where it always starts (so far), but usually takes 3-4 times. I don't get any codes, so don't know what to think. Maybe the cylinder lock? or ignition switch, both costly. I have tried contact spray, which seemed to work for a day. Any help is appreciated, thanks and I sure do appreciate the Forum. Torchy red2000.

 

For a new problem you should start your own thread. This one was resolved.