missing chip in the key

Hey I mustve dropped my keys the other day and I noticed that the little black chip is missing from my keys now. The car starts and runs fine, so what is it used for and is it something I need to be replacing in the long run?

Someone has probably already added the in-line resistor in your ignition circuit wiring. Otherwise the car wouldn't start. No need to worry if it works without the chip/resistor in the key.

whitout the chip actualy the securety light will keep flaching...and will cut off the fuel pump electricity.

mine cars ignission key hole is so loos that i can pull out the key while the car runs.
the car will keep running but securety light will come on

oohhhh...because there was an aftermarket alarm installed with a remote starter (which i dont have) so maybe that has something to do with the fact that the car runs fine without the chip then. i just didnt want to be out in the middle of bumfuck michigan and then surprise! a security feature activates

Hi,
Anyone know where I can get a new set of blank keys (ignition and door) for my '98 Riv?
My girlfriend managed to lose my extra set, fob and all.
I have found them on eBay in the past, but no longer.

Damn.
Thanks in advance.
Denim

denim wrote:

Hi,
Anyone know where I can get a new set of blank keys (ignition and door) for my '98 Riv?
My girlfriend managed to lose my extra set, fob and all.
I have found them on eBay in the past, but no longer.

Damn.
Thanks in advance.
Denim

If they were snakes, you'd hope they were not poisonous hahaha. They are all still there on eBay, and your bigger local locksmiths probably have them too not to mention GM dealers. "VATS Key Blank Double Sided." https://www.ebay.com/itm/224739281157 for instance.

At my dealer, they have cut me replacement keys provided I present the registration card and ask at the parts desk. Just takes a few minutes. Won't do it by phone under any circumstances. You may have to ask, "can you cut me a new key if I bring in my title or registration card?" NOTE - I was told some dealers no longer have the machines but in those cases they can usually refer you to a local/regional locksmith.

Albertj

Found them! ... ordering two of everything
Thanks Albert.

Found the key set around the corner next to the highway. Looks like a Mack ran them down.
Scratched and bent, both keys work.

Not so much, the remote...

Oops. Thought I could post a shot. Nope.

My uncle acquired this Riv with a missing chip in the keys. The previous owner said it didn't trigger the security light (yet). It seems better to bring it to the local dealer. The new rotors and tires from 4Wheelonline are scheduled this weekend so he can take it to the dealer next week.

dAriel49 wrote:

My uncle acquired this Riv with a missing chip in the keys. The previous owner said it didn't trigger the security light (yet). It seems better to bring it to the local dealer. The new rotors and tires from 4Wheelonline are scheduled this weekend so he can take it to the dealer next week.

If the chip's missing form the key and the Security system did not trip as a result, then somebody (an owner before the previous owner) already modified the wiring harness by installing a specific-value resistor.

Your local dealer may not (or may) work on it, but it never hurts to ask.

The local dealer techs may focus more on warranty servicing for cars still in warranty (generally the emissions warranty) so you may want to locate a good, independent mechanic who has an interest in GM cars with the 3800 engine. (after 1994 or so the G platform cars stayed fairly similar)