Key thingy
12 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: North Versailles, PA
It's just a resistor. The ignition has contacts that touch the resistor in the key when you try to start the car. If the resistor value isn't sensed the car won't start. Pretty simple idea but works well for keeping you car safe.
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
It's also a great reason for GM to charge $50 for a new key!
If you ever need a spare, there's a guy on ebay selling them for much less, but you have to measure the resistor first to ensure you order the correct one.
If you ever need a spare, there's a guy on ebay selling them for much less, but you have to measure the resistor first to ensure you order the correct one.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Here's more than you'd ever want to know, it's a little old (1991, gen 3) , but pretty thorough. http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system
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TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,564
Likes: 4
From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
lol Resistors and Microchips have been their own entity since the 60s (or even earlier) 
But that IS funny. Gotta love known tons more than car salesmen. If I ever go in and buy a new car, I'll just tell the dude "Look, I know tons more about any of these cars here than you do, so lets skip to the chase: Don't try to sell me any extra BS, I already know what I want, and how much I'll pay."
There's also a way around it, than buying a new key, but it's less safe then. Just find the right wire under the dash, cut it, and solder in the correct ohm resistor
Any key cut to the original will then work.
But that IS funny. Gotta love known tons more than car salesmen. If I ever go in and buy a new car, I'll just tell the dude "Look, I know tons more about any of these cars here than you do, so lets skip to the chase: Don't try to sell me any extra BS, I already know what I want, and how much I'll pay."
There's also a way around it, than buying a new key, but it's less safe then. Just find the right wire under the dash, cut it, and solder in the correct ohm resistor
Any key cut to the original will then work. 
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Clovis NM
My car doesnt like to start sometimes there is no corrosion on the terminals or wires but the key thing is loose i have to hold the key in the start position for like 10-15 secconds b4 it starts could the key be the problem?
yeah so he can pocket the rest of the cash, salesman are crooks! some dealerships are just outrageous