Ignition Key Question

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Sep 17, 2006 | 09:04 PM

robertp

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 166

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From: Sarasota Florida

Ignition Key Question

1999 C5-
I saw ignition key blanks being sold on ebay a little while back. My question is... how can I determine the resistance of my key. Can I check it with an OHM meter? Do I have to go to a dealer to purchase spare keys or do I have other options. I received only one key when I purchased the Vette and would like to have a couple of spares.

Also desperately need advise with my earlier post
U1255 code and more PEASE HELP!

Thanks

Last edited by robertp; Sep 17, 2006 at 09:08 PM.

Sep 17, 2006 | 09:16 PM

zozmanZ06

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 193

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From: Peru IL

That's Vats!!

On your Corvette key, use a voltmeter to check the chip resistance 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. This chart is for any GM product 1997-2004 that has a single or double-sided Vats key. Buy the blank that looks like your key and have it cut at a locksmith shop, hardware store or other fine place that knows what they're doing. I bought my blank on ebay for $15 and it cost $1 to cut it.

VATS # k OHMS

1———— 0.402

2———— 0.523

3———— 0.681

4————-0.887

5————-1.130

6————-1.470

7————-1.870

8————-2.370

9————-3.010

10————3.740

11————4.750

12————6.040

13————7.500

14————9.530

15————11.801

Randy

Last edited by zozmanZ06; Sep 17, 2006 at 09:19 PM.

Sep 18, 2006 | 09:07 AM

robertp

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From: Sarasota Florida

Thank you Randy. Great help!
Robert

Sep 18, 2006 | 10:55 AM

bighank

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 2,332

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From: Silver Spring MD

ignition key

You need a double sided VATS using the values above in the last post
I bought one from locksmithsource. Has other keys too like PATS keys for Ford products. Use VATS in search.

Sep 18, 2006 | 08:47 PM

robertp

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Instructor

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 166

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From: Sarasota Florida

Thanks bighank. My VAts ohm'd out @ 11.75 ohms so I ordered a #15 key from locksmithsource tonight. I hope it works.
Thanks again

Sep 22, 2006 | 01:50 PM

bighank

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 2,332

Likes: 31

From: Silver Spring MD

VATS key

Just had my VATS key cut. Works fine but GO TO A LOCKSMITH NOT HOME DEPOT. Called a few and found one that cut both sides for$2.00.
Actually he cut the WRONG KEY first and then tried to re cut it. It ALMOST WORKED (doors only but not ignition) He cut another key (his own blank) and still charged only $2.00.

BTW also ordered a PATS key from Locksmithsource for my son's Mustang. The PATS key has to be programmed to be recognized by the car. Took about 3 minutes to do. Your VATS key with the chip needs NO PROGRAMMING. Just the right resistor value in the key and the correct cut. Good Luck and save about $50 or $100 from the DEALER PRICE.

Last edited by bighank; Sep 22, 2006 at 01:53 PM.