How to Measure a Vats Key

[@MarkWilliamsJr-yt1fm]

This was a GREAT help! I have a 94 Firebird and I wanted to get a spare key and all this stuff was freaking me out. You made everything easy to understand, and explained everything perfectly. Thank you.

[@RealManSkills]

I work in a hardware store where we cut keys. We have a VATS key reader. We simply insert the original key, hold down a button and get a read out of the proper code. Thanks to your video, I now know how the machine works. It's just a fancy ohms reader! Great video, thanks again for sharing.

[@mmoualem1]

Thanks for this informative video, you made the GM VATS key system very easy to understand.

[@erekbush1498]

Thank you for your easily understandable instructions that made my life a little easier!!

[@ar_min_m]

Thanks for a thorough and simply put video! helped big time now that I'm trying to get a spare key for my Vette. Thanks

[@johnadams9044]

Thanks for this excellent key tutorial. You helps me very much.

[@mikestirewalt5193]

Nicely done video. I appreciate the history and all the details. Thanks for taking the time.

[@mlisaacs4514]

I'm not a mechanic... And your video is very nicely done!!! Thanks a bunch!!!

[@89transamlover6]

Thank you for this video. I just purchased 1989 Trans Am with one set of keys. So I purchased new set of keys going by The Ebay chart. Once I got the keys and tried it. The car shut down and wouldn't work anymore. So I'm thinking Ebay can't be wrong. I tried to reset keys which you can't because it's the wrong key and there is no resetting key. You just have to have right Vats Code. I was ready to pay GM $600 dollars to change out the ignition. I was ready to pay guy to bypass the security system. Once I saw this video. I went to Walmart bought digital meter for $9 bucks got the correct reading and exchanged the keys. Thank you for saving me $591 dollars.

[@danhoward5686]

Any idea why I can't get a reading? I am using the same multimeter, used a second pair of hands and I get no change in the meter.

[@quentinc1275]

I have the same tool and same key as you but I only get a reading of 1

[@jbconnell6359]

Excellent explanation and visual. Great job.

[@tonym2881]

Mine is a 1992 corvette it reads 0.51 and is a double sided key...is that possible that 92s used 2 sided also

[@bradmathews9801]

I have a 2005 Buick Century and it has a VATS key. I imagine it was manufactured when they still had VATS key boxes in the system and just used them up.

[@ajochum2749]

Great video - I know it is somewhat dated and I hope you are able to still answer this. I had a broken piece on my steering column and it is no longer manufactured. Thus, I am changing out the entire column. It came with the key. Of course, the ohms are not the same. I would love to just change out the column and use the working key that came with the new column. By the way, my old key switch was trash, so I can't change it out and use that one. My question: Is the resistor value stored in the car's computer? IE: If my original key was a #2 and this is a #6, must I go with the original #2 key? I am assuming so but would like to verify. Next, I am aware that I can bypass the whole thing with a resistor (had to do it once before on another car). Am assuming if I go in that direction, I can use the key from the new column with it. Correct? Many thanks!

[@AlchemistLair]

Never knew about these resistors! Thanks for posting that info!!

[@garyhall6294]

I bought a 2001 Century from a guy. The key is a double-sided #1. What do I do now? If it's no longer used? Bypass?

[@ronwhite8490]

I have a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. I have the keys for it, the problem is the lock cylinder will not turn. How do I get one that my keys will fit into?

[@VaheD.G]

Once you get the correct replacement key, do you have to get it programmed by the dealer or will it just work in the ignition ?

[@smallengineshop]

As long as you order the key with the correct vats code, and you have it cut correctly if it isn't cut by the dealer, then it will work. There is no 'programming' with vats keys.

[@VaheD.G]

@@smallengineshop thank you!

[@scottking912]

Awesome job and explanation. Helped A LOT!! (0.66k = 660ohm #3 VATS code.....in my situation)

[@smallengineshop]

+Scott King Thanks for Watching!

[@scottking912]

+smallengineshop Hey, it's been a lil while but have another question. Do I measure the resistors to the ohmage I measured (660) or the ohmage on the chart (681)?

[@lasandrasmith2894]

How mend resistors do I use for a 0.68 reading the resistors I got is 100-Johnson. 1/2-watt

[@nathangreer674]

having issues in my 87 camaro with the vats system sometimes it does fine sometimes it wont start butmy key doesnt have a chip in any ideas?

[@MafionOso219]

I have 7.41k ohms I would like to know which resistors do i have to buy from radio shack

[@garyhall6294]

My reading shows .87. What code is that?

[@CompaCesar]

My read 0.30 why to low can i just put a resistor of 400

[@elikline9045]

I've measured mine several times, and I keep getting a reading of 5.89, but that doesn't correspond to anything on the list.

[@obe1canobe146]

Yours should be 12

[@Al-mp7fv]

I have a 2000 Silverado and didn't see nothing on my key but have the wires going to the side of the ign. 3 on front side and 2 on back side. I'm trying to by-pass all of it. Can any one help.

[@leejr1450]

Yes , I'm having a issue with my system to my key reads 2.97 so I'm trying to figure out what would be my resistance for I can get my resistors going to get my car going to start I need help.

[@junioramaya65]

Did you ever find out what key number was it for 2.97? Thanks

[@gmw1964z]

very interesting.. How about the new transponder keys?

[@nolijizpower4206]

but what if I'm missing the resistor on the key? I couldn't get a reading without it. I have the original key but cant seem to find a the correct ohms of my vehicle

[@Knutterbife]

might just have to try all 15 resistor values until you find one that works. tedious, but it's a start.

[@philipelswick1798]

I had a caddy dealership make me. VATS keys for my 98 DeVille it fit but did not turn. They said the ignition had been changed. Checked with both previous owners.vit had not. Now they want 500.00 plus for new lock cylinder. The key won't turn should'nt at least turn. So the steering wheel will movee

[@SiFiRocker]

Thank you for posting the 15 vat resistors values, but question if the resistor fell out of the key and got lost, what can i do? Can i called the dealer with the Vin # and get the resistor value? Or do i need to try all 15 values until i find the one that started the car? Thanks lou

[@gladiator_games]

Thanks. My car 2001 camaro wouldnt start with security light on.first time happened to me in 8 years. Didn't know about this vats stuff until after tonight. Good to know :). I dont want to be stuck a 7/11 at 1:30 morning again. My key is 4.74

[@michaelhooks3644]

i lost my keys and couldnt tell you what the resistor value is because ive never measured it. how do i determine that number from the lost key? desparate mike

[@jasonboudreau617]

Hi Jason Boudreau here I am seriously having trouble figuring this out... the theft system has locked me out of my car and trying everything bought a digital meter but shows 5.963 and 5.835 For original and spare key i bought two 5.8ohm resistors and two 6.2ohm no luck I think I'm way off so I am going to buy a 10'000 ohm variable resistor / potentiometer is this going solve my problem.. I am ready to burn my beautiful car in the driveway.. I have to walk a hour in each direction every time I go for anything..And I'm Asking For help...please let me know when you get a chance....

[@jasonboudreau617]

Its a 97 Cadillac seville sts

[@docdoc579]

I have a 05 Lacrosse that will not start, it doesn't have a clicking sound or anything but the instrument cluster does light up.A friend of mine advised me to reset the computer, by turning the key on the on position for ten minuets wait and repeat that process three times and on the fourth turn attempt to turn the car on. is this correct?

[@smallengineshop]

Doc Doc I don't know. Go to local auto parts store and check the repair manual for your car. Some stores will let you browse through the manual for free.

[@abdyfe]

im a mechanic this is a good video smart gentement

[@smallengineshop]

+abdyfe Thanks for Watching!

[@manuelelchingon7657]

smallengineshop can you please tell me what's the closest vats for a corvette 2001 or every car is different i just pay 180 on the diller and still don't work

[@thomaswells3090]

@@manuelelchingon7657 Only 3 years late ; But every car is different. Lol

[@Sambodian]

i got a value of 02.97 off my key that would be key #9 correct? (3010?) if i can get the exact value of the key should i go with that or go with the key #9 value? This is for a 96' Cadillac seville sts. Thanks #I17 n advance

[@squarejsj]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. The security light in my daughters 1999 bonneville is flashing. I've tried both the keys ( primary and spare ) and neither will stop the security light from flashing. Is it possible that both keys actually are bad ? Or could there be another problem ? In the ignition itself ?

[@dontaholloway3676]

squarejsj you need a bypass or new ignition switch

[@squarejsj]

what I ended up doing was taking apart the steering column and I saw that the two wires which are connected to the ignition switch, one of which was broken. I carefully soldered the wires back together ( with a little extra wire of the same gauge ) and the re-inserted the ignition into the column. This allowed the "circuit" for the ohms test to complete, and the car would then start. It was a pain, but it cost nothing, basically, except my time.

[@phoenixashes1371]

My 97 Firebird key tests at 9070 ohms. Your chart shows #14 at 9500 ohms. Is this within range?

[@michaelspears4947]

Good video. Nice job explaining

[@lasandrasmith2894]

My Key reading is 0.68 so how mind resistors I need to use I have some resistors from radio shack 100-kohm. 1/2- Watt

[@smallengineshop]

Lasandra Smith If your meter is displaying the ohm value i kohms, than .68 kohms is equal to 680 ohms. I think radio shack sells 1/2 watt 680 ohm resisters.

[@Rocket11213]

Hello your video is very helpful, however you say that the single sided key is only made up until 1988 I have a 1998 Cadillac DeVille and it has a single sided key ignition key with the resistor chip inside of it so I guess they made it 10 years longer. As far as getting the ohms from key resister everything that you mentioned in video I assume would be the same. On the single sided key, I just want to get a copy of the key made and that's not so easy in New Jersey my area many locksmiths don't even have this type of key with the resistor in it be it Single sided or double sided key. So I'm continuing with hopefully getting in touch with these locksmiths that has the single sided key with the resistor and if so they can make a copy of it. I'd like to have an extra spare key of it. Also other videos that show how to buy pass the VAT key completely I found to be very helpful since the ignition said many people have said on KZbin that the wire that connects to the back of the ignition itself sometimes can come loose that can be a big problem so they were showing how to just bypass it and eliminate the equation of the ignition completely and just go on and access the orange wire below there's more details to it using resistors see their videos about it is quite a few videos on it. but its a very quick fix. which is also good to know concerning these VATS system. What's up with regarding need resistors anyone know where I can get them just to have them for just in case kind of situation? Because there is no Radio shacks in my area they went out of business?

[@lbc2al]

thanks for the info where can i get a 1990 cadillac fleetwood fwd key made with a code 15?

[@jamaljamal6169]

buy blank key on ebay, take blank key to any local hardware store (Ace hardware?)

[@billd.8585]

Well done and informative video Thanks 👌👍🏁

[@MrRmh3481]

Excellent vid. Have had some problems with these on Cadillac. Also, never knew B&S had engineered them.

[@obfuscated3090]

Thanks for the useful video! It let me know what to measure to select a resistor for a VATS bypass. Now I also know to blame Briggs and Stratton for that loathesome malfunction-prone system.

[@eddiewells5852]

my is 11.56

[@n5ifi]

I bought a brand new Harley in 1979 and the keys for it had Briggs and Stratton engraved in them.

[@lars6998]

So on 1 off my cars i get 4.61 and on other key is 4.68 so makes it key code 11 so do i make it for 4610 or 4680 and on my other car we get 0.53 so 530 would that be key code 2 would i make them for the ohms for the key code or the key that i will be using thank u for any advice.

[@smallengineshop]

The keys rarely read exactly the same ohm value even though they might be the same vats code. .53 kohms is a #2 vats code.

[@alvinlauf9239]

security light is on I replace my key in the car won't start can I get a new Tumblr or what do I need to do

[@luisarreola4293]

What if the key is not reading anything what can I do to make sure what key do I have

[@smallengineshop]

If the key your trying to measure will still start the car, than you know the resister in the key is good. Make sure your meter leads are making good contact with the resister in the key. Some meters are harder to use than others. The best meter I have found for measuring vats keys are the cheap Harbor Freight digital meters. Harbor Freight will often times have a free coupon for the meter in magazine advertisements.

[@vickirichardt1885]

how do you tell if its not working?

[@luisarreola4293]

I tried with different meters and none of them work it doesn't read nothing is there any other way I could check what number key I have ??

[@smallengineshop]

Take your key to your local GM dealership and ask them to tell you the vats code. I don't think they will charge for this service, but it probably depends on the dealership.

[@tennesseesam7697]

If I am getting a reading on the key wouldn't that mean the key is good?

[@NO-background-music-in-videos.]

not really... If say your cylinder for the key was looking for 9.5k and you test the key and it shows 1.1k How would you know if that is the correct resistance for your car?

[@jamesminnema8388]

I don't get an ohm reading on my key.

[@cemtex5612620]

how many ohms would a vats key for an 02 Chevy venture have

[@lilmanjeeps]

+John Davis II There's 14 different codes for that year.

[@JenniferDenlis]

WHAT IF YOU DONT HAVE THE VATS KEY?? I DO HAVE THE SPARE KEY BUT WITH NO RESISTER CHIP.

[@smallengineshop]

From reading your other posts it sounds like your cheapest and easiest option might be to pay the guy $90 to cut another key for you. If you can find out what vats code your car uses, than another option would be to buy a new ignition lock and replace it yourself.

[@JenniferDenlis]

What do I do with the stupid spare keys? It turns the ignition then security light turns on and it wont start up. What's the point of having spares when you can't even use em?? Can I turn off the vats security system and just use my spares???

[@smallengineshop]

Did the person who replaced your ignition lock and key record your vats code? If so, than you can get the code from them, than install a new ignition lock and buy a new vats key for the lock. If you do the work yourself, than this is a cheaper solution, but more difficult. If you can't do the work yourself, than it will be cheaper to pay the person $90 to cut a new key for you. I am not sure what you are buying for $90. If the person is going to interrogate your vats system and determine what vats code you need, than determine the key code and cut a new key, than $90 is really not a bad deal. If the person already knows your vats code, and will tell you, than you can beat that price by buying a new ignition and vats key and doing the work yourself.

[@JenniferDenlis]

Sorry but the stupid guy who replaced my ignition never gave me the code nor never told what # in case I need to replace my key!! Stupd right..,?? Grrrr this suxs. My camero wont start...! Guess ill have to buy a whole new vats ignition switch. Didn't want to but I think this is my last resort.

[@jamesb8305]

I've always wondered why my '68 camaro key had Briggs and Stratton stamped on the head.

[@demoking1422]

Very good , informative now I know something new today Thanks !

[@MichaelSabo]

Great video, thank you!

[@mrhornet3902]

Hi, I measured the key yesterday and I have 11,630 ohms. Which got me for the key? 15?

[@smallengineshop]

11,630 is a #15 vats code if your measuring the key correctly.

[@brandonmackey892]

in my key it reads 3.00 on the muti meter set on 20k do you have an ideal what key it would be

[@smallengineshop]

+Brandon Mackey I think your meter is displaying the value in kohms. So the reading is 3.0 kohms or 3000 ohms.

[@brandonmackey892]

+smallengineshop so what restister would I need to buy to do a bypass.

[@smallengineshop]

If your reading is correct, than it would be a #9 vats code.

[@paullalande]

Thank you for the video I am using an analogue multi tester and truth be told I am a novice with the multi tester. It is not as clear the actual values as with a digital meter I will try out the test again. Thank you

[@TheDragonz20005]

So with me getting a ohms of 594kohm would that be 6.040 ohms are 0.681ohms

[@smallengineshop]

There all bad measurements. 594 kohms is equal to 594,000 ohms. That is way out of range of any actual value. The same is true with 6.040 ohms and .681 ohms.

[@shadhord9502]

My key shows .51??

[@xavierthomasson7321]

What if you can get a reading off of the key

[@larryduckworth2895]

Brillant information....thank you very much for the video

[@Vanceviper2]

What code for a 1991 RS Camaro?

[@c-for6387]

Great video however most hardware stores have a vats key reader that tells you exactly which code it is. Mine is code 11

[@YouvBeenThumped]

The resistors must be plus or minus 10% for vats

[@73swagin]

Mine reads 571 so what would be the close to mine?

[@obe1canobe146]

2

[@TCHNPT]

I got a 5.95 would anyone help me what that would be?

[@obe1canobe146]

2

[@TCHNPT]

@obe1canobe146 weeks off but turns out I had it on wrong setting snd turned out to be a 12. Worked p3rfectly when I ordered it from Amazon.

[@obe1canobe146]

@@TCHNPT oh ok glad it worked out for you

[@TCHNPT]

@@obe1canobe146 Thanks. Just ordered my second so I can finally have a spare. Almost lost the one and would have to juryrig the broken cylinder as a bypass again lol

[@abrahamsagrero8623]

Nice video brother! Thanks

[@shawntischner6037]

my key measures 4.51 what # key do I need?

[@dontaholloway3676]

Shawn Tischner 11

[@Rivanni1]

Thank for the video!

[@sethwielinski3176]

My was 293 so what would my be

[@awarren30650]

Mine is a vats code 3, so if I purchase a blank vats code 3 key from ebay and have it cut to my key it should work?

[@dontaholloway3676]

A Dub yes

[@walterpalmer4908]

What if you don't have the key to read

[@smallengineshop]

Walter Palmer You can try calling your dealership or check your owners manual. Sometimes the vats code is written in the manual.

[@6UERRA_DIRTYBIRD]

Thanks for the chart!!!!

[@charleshawkins6792]

if it is 1.49 what do i use

[@obe1canobe146]

6

[@michaelclaire4529]

Hola! Muy buenas tardes, gracias por el tip! Te mando un fuerte abrazo desde el defectuoso.

[@ahmadchmeisali5478]

thanks again

[@smallengineshop]

+Ahmad chmeis ali Thanks for Watching!

[@jroc901jr]

I checked mine got no reading guess it's a bad key

[@smallengineshop]

+Justin Rockett Sometimes its hard to get a reading. It doesn't always mean its a bad key. Thanks for watching!

[@MustangGuru]

My 94 z28 has this key so it went back further than 96

[@RealManSkills]

Expensive - that is why we have to charge $25 for the key! I had two Buicks that had those keys. Fortunately, my boss let me pay wholesale price and I cut it myself.

[@bigo5377]

great video...very helpful...thanks

[@Dude_Slick]

I have single sided for my 2000 Camero.

[@HexaFox]

I am guessing the 36 dislikes are people who do not own multimeters?

[@dontaholloway3676]

great video

[@zerkfn8501]

GOD SEND THANKS

[@hddm3]

is there nothing you dont know. smart man

[@richardsumlin4962]

Thanks very helpful

[@hearsejr]

A ex girlfriend lost my keys for a '99 firebird ...with a 3.8 under the hood...so am I screwed and have to buy like 14 keys @$25/a key and have them cut to fit the ignition?

[@willow223]

Go to the dealership with your car's vin #. They should have a copy of the key in their system for that vin. However I have heard that sometimes it still wont work. but you might get lucky. its worth a try

[@hearsejr]

Willow thanks, but I got rid of the car and got a truck. lol

[@ellenfitzgerald6941]

My ohm reader is giving me every value! It won't stay on one value.

[@bradmathews9801]

+Ellen Fitzgerald Try a new battery in it. The ohms section uses power and if the battery is low it can fluctuate. OR take it to a dealer.

[@zeple]

heyyyyyy i have the same multi-meter ... Cool

[@baddriversofnorthtexas6850]

I got a #7. Who else

[@marcrudolph2753]

Great video. Thanks!