Looking for a spare key for my 97 LSS. These are "dealer-only" keys.

 

Have you tried a dealer?

 

Ignition key for your 97 is what they call a VATS key and has a resistor coded chip.... resistor codes range from #2 thru #15 and your local dealer should be able to tell you exactly what code your key is and sell you the correct one.... they should still be available since I purchased one for my 97 Cutlass about 4 months ago and GMPD shows them available as well........

 

No they aren't. You can buy VATS keys on line. You just need to know what the resistance in the chip embedded in the plastic is. Use your ohm meter and it will give you a range that you can compare to the on line selections.
http://www.keybitslockandkey.com/los...nstruction.htm

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1991-1999-Old...#ht_1679wt_913


If you buy extra keyless entry fobs, they're also pretty easy to program to your car.

 

Dealer I got the car from promised me a key. That was 2 months ago.

Looking for another way to resolve this issue.

 

I used my ohm meter and read 886 ohms, that would correlate to code 4 -887 ohms?

I am looking for a new fob. How do I program those?

 

Follow the instructions on this link (I already drilled down to your 97LSS): http://www.programyourremote.com/cla...Ad.asp?id=1159
I did this with my wifes saturn and my 1995 Olds Regency and it worked perfectly. You just have to make sure you get the proper keyless entry fob. Check the back of your existing one for the FCC number

re: code 4 887 is close enough to 886. Other number values are far enough apart to prevent accidental code crossover. Sounds like 4 is your VATS code. The price of the key on line is less than what most dealers charge for it. Fobs you have to shop around for to get the best value.
Here's some that I found. Hope they're the right number
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/PARK-AVENUE-K...ht_15876wt_913
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/25665575-Fact...#ht_986wt_1026

 

Thanks Allan.

Just purchased the key online and looking for a decent fob.

The link is very informative.

 

if anti theft is not important you can bypass it and go to walmart and by keys. The fobs are programmed bythis method . Turn ignition off.Connect a fused jumper wire between Data Link Connector terminal number eight (black/white wire) and terminal number 4(black wire ). Close all doors. Turn ignition on. All door locks will cycle.Press and hold lock and unlock buttons of one transmitter. After a 30 second delay, the door lock will cycle.Program other key fob by repeating the above. When all fobs are programed remove fused jumper wire from DLC connector before turning ignition off.