Oh, that'* what he'* talking about. Never heard about a code if its just a regular key. Go to a different dealer. Tell them to cut you a key from your VIN #.

Or, worse case scenario, replace the entire lock assembly.

Ahhh, sorry I totally misunderstood your needs there, I assumed it had a chip in it, and I was unaware that your key was badly worn.

Does anyone know how many digits are used and are there letters in the code.

I'm not sure where you are getting information about code from, but, there is no "code" or anything on a normal cut key. Early GM keys had a resistor pellet embedded in the key itself. There were 12 or so different values. Now you have anti-theft built into the lock mechanism itself. If the key don't fit right to turn the ignition, you get a now start. And now, we have transponder keys that you don't even need the key anymore.

And I guess you didn't heed my original idea about going to another dealer to get a new key made based off of your VIN?

I was told this which a locksmith confirmed. Take your ignition lock cylinder out. You will see a flat metal piece on the lock cylinder itself, Its sort of wedged in there. Underneath the flat metal piece are the springs and tumblers. Each tumbler has a number on it. Starting from the tumbler closest to the key hole is the first number in the code. Should have 8 tumblers. May have to rub them clean, they get kinda dirty in there. But they WILL have numbers on each tumbler. Just take that number to your dealer and have it cut. I think a key is about $35-$45. Just hold your finger on the ones you don't want to come out when you turn it over to make the tumblers fall out. If you mix the letters up, you'll never know. Believe me, I know from experience...

GM customer service said this; You would have to come in and have the l cylinder replace through the dealership. If you do this repair by yourself, and get a key made to work with the ignition. The vehicle will go into lock up mode because the car would think it was being stolen. In my comparative search for the best pricing I discovered that Multi Chevrolet in Union, NJ has the best quote of $125 -175 for the lock and $50 for the key. Thank you for letting me know that you travel to New Jersey and Connecticut that'* helped with the price point the other places were too high. I hope you get this issue resolved. Let me know, if you need any other assistance.

Two videos I found on the subject, these vehicles use the same ignition system I have.

I guess you found your answer then.

BTW, watching that second video was like listening to paint dry. Its like as if he was trying to teach 7 year old'* how to pick.

The first one should've been this video, it shows the actual keying process

I thought you just needed to get the code on the side of the lock cylinder, then have a key cut?
Why would you need to mess with the tumblers, are they also damaged?

That'* only if the locksmith was wrong and I need to replace the cylinder. I'll be able to re-key it to the factory key