Junkman2008
07-10-2008, 05:05 PM
This post applies to anyone who needs a spare key for any vehicle that has a chip in the key. You've seen the prices of these keys, and if you think they are trying to rip you a new one then you are correct-a-mucho!
If you have a chip on both sides of the key, then you have a double-sided Vats key. If the chip is only on one side, then you have a single-sided Vats key. Now that you know which key you have, here's how to replace it for less than $10!
In order to get a replacement key for DIRT cheap, do this. Measure the chip inside the key. See picture below for clarification:
http://pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vat_key.jpg
(I made sure the picture was big enough for blind guys and gals like me)
Here's a short video of me reading my key.
QYqxXwrUBVc
Look at the measurement that you get. The number will be close to, or one of the following from this list:
Vats #-----------Ohms
#1--------------- 402
#2--------------- 523
#3--------------- 681
#4--------------- 887
#5-------------- 1130
#6-------------- 1407
#7-------------- 1870
#8-------------- 2370
#9-------------- 3010
#10------------- 3740
#11------------- 4750
#12------------- 6040
#13------------- 7500
#14------------- 9530
#15------------ 11800
Your results may have a decimal in front of it, after the first number, or not at all depending on how your ohm meter is set to read the resistance.
If your number is "1407", then you need to purchase a #6 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles if you are replacing or adding to your C5 Corvette key collection. If your number is "4748", then you need to purchase a #11 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles. If your number is "524", then you need to purchase a #2 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles. So on, and so on, and so on. I know which number key to buy because I'm comparing my results to the chart above. The following chart show the plus/minus acceptable values when reading your VAT's resistor value:
http://cfupload.stevesdomain.net/images/014a45d005.jpg
Once you have your Vats number, you can jump on eBay and get a blank replacement key. I bought mine from a place called Locksmith Source (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Double-Sided-Vats-key-7-for-GM-vehicles-Locksmith_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ40016QQihZ019 QQitemZ8002833167QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW). If you click on the link, it will take you to a #7 Vats key that he sells (he sells them all). Look at the price:
$5.50!
I about lost my mind after seeing that price and being quoted $130 dollars by the stealership. I ordered 2 more keys on top of the one I had. Now I have a spare, my girlfriend stores one (not that she'll be using it or anything), and I have the third. Multiple keys is the only way to go!
I took my blank keys to the locksmith and he cut them for $2! That was it! Walked out to the car and they both started the car on the first try. If you're paying more than this for a replacement key that has a chip in it, then please donate some of that extra money you need to blow to my gas fund!
If you have a chip on both sides of the key, then you have a double-sided Vats key. If the chip is only on one side, then you have a single-sided Vats key. Now that you know which key you have, here's how to replace it for less than $10!
In order to get a replacement key for DIRT cheap, do this. Measure the chip inside the key. See picture below for clarification:
http://pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vat_key.jpg
(I made sure the picture was big enough for blind guys and gals like me)
Here's a short video of me reading my key.
QYqxXwrUBVc
Look at the measurement that you get. The number will be close to, or one of the following from this list:
Vats #-----------Ohms
#1--------------- 402
#2--------------- 523
#3--------------- 681
#4--------------- 887
#5-------------- 1130
#6-------------- 1407
#7-------------- 1870
#8-------------- 2370
#9-------------- 3010
#10------------- 3740
#11------------- 4750
#12------------- 6040
#13------------- 7500
#14------------- 9530
#15------------ 11800
Your results may have a decimal in front of it, after the first number, or not at all depending on how your ohm meter is set to read the resistance.
If your number is "1407", then you need to purchase a #6 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles if you are replacing or adding to your C5 Corvette key collection. If your number is "4748", then you need to purchase a #11 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles. If your number is "524", then you need to purchase a #2 Double Sided Blank Vats Key for GM Vehicles. So on, and so on, and so on. I know which number key to buy because I'm comparing my results to the chart above. The following chart show the plus/minus acceptable values when reading your VAT's resistor value:
http://cfupload.stevesdomain.net/images/014a45d005.jpg
Once you have your Vats number, you can jump on eBay and get a blank replacement key. I bought mine from a place called Locksmith Source (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Double-Sided-Vats-key-7-for-GM-vehicles-Locksmith_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ40016QQihZ019 QQitemZ8002833167QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW). If you click on the link, it will take you to a #7 Vats key that he sells (he sells them all). Look at the price:
$5.50!
I about lost my mind after seeing that price and being quoted $130 dollars by the stealership. I ordered 2 more keys on top of the one I had. Now I have a spare, my girlfriend stores one (not that she'll be using it or anything), and I have the third. Multiple keys is the only way to go!
I took my blank keys to the locksmith and he cut them for $2! That was it! Walked out to the car and they both started the car on the first try. If you're paying more than this for a replacement key that has a chip in it, then please donate some of that extra money you need to blow to my gas fund!