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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 04:49 PM
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Default Ignition key

I have 97 C5 only came with one key. I went to Chevy Dealer had the dealer order the blank key based on the key code by looking up the Vin. The dealer called me key is in The dealer
cut the key to the key code. I look at the key and the new key that's cut at the top of the key the teeth was not same to my existing key clearly no wany the new cut key will work on
my car. I had the part guy cut that key to my existing key and new key look identical to my existing key. I go home because I didn't drive my Vette there I put the new key into ignition cyliner and it went in fine but will not turn at all. The key teeth is identical to the old key. So the dealer ordered me new blank key but would not let e keep the cut key. I wanted to show the lock smith the new cut key. Only option I have left is go to lock smith and have the lock smith cut my key to old key or have him cut to the key code which didn't work when cut to key code. Any one what I'm missing here? Is it possible the dealer retrived wrong key code? Dealer got the key code based on my vin. number.
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 04:57 PM
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More likely the ignition switch got replaced at some point IMO. I had new keys cut from the VIN by a locksmith. Much better to have new rather than traced for the tumbler.
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 05:03 PM
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I just did this on my 99, I took an ohm meter and checked Resistance in vats, checked this 3 times and came up with my code, think it was like a 6.5. I purchased the blank key on line and when it came in, I checked it and was perfect. I took the key to a locksmith, I didn't trust anyone else. The key works fine...

Seems like your key was not cut correctly if you could not turn it when inserted into ignition. The wrong vat code would give you a no start,
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
More likely the ignition switch got replaced at some point IMO. I had new keys cut from the VIN by a locksmith. Much better to have new rather than traced for the tumbler.

That's what I was thinking. But wouldn't the key least turn when i had the dealer recut the same key tracing my old key? I would think worst case would not start but least key should turn.
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by pjdbm
I just did this on my 99, I took an ohm meter and checked Resistance in vats, checked this 3 times and came up with my code, think it was like a 6.5. I purchased the blank key on line and when it came in, I checked it and was perfect. I took the key to a locksmith, I didn't trust anyone else. The key works fine...

Seems like your key was not cut correctly if you could not turn it when inserted into ignition. The wrong vat code would give you a no start,
How do I check the the Resistance in vats? what is vats?
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 1997 C5
That's what I was thinking. But wouldn't the key least turn when i had the dealer recut the same key tracing my old key? I would think worst case would not start but least key should turn.
Not if a PO bought a used tumbler that is not keyed for the car. Does that key work in the doors and glove box?
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 1997 C5
How do I check the the Resistance in vats? what is vats?
Ohm meter on each metal probe of key.
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
Not if a PO bought a used tumbler that is not keyed for the car. Does that key work in the doors and glove box?
i haven't tried the doors> I will try it tonight
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 08:16 PM
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Like this

Originally Posted by 1997 C5
How do I check the the Resistance in vats? what is vats?
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 1997 C5
How do I check the the Resistance in vats? what is vats?
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by laurent_zo6
I used Automotive meter to measure the ohms. I like to let you guys know I've never used this before so I don't know what i'm looking at doing. The red cable rod is in the V RPM and Black cable rod is in the com. I tested the ohms the new key read 3.02 ohms and current key 3.0 ohms. This new key is correct key ???
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 06:08 PM
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I can't say 100% how your ohm meter works, but if both keys measure the same (+/- a bit) then yes, you're good.
Did the existing key work in the doors?
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
I can't say 100% how your ohm meter works, but if both keys measure the same (+/- a bit) then yes, you're good.
Did the existing key work in the doors?
Yes it worked on both doors.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 1997 C5
Yes it worked on both doors.
Then IMO it should be fine with a locksmith. Dealer made an error I'm thinking.
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