Pontiac Firebird Key Replacement Across San Diego County (1995-2002)

Critical detail first: this procedure erases every previously programmed remote, so gather them all before you start. With every remote on hand, slot the key in the ignition and cycle it from OFF to RUN four times within five seconds, ending in RUN. The chime should ding, signaling programming mode. Within 10 seconds, press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK simultaneously on the first remote for about 15 seconds. The locks will cycle to confirm. Repeat for any additional remotes (you can program up to four). Turn the key OFF to exit. If the chime never sounds, your BCM is not entering programming mode, usually because of a low battery, a bad ignition switch, or a previously failed attempt. Marco runs F-body keyless calls anywhere from Hillcrest to Fallbrook, call (619) 876-1271. And remember: the VATS resistor key itself does not get programmed, just the remote buttons.

It is almost certainly the VATS resistor value. Your 1995 Firebird uses a resistor pellet embedded in the key blade, and there are 15 possible resistance values. If the new key was cut with the wrong pellet value, the car will not crank at all because the fuel pump will not prime. We measure the correct ohm value with a multimeter and cut a new VATS key matched to your specific car. Call Marco at (619) 876-1271 and Marco will sort it out on-site. Marco handles this curbside across San Diego County, including Chula Vista.

Yes, but only partially. Your 2002 Firebird does not actually have a chip key, it uses the VATS resistor pellet system right through the end of production. The keyless entry remote, if equipped, you can program yourself using the radio fuse method described above. The ignition key itself does not need programming; it Just needs the correct resistor pellet matched to your car's VATS value, which is a locksmith job. That is where we come in, and it costs a fraction of what the dealer charges. Marco handles this curbside across San Diego County, including Solana Beach.

They are completely different systems. Your 1995 uses a VATS resistor key with no chip and no buttons. It is a plain metal key with a tiny pellet in the blade that the car reads for resistance. Your 2000 still uses the same VATS resistor key as the 1995, Just paired with an optional separate 3-button RKE remote that runs on a CR2032 battery. The ignition cylinders are similar between the two. If you are replacing a key on either year, always confirm the VATS pellet value before cutting. Call Marco at (619) 876-1271 and Marco will identify exactly what you need. Marco handles this curbside across San Diego County, including Carmel Valley.