Lost key.
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Mesa Arizona
Lost key.
Lost key.
Need to get a spare key made. The locksmith says I need to get the VATS number from the dealer for the key so they can make a spare key. Do I need to go to the dealer for that information?
Need to get a spare key made. The locksmith says I need to get the VATS number from the dealer for the key so they can make a spare key. Do I need to go to the dealer for that information?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,535
Likes: 3,278
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
No. The chip on your key is a resistor that works with your VATS system. If your key works, all you need to do is test the resitance. There is a chart that will tell you which # key blank to buy. Give me a moment, and I will try to find it for you. Honestly, you can likely go to a locksmith, and they may actually have the correct key blank, and can cut you a new key right there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 782
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
No. When I needed a spare I took the original key to a locksmith. He measured the resistor, had the proper replacement on the shelf and made me a new one in 10 minutes for $23. There are threads here about how to determine what resistor you need on the replacement key
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,535
Likes: 3,278
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 58
Likes: 8
From: Mesa Arizona
Lost key
I will try to measure the resistance myself. The locksmith said I needed to go to the dealer to get that that VATS Number. He said the dealer will give me the blank number so he can cut the correct key. I will look at the chart that you guys posted. I will let you know what happens. Thanks for all your help as usual. You guys are the greatest. 👍👌🙏
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 54
From: Colorado Springs
VATS Key Reference Table
I decided to combine the information presented in the two table sources into one Excel spreadsheet for those who want both the resistance and the GM VATS Letter Codes.
I hope that this is helpful for others.
I hope that this is helpful for others.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 71
Likes: 21
From: Ocean Park, Washington
I had a well worn key with my previous C5. And only one of them. I decided that I might try a new cut, rather than repeat the worn out key when I went for the replacement. It was a $10 charge at the local Chevrolet dealer to get the pattern for the key as the car was delivered. I received info on the key cut, got the correct VATS blank, and had a local key shop do the cut. I was anticipating no trouble, and the key did in fact work as it did years ago. So did the old, worn out key.
I also had trouble with the key cutter guy in the Home Depot. I convinced him that I wanted a key, (say I locked key in car while working on it in my garage) and needed one to just get into the car. It's as though they insist it's a VATS key. That time I was able to get him to cut a key from blanks they had in their supply. Once again I was questioned about that with my new C5's key. That time I didn't "push it" but I still see value in having an extra in the shop.
I also had trouble with the key cutter guy in the Home Depot. I convinced him that I wanted a key, (say I locked key in car while working on it in my garage) and needed one to just get into the car. It's as though they insist it's a VATS key. That time I was able to get him to cut a key from blanks they had in their supply. Once again I was questioned about that with my new C5's key. That time I didn't "push it" but I still see value in having an extra in the shop.
