Black Thing on Ignition Key
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Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texarkana, Texas
Black Thing on Ignition Key
there is a black thing on the ignition key of my 93 SE
i havent the fainest what it does...
it about 3/16" square, black with a metal contact patch in the middle
what is this thing?
do i have to keep my keys out of water?
is it possible to get copies of my keys?
can i only get copies from GM?
i havent the fainest what it does...
it about 3/16" square, black with a metal contact patch in the middle
what is this thing?
do i have to keep my keys out of water?
is it possible to get copies of my keys?
can i only get copies from GM?
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it'* called VATS, and i have no freakin clue what that means... basically it is a resistor, and no u dont have to keep them out of the water. the ignition system looks for that resistor when you put the key in, and if it doesn't see a resistor with the right value, it will not let u start the car. i've heard that ACE can make copys of them, but i've only heard it...
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Posts like a Corvette
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: N.W. Indiana
I think it stand for V.ehicle A.nti T.heft *.ystem or somethin like that. You have to get it programmed by the dealer. They are the only ones that are really allowed to duplicate your keys.
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Posts like a 4 Banger
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Or, if you happen to know a locksmith.... We've got a friend who'* one, and he told us he could make those keys for quite a bit less than $25 per key. I need to find out details, though. This message was relayed to me thru my wife, but I know she didn't ask any questions, or even know that the key was something different... If I find out anything I will post back. Curious to see what he can do for us though...
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True Car Nut
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From: Edmonton, AB Canada
First off it stands for:
Vehicle
Anti
Theft
System.
Secondly, it is already preprogramed to match whatever resistor code your car was produced with.
Pellet Code: / Restance in Ohms:
1 / 402
2 / 523
3 / 681
4 / 887
5 / 1130
6 / 1470
7 / 1870
8 / 2370
9 / 3010
10 / 3740
11 / 4750
12 / 6040
13 / 7500
As you can see there is 13 different keys available.
Yes there are expensive & a GM Dealer ONLY PART! The key must be ordered in to match your car'* resistor code. Once you've got the blank key, it can then be cut to match your original key. You pay for the key & the Parts Dept cuts it for No Charge!
Vehicle
Anti
Theft
System.
Secondly, it is already preprogramed to match whatever resistor code your car was produced with.
Pellet Code: / Restance in Ohms:
1 / 402
2 / 523
3 / 681
4 / 887
5 / 1130
6 / 1470
7 / 1870
8 / 2370
9 / 3010
10 / 3740
11 / 4750
12 / 6040
13 / 7500
As you can see there is 13 different keys available.
Yes there are expensive & a GM Dealer ONLY PART! The key must be ordered in to match your car'* resistor code. Once you've got the blank key, it can then be cut to match your original key. You pay for the key & the Parts Dept cuts it for No Charge!
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True Car Nut
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
Originally Posted by jwikoff99
My dad recently realized after seven years that he CAN get new ignition keys at ACE Hardware.
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Certified Car Nut
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 2
If the ignition doesn't sense the resistor, it will shut off the fuel system so you can't start the car. So any scumbag that tries to steal it with some other key is outta luck. And my owner'* manual says that if the key is wet the car may not start. But if it is wet it'* not a big deal since you can dry it. I think the manual also says the power to the battery is shut off for 3 minutes if the resistor isn't right, so the car won't start.
