Does anyone know how to go about getting spare keys for an 89 camaro....89's were the first year with the antitheft keys so I cant just go down to my walmart and expect them to duplicate it. I have a feeling that the dealership is my only hope but does anyone know if they still keep copies from 18 years ago? Any help would be GREAT!!!

 

I ran into that when my wife lost my ONLY set of 89 Firebird keys...the GM has 1990 and up on record and can make a set off the VIN...not the 89. Cost me $400 to have just the ignition key made. Then she found them in her purse a week later.

But anyway, the chip is just a resistor, there are only like 15. Any good locksmith should have a set of VATS blank keys, they match the resistor, then cut the key. Still expect to pay $40-50 for another key, but trust me, do it now!

Ed

 

Consider bypassing the VATS. Mine started getting false positives for a wrong resistor value so it wouldn't crank all the time for no reason. The contacts in the switch get corroded and mess with the accuracy.

Or you can just spend the money on a spare key, maybe you wont have problems with yours! My car's definitely a driver.

For hte record, bypassing it is practically free. Resistors cost next to nothing, it's just about crimping them into the circuit in the right values. And to do that all you do is just go under the dash, just remove one panel and it's fairly obvious.

 

Hi I just had to replace my ignition cylinder on my 1991 GTA it also has a vat keys. The dealer had it in stock it cost 38.00 So your local dealer should have them & the box to tell you your code #
Shannon

 

If you have one of the keys to your GTA, just take it to a dealer. They can cut you a new key with the resistor. I know "family pontiac" does one with vats for only 35 bucks. I know this because thats where I got my spare key from

 

Thanks everybody! Im going to go to GM just in case. If they cant help then ill get a key cut and be on my way! Later