VT HSV Key Copying

[adept]

ok people, ive searched around and heard many different stories about getting keys copied for VT or later HSV's.

I've got a VT XU8 & XU6 that I need to get new keys made up for, the only problem is - i dont have the red tags that apparently come from the factory.

-note that the XU8 has a factory approved after market alarm (zenon) and the XU6 is just bog standard.

some people say the only fix, is to replace the whole iss system - getting new tags n keys in the process

I was under the impression, that just cloning the master key, would at least transfer the code to the new key allowing the car to start, and the old key would only be useful for accessing the car and if I used the original key in the ignition it would cancel out the clone.

so... im left wondering - has anyone managed to get new working keys made from a master? (and if so - how'd you get it done)... i have the singular black tag, just not the red one.

Im hoping as a fall back / last resort I can call hsv with the car info and have them resupply the red tag so i can get a new key - anyone know if this is possible?

 

[Boonz]

heres a bit from a techline a while back....

There have been three different types of security
systems fitted to HSV vehicles in addition to the
standard Holden security.
1/ Imbedded Security System (ISS) – Non passive:
Fitted to VS Series 2 vehicles.
Has three barrel shaped keys (two black and one red)
which can be plunged into the key pad in the centre
console. The black barrel key needs to be plunged on
every start up. The red barrel key is used to introduce
replacement or additional black barrel keys to the ISS.
2/ Imbedded Security System (ISS) – Passive:
Fitted to VS Series 3 and VT Series 1 vehicles. Has
three barrel shaped keys (two black and one red)
which can be plunged into the key pad in the glove
box. This system does not require the black barrel key
to be plunged on start up.
The red key is used for introducing new ignition keys or
additional black barrel keys to the ISS.
If no red barrel keys are available to introduce new
ignition keys then the black barrel key will need to
be used every time the vehicle is started. If neither
red nor black barrel keys are available the
complete ISS system will need to be replaced.
ISS red keys are not available separately as they are
individually coded to their modules and can only be
purchased as part of a complete ISS kit. Therefore if
an owner needs a new ignition key but cannot provide
the red barrel key the only option can be to remove
and replace the ISS system.
Dealers should try to ensure that when trading in or
selling any of the above vehicles the ISS keys are
passed on with the vehicle to save your customers and
Service Departments inconvenience.
3/ Embedded Security System (ESS) – Passive:
Fitted to VT Series 2 to VZ vehicles.
Is a totally passive system requiring no owner input or
extra keys. All diagnosis for ESS systems can be
accessed on Holden SIP under HSV Models Section J
Options and Accessories. When linking new keys to an
old BCM or vice versa, a link enable procedure will be
required. The link enable procedure is generated by
Australian Arrow and their phone number is available
at the end of the ESS diagnostic procedure in Holden
SIP.


hope that helps a bit

 

[adept]

awesome, thanks for digging that up.


so just to clarify... I can clone my master key, but i will need to use the black tag whenever starting the car with the clone.

however, if its a series 2 VT - any decent automotive locksmith should be able to fashion up a new master by contacting the original manufacturer.

 

[Coullaz]

hey for what its worth, I got a new programmed key for my 99 VTII SS 5.7 from mr minit in Seaford, SA...... $119.00...last week.

Cheers

 

[johnno010684]

i bought the head off of ebay for $40 and took a blank key from holden to mister minit to copy my original. all my brother in law had to do was bring home the tech2 and reprogram the new key.

 

[adept]

update

i had my master cloned at the local mister minit.

did the procedure shown on the card (use original to unlock car, get in car & lock it, then start with new key and let it run).
Unfortunately it didnt start the car (only get accessories and then the immobilizer kicks in), i might see what turning the alarm off under the bonnet and retrying the process does. otherwise I'll have to go back and see what they say.

Im hoping not to have just thrown $100 away on a paperweight key only to have to end up getting the whole ISS system replaced

 

[adept]

due to the long weekend, i finally got around to going back to mister minit, and it took a while (several tries with different codes, a new keyhead etc) but they managed to clone my master, so crisis averted - no need for a new iss system (several hundred dollars of equipment/labor etc avoided).