As its name suggests, Vehicle Anti-Theft System keys also
known as PASS (Personal Automotive Security System) keys (which I have dealt with numerous times, as an automotive locksmith technician), are meant to protect
your car from auto theft. They first came about when there was an increase in
the amount of auto theft on the 1986 Corvette.
After VATs keys were introduced
the amount of auto theft on the cars dramatically decreased. The system was then
extended to other products under GM and has become commonly used today.
How do
they work?
Vehicle Anti-Theft System keys each have unique cuts. Some
keys have resisters on both sides, others have only one. Resisters are embedded
on the blade of the key that communicates with the car. Each car is built with
a Vats module that communicates with the ignition and lock. Electric currents run
through the resister when inserted into the lock and if it’s recognized by the memory
computer installed into the car, the door will open for you and allow you to
turn the engine on.
15 different resisters are used by GM today and each resister
has a different resister value. The manufacturer assigns a random number to the
vats module and when the correct key is inserted, the vats module reads the
resister value. If it matches, the car starts. If the wrong resister value is
read, the car will not start, offering perfect security for the car.
How do I
get a Vats key if I don’t already have one?
You most likely can’t. Vats keys will come with vehicles
equipped with them. Car manufacturers install other security systems their own
way by using transponders. This is different from Vats. It is best if you
purchase a car that already has the system installed and comes with the Vats
key. Vats keys are strictly equipped only to cars launched by GM. A
professional locksmith will be able to explain more.
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