Are GM dealers the only vendors from whom to purchase ignition key blanks for our thirdgens? I know these ignition keys have some type of security device on them, although I am not sure how it works. Anyway, I have only one ignition key, and it is in pretty rough shape. I want to have a few new ones made so I don't end up breaking the old one, and then being in trouble! Thanks for any help.

 

as far as i know, yes. now if you wanted to you could bypass the VATS to where you could use generic key blanks at any key making location, but if you want to keep the system, then again yes you would only have the option of the dealership as far as i know.

 

You'll see alot of people reccomending to bypass VATS due to them failing over the years- basically bypass it now rather than in some parking lot in the pouring rain.

Also, I see you're in Amherst, I'm out there during the weekdays at Umass.

 

Ok, good info on the blanks and on th advisability of bypassing the VATS (what's that stand for, anyway?). So, how simple is it to eliminate the VATS so I can use generic keys and not have to worry about being stranded in the rain?

Josh, what year are you at the Zoo? I got out of there with my BA back in '98.

 

Do a search to bypass VATS, alot will come up. I can't recall, but I believe you just need a single resistor (get a meter and read resistance between each tab of your key I suppose). Just search, haha. VATS is Vehicle Anti-Theft System.

It's my second year in Amherst and I hate it. Been trying to transfer for 2 semester now, something always comes up.

 

Damn, I gotta remember to use the search feature before I ask all my questions. I'll go check it right now.

I hate Amherst, too, but probably for different reasons than you. What's your main beef?

 

Hippies.

 

Haha, nope, we hate the town for one of the same reasons, then

 

There is a buttload of info in the search results about the VATS system. Doesn't sound like there is a super-simple way to bypass it...have to track down wires and measure the resistance of the chip in the key etc. etc. Maybe once I find a service manual and therefore have a wiring diagram, I'll feel better about tracing wires, but that stuff usually gives me headaches.

 

VATS
Very
Annoying
Tempermental
short-out

 

Measure resistance of key, find the two wires, solder resistor across them. Once you do it once it's easy I bet.

 

Well, went to the dealer after work and got one set of keys made. I wanted two or three, but when I found out that the blank for the ignition key cost $32, I decided to just get one set for now!

 

You can disable VATS in the PROM, but key blanks are cheaper than the burning equipment.

 

Vehicle
Anit-
Theft
System

VATS

 

 

Wow. Lets see...make my car even easier to steal or spend $20 for a new vats key cut by code at profesional locksmith shop. You decide! I am a master locksmith by trade and see what happens to stolen cars columns quite often. Vats was installed in our cars to help us keep our car, our car.

 

I can get the key blanks for our camaros. Just call the dealer, give them your vin # get the GM number for the key, and give it to me. Or give me your vin# and I have connects to a dealer here in Denver and I can get the number and see if I have the keys. 9 times out of 10 I do I got mine that way. then all you have to do is have them cut. If you are intrested Email me at irockid85@aol.com

 

Duno what is up with you guys in MA, but here in NY, extra ignition key is 18$, didnt do anything to my VATS, and I"ve never had a problem w/it. Its a 91 camaro, and i've had my car for 5 yrs. Take it to any professional key place. 18 diff types of "chips" (resistors) in the keys. They just match the resistance and cut the key. Took all of 5 min.

 

You can get them at any locksmith. Mine was $20, from my understanding the "chip" in the keys are set differently. The locksmith I went to said my key was a 20, I'm guessing that was the resistance measured. He said some are set at 21 and 23. That's the only info I have.

 

You can get the keyblanks from most locksmiths, or off e-bay (search for VATS Camaro or similar) then have it cut. You will need to know the # to order (1-15 depending on your pellets resistant).

Some interesting reading along with a table of the key #s

http://p214.ezboard.com/ftippersforu...picID=11.topic