Is the VATS chip in a GM key universal?

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Jan 15, 2011 | 10:51 PM

l 95 Trans Am l

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Is the VATS chip in a GM key universal?

Didnt know what other section to put this in, but basically i want to get a spare key made for my car. They make blanks with the VATS chip in them but I was wondering will any VATS chipped key work with any VATS equipped car?

Jan 15, 2011 | 10:56 PM

SS RRR

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From: Jackstandican

Not at all completely positive, but I think you must have a chip that matches your current chip's resistance, which can easily be found out with a volt meter.. I think anyway....

Jan 15, 2011 | 10:58 PM

1badzee

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From: SFL

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS RRR

Not at all completely positive, but I think you must have a chip that matches your current chip's resistance, which can easily be found out with a volt meter.. I think anyway....

Correct. Check for pellet resistance and get one that is as close as possible to your original one.

Jan 15, 2011 | 10:59 PM

robsquikz28

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Nope, only 1 will work!!!!!

Jan 15, 2011 | 10:59 PM

chevymec

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15 different keys, you have to match the resistance and stated.

Jan 15, 2011 | 11:03 PM

l 95 Trans Am l

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Jeez GM just couldnt make it easy could they? And your saying i have to check the resistance on the key with a voltmeter correct?

Jan 15, 2011 | 11:05 PM

hitmanws6

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The dealer looks it up by VIN number and chooses the key accordingly

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Jan 15, 2011 | 11:22 PM

hitmanws6

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Quote:

Originally Posted by l 95 Trans Am l

Do I even want to know what thats gonna run me? Lol

Mine was under $60 bucks. Call around. Highest was $90

Jan 15, 2011 | 11:31 PM

#10

riceburnerZ28

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Damn paying 60 bucks! Borrow a multimeter set it to ohms then check your key. Go on fleabay get yourself a key then call it a day. Thats what I did!

Here's a link with the info you'll need:
http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#pass_key

Jan 16, 2011 | 01:07 AM

#11

idformula

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Wow I thought it was bad when I went to the dealer and paid 25 for the key and 10 for the door key, where the **** are you finding them for 60-90?

Jan 16, 2011 | 09:13 AM

#12

Sublime Dak

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From: Ohio

Or.. just measure the resistance in your key's 'pellet', then go buy a .10 resistor, and bypass the ignition tumbler wiring entirely, and you can use the cheap key blanks. But, doesn't help you if you lost both your keys..

Jan 16, 2011 | 02:14 PM

#13

carlos64030

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Some True Value Hardware stores cuts GM VATS keys for $15. That's where I got my last one from.

Jan 16, 2011 | 02:17 PM

#14

boostedlt1

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i went to a lock smith to get an extra one made since i only got one key with my car. i think it was $15 for the vats key and the door key. maybe $20 for both at the most. it was a couple years ago so i dont remember exactly, the dealership wanted like $80 back then just for my vats key. ridiculous..

Feb 19, 2011 | 09:44 PM

#15

dubya s6

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Look on ebay I bought one for 6 dollars

Feb 19, 2011 | 11:33 PM

#16

Puck

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Measure your key and grab a matching resistor from the junk drawer to splice into the vatS wire under the column.

Easy mod, no more SECURITY light

Feb 19, 2011 | 11:59 PM

#17

LSWHO

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What the hell is all this jibba jabba!? Either wire in a resister under the dash or have your PCM tuned for no vats.

Both are less headache. Why even bother with a specific key search?!