Talk:Anti-theft system

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[edit] Addition please of VATS under topic theft/ anti-theft

Vehicle Anti Theft System This information can save everybody $80 each at the dealer by purchasing their own key at any private website and having your local key cutter make it.

A link needs posted at V.A.T.S. (VATS)also and maybe key also

WHAT IS VATS Auto Key?

V.A.T.S. or VATS stands for Vehicle Anti Theft System. Lots of people refer to this type of key, as a "Computer Chip key". This key or "Chip" has nothing to do with a computer, nor is it a chip. But, because of the popularity of calling it a computer chip key, so will we so that we don’t confuse the masses. The black chip on the blade of the key is actually a micro resister. GM first started using the Vats key in 1986 on the Corvettes, then some of the Cadillac’s, ect. GM uses 15 different resistors in their vats keys. Just looking at the keys you can’t tell the difference in the resistance value, it must be measured with an electronic volt meter with digital display.

How does the V.A.T.S. System work?

Each V.A.T.S. key has it’s own unique cuts on the key to operate the lock. But the key cuts alone will not allow the car to crank. This is called a mechanical key. Each car has a V.A.T.S. module (Brain) under the dash that communicates to the starter, fuel pump, and the ignition lock. Each V.A.T.S. module is randomly given a # (resistance value) from the manufacturer. When the proper mechanical keys, with the proper V.A.T.S. chip (resistor value) turns the ignition lock, the vats module reads the chip on the key. If it is the correct chip, the V.A.T.S. module will tell the starter and the fuel pump to operate. If the wrong chip is read, the V.A.T.S. module will tell starter and the fuel pump to shut down and the car will not start.

How to determine the # Resistance Value of your key chip?

By chance you may know what V.A.T.S. key you now have. Most people do not. There are basically two ways to determine what vats key you have. Remember, there are 15 different possibilities.

    1. Your key can be "read" in a V.A.T.S. tester. Most locksmiths have these readers, and don’t charge anything to tell you.

    2. You can determine the key resistance value in Ohms yourself. You need a (VOM) Digital Volt Ohm Meter with an OHMS button/Scale on it. Just set your Voltmeter to check to 20K OHMS. Take each test lead and place it on each side of the "chip" on your key. It dont matter which side is red or black. A number will appear in the digital display. Take that number on your Voltmeter/Ohmmeter and apply it to the OHMS chart below. Keep in mind that it may not be exact. Just pick the closest value to your reading. So there is a great alternative for you. (Prior to measureing the resistanceof the key- a good rule of thumb is to touch the two meter leads together while on the ohms scale and read the value in the window to determine the offset resistance value of the meter leads itself, most meters will not read 0(zero).

THIS CHART IS FOR MANY GM PRODUCT, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, AND PONTIAC THAT HAS A VATS KEY, SINGLE OR DOUBLE SIDED KEY.

V.A.T.S. # k Ohms Value Measured across key chip

1———— 0.402

2———— 0.523

3———— 0.681

4————-0.887

5————-1.130

6————-1.470

7————-1.870

8————-2.370

9————-3.010

10————3.740

11————4.750

12————6.040

13————7.500

14————9.530

15————11.801

Auto Dealerships would prefer you not have this helpful information so they can continue in operation selling you $80 keys.