I had to get a new key for an old Olds with chip in it. It won't work.?

Question

The new key has a chip in it. The 98 Olds has 15 chips for that car. The dealer took his time getting it for me. When I got home, and tried the set out on the car, the key to the door worked, but not well. It' was not cut well. But it did open the door. The ignition key went all the way in, but did not catch in the right places to hook up, lock in, and turn. I wanted to get a file and work on it, but because of the chip, and the possibility of a mistake there, I did not. I have heard rumors of dealer ripping off the unaware in these cases. Can anyone verify this? I felt like I really had been taken when I left there. I just felt creepy. Does someone have advice on what to do when I go back? I can't take a man with me or I would. Giving them another $60 is out of the question. Agree? Thank you. I need more knowledge about the key and how it works.

Answer 1

Go back to dealer ship and explain what the problem is. They WILL fix it, I work at a dealership this happens at times. A machine cuts the key sometimes the key machine does not do a good job. They will make it right. We are only human here.

Answer 2

It sounds as if you did not supply enough information to the dealer. You have to specify what code you have for the 15 different resistors first. Then you have to either supply the old key or the key code for the ignition lock for the car. If you have the old key for the car, dealers have a tool that reads the key code. If you don't have an old key that worked and the resistor code, you are in trouble. Most of the time the selling dealers record the key codes and the resistor code on the contract to avoid situations like this. If you can find these records by phoning the original selling dealer as this is the only way to get the right one. The other option is to replace the ignition lock cylinder which will come with two new keys with new resistors in them. To do this you will also need to replace the VATS module which will automatically program to the new key.

Answer 3

Sounds like the dealer cut you new keys from the vin. the fact that door key worked but not well just means that the tumblers in the door lock have worn over use.(that lock cyl. would get the most use and there for the most wear) If the ignition lock cyl has ever been changed, the dealer would have to cut a key from one that works in the cyl. If that key is lost than the ignition lock cyl will have to be replaced,a new key cut from the blank that comes with new cyl, and if you don't know what the VATS code(the 1 in the 15 posibilitys) your ecm will have to be reflashed to accept the new resistor code on your new key

Answer 4

The "chip" they are referring to is a tiny resistor in the key that provides a certain amount of electrical resistance to the anti theft computer in the car. If the computer doesn't see the right amount of resistance it will not let the car start. It sounds like the guy just didn't cut the key very well. If the car starts then you know that the right resistance or "chip" was used. I would go back and tell them that the key doesn't turn the lock very well, and if they are decent people they will just cut another one at no cost. I wouldn't pay another $60.