GM - General Motors - Passlock1 - Passlock2 - VATS Passkey -

[Weasel3]

Hi,

I am trying to get more info about these systems.

Is there a good thread that disuses all the three systems, in the same thread already?

I read about the 10 minutes and 45 seconds x 3.
Ignition on and off etc.

I am interested in what year this type of system started. I read it was introduced to the Chevrolet Corvette in 1985.

Passlock1 from year 1985 - mostly up to 199x
Vehicle models:

and

Passlock2 from year 199x - mostly up to 200x
Vehicle models:

and

VATS Passkey year 200x - to year 200x
Vehicle models:

Then:
Year when most of the vehicles started with normal transponders:
Type of models started using this system etc. Need only info about the early years here.
The later years is obviously.

I am gone look at a none starter Suburban 1996-1998. With security in dash flashing. I know that the user did on 10 minutes sequence and security flashing stopped.
User did not do the next mandatory two to make it synchronized.
This is system Passlock2 right ?

Found a drawing here:

http://sethirdgen.org/vats.htm

I read about a pellet. What is this?

From text:
First, make sure the pellet is clean

What is this?

I am grateful for all info.

[Weasel3]

Sorted my case by the 10 minutes x 3 method.
Important to keep doors and hood locked.

[camelgd]

That little visible pellet tells you that it is a vats system, which came out before passlock. It stands for Vehicle Anti Theft System,one of 15 resistor chips completes starter circuit, not needed to maintain car running. Started with the 'vette and quickly spread to other GM muscle cars mainly. Vats went to double sided, 14 resistor values, on more cars in GM system, including some models of Cadillac. They are a colossal pain in the rear to service, or to originate keys.
If you want more info, I could write a book, but many have already done so, so there isn't a need. Check out Mike Hyde's Auto Smart books, probably the most info for the money on all makes and models, foreign and domestic. He has the new edition coming out soon, check out under National Auto Lock Service.

[indienick]

GM started using actual transponder keys around 1997 in the USA. This key here:

http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/XuwAAOSwIgNXpiH5/s-l225.jpg

[Automat]

Like Camel said, real pain in the arse, full of problems with the VATS resistor key system, mainly due to crappy wiring, wear, etc..
Use the plastic keys and decoder tool when trying to find which of resistor you need when all keys are lost. Try each value, waiting about 4 minutes between attempts, until one of them starts the car. Like watching paint dry......
Lots of info on the web.... Auto/truck key blank reference will tell you which of USA cars used VATS.

https://www.google.com/search?q=2016+auto+truck+key+blank+reference&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

http://www.vatskey.com/

http://www.clksupplies.com/products/lockcraft-vats-decoder

http://www.clksupplies.com/collections/vats-tools/products/single-sided-vats-adapter-key-replaces-595872-5-pk


(http://www.clksupplies.com/collections/vats-tools/products/single-sided-vats-adapter-key-replaces-595872-5-pk)

[Weasel3]

Thank you all for good info.

This video in the link make it much more clear.

http://www.vatskey.com/

I think I see one metal pin on each side of the plastic key.
Is the method maybe just to place a various of 14 different keys between the pins. Until it accepts the right value.
The lock can be picked first. Turned over and then replaced with this plastic key inside.

[Automat]

Yes, first cut the plastic key so it operates the lock. The decoder tool has a wire and plug socket that fits on the two pins. Use the dial selector on the decoder, it has all the necessary resistor values built in. Try to start the car, if no go, wait 4 minutes, switch to the next value, ect, etc, until one of them starts the car. If you are lucky, you might hit the right one in a few tries.
Yes, that would work, you can place the 14 keys between the pins, or the right value resistors from the electronics store.

[magneto21]

Check this out
Passlock 1,2,3 relearn procedure....http://my.cardone.com/techdocs/pt%2077-0011.pdf

Regards

[craino]

nice video from SMA on youtube regarding these keys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PkHTxDQpkE