Replacement key

What is the best/easiest way to get a replacement key for a 98 Silverado? Am I correct in assuming I can't just have a key made at the hardware store because of PASSLOCK?

98Bacon said:

What is the best/easiest way to get a replacement key for a 98 Silverado? Am I correct in assuming I can't just have a key made at the hardware store because of PASSLOCK?

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My 97 is a simple hardware copy, I don't think your 98 will be different if it's the "classic" style

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Ok, pretty sure 98 was the 1st year of the passlock?? But not even sure if that matters since I don't know anything about it.

You are correct that 98 has passlock, first year. The supporting parts are built into the tumbler and column. Key is normal. A mobile locksmith can make a key to fit, or if the tumbler is original and the title is in your name, take that proof to the dealer and they can cut a key for you.

Richard

I'm not sure about whether the tumbler is original I think I'll stop by the dealer and chat with them. Thanks for the info guys.

I've got Passlock. I've always used a hardware store copy as my daily key. I have two originals which have only been used on occasion since purchasing the truck at 6K miles. I need to figure out how to get good keys for my Saturn. I've got two originals that are very very worn, and I can't exactly go to the dealer.

Thw chevy dealership can do the keys for saturn as saturn was a branch division of gm

robert lowman said:

Thw chevy dealership can do the keys for saturn as saturn was a branch division of gm

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I'm under the impression that they won't have the code for my car. In fact, somewhere I read that only the dealership from where the car was purchased would have it, although that seems odd. I haven't checked with anyone yet, but I'm not holding my breath that a Chevy dealership will have access to a defunct divisions records.... unless maybe they can tell what the key is supposed to be from looking at it?

The dealer can make keys for Saturn as long as the blanks are still available. When they closed Saturn they made the parts available to all GM dealerships. Before 2009 you HAD to go to a Saturn dealer.

A GM dealer by law, has to confirm you're the owner as the key is a simple key, just with proper cuts. They log-onto GM's Global Vehicle Service and type in the VIN. The key is punched on an expensive tool that has a carbide tip and levers for location and depth.
The lock cylinder has a pair of hall effect sensors and one resistor of unknown value. It is supplied with a regulated 5 volt DC signal. The key passes the "Tamper hall-effect" and produces a voltage drop signal that is measured against memory. If a screwdriver was being used with brute force, it would not be a smooth "Turn" of the key. Basically, part of the voltage drop do not occur during a few hundredths of a second, the light come on, and you're locked out for 10 minutes. This Tamper Mode, making the would-be thief the off.
The successful movement of the key's cylinder, would take the magnet passed the Tamper Hall (Signal one), then to on (Signal two / Security Hall), the after starting, the spring load key cylinder would swing the magnet backwards across both "Hall Effect Sensor's" to create two voltage drops within the proper "Time" to allow the module to electronically agree, this is a proper cylinder operation. Then, it sends a "Fuel Enable" signal to the VCM/PCM.
Certain vehicles, the "Pass-Lock" module can be relearned using the TECH2, but mostly cars, as they used a BCM to communicate. Older used UART, newer used Class2 serial data.
I will try to get some illustrations.