Method #1:
1. Use a multimeter to measure the Ohms value of the thin strip of metal on the plastic oval on the keyblade of your key. Place both probes of the multimeter on the strip while testing.
2. Choose the Resistor that most closely matches the Kilo-Ohms value of your key's chip.
3. Use your vehicle's Year, Make, and Model to find the correct key shape, then order the correct chip number for your key's Ohms value.
Resister value chart
Method #2:
1. Locate the vehicle's VIN.
2. Call your local GM dealership parts counter and give them the VIN to check which part number is the correct one for your vehicle or what the resistor value is.
3. If they give you the part number then order by part number. If they tell you the resistor value then do a Year, Make, Model search on our website and choose the VATS key with the resistor value that you need.
VATS Backstory:
The VATS, or Vehicle Anti-Theft System, is a security feature that was implemented in various GM model vehicles from 1986 to 2005. VATS relies on a unique VATS key with a resistor pellet. When the driver inserts the key blade into the ignition lock, metal contacts inside the lock make contact with the resistor pellet. The electronic VATS system then reads the resistance of the key. If the key has the correct resistor pellet with the accurate resistance value or VATS code for that specific vehicle, the car will start. Otherwise, the car remains disabled.
There are 15 different VATS codes, each corresponding to a specific resistance value. If you have a functioning VATS key but are unsure of the VATS code, you can determine the resistance value by using an ohmmeter to measure the resistance across the VATS key's resistor pellet. Once you have the resistance value, you can find the corresponding VATS code by referring to a VATS code chart.
Here are some essential details about GM VATS keys:
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There are two types of VATS keys: 6-cut single-sided VATS keys and 10-cut double-sided VATS keys. However, within these categories, you can find different key styles. For example, there are 10-cut VATS keys with varying head sizes and logos.
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A 6-cut single-sided key has six cuts on one side (single) of the key blade. You can check the application list to find the GM car models that use 6-cut VATS keys.
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A 10-cut double-sided key has ten cuts on both sides (double) of the key blade. Check the application list to identify the GM vehicles that use 10-cut VATS keys.
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GM started using 10-cut double-sided VATS keys in 1995. Therefore, all GM vehicles with VATS systems before 1995 used 6-cut single-sided VATS keys.
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All VATS keys have a resistor pellet that extends from both sides of the key blade. The terms "single-sided" and "double-sided" refer to the key cuts and do not relate to the VATS key's resistor pellet.
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It is crucial to know the correct VATS code for your VATS-equipped vehicle when purchasing a new key. The VATS code for a VATS key cannot be programmed or changed. Even if you replace the ignition lock on a VATS-equipped car, the VATS code remains the same, as it is determined by the vehicle's electronics, not the ignition lock.
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10-cut VATS keys are only available in VATS codes 2 through 15, while 6-cut VATS keys come in VATS codes 1 through 15.
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The #1 VATS code for 6-cut VATS keys was discontinued in 1988 or 1989, so if your GM car was manufactured after this period, it does not use a #1 VATS code.
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Most GM vehicles from 1990 and earlier that used a VATS system employed a D secondary key. However, for GM vehicles from 1991 and later with a 6-cut VATS key, an H secondary key was typically used.
To ensure you've ordered the correct VATS code, you can double-check by measuring your working VATS key and comparing it to the new VATS key. The resistance values measured on both keys should be very close. If they significantly differ, you might have ordered the wrong VATS code.
You can purchase your VATs keys here.