For the 2002 model year, Dodge offered the Sentry Engine Immobilizer System as an option for some models of the Ram pickup using Texas Instruments transponders. Over the years, these TI transponder chips could be cloned, providing locksmiths the option of programming or cloning.
Beginning in 2006, Dodge changed over to the Philips Crypto transponder and expanded the models. With this change came a higher level of security and an unexpected difficulty for locksmiths. Some of the Ram pickups and the Calibers could not complete the cloning process.
Here is one Ram pickup whose key could not be cloned. I know; I tried to clone it a number of times with different keys and different cloners.
To provide the owner with two operating keys, I used an Ilco TKO - Transponder Key Originator programming tool to program an additional transponder key.
The owner had one three-button remote head Dodge transponder-equipped key. For the second key, the customer did not want another remote head key, just wanted a key. I used an Ilco Y164-PT Chrysler "Tan" Plastic Head Key with the molded Ilco name.
The code series is M0001-M2618, with four depths of cut. The ignition lock has eight wafer tumblers and seven wafer tumblers (2-8) in the door lock. I decoded the bitting and originated the cuts onto the Y164-PT key blank. I then tested the key in the door lock to be certain the cuts were proper.
The next series of steps are to program the transponder.
Start by the cable from the TKO into the OBDII port.
Always test to be certain of the battery voltage. If the voltage is close to 11 volts, connect a jumper box or battery charger. Low voltage can cause programming to fail.
One of the nice features of the TKO is a drawing of the location of the OBDII port. For this vehicle, the OBDII Port is beneath the dashboard to the left of the "HOOD" release.
Knowing how many transponder keys have been programmed to the vehicle tells you if you can add another one or have to erase them all and start over again. For this vehicle, the maximum number of transponder values that can be programmed is eight.
The TKO indicated that three transponder values were programmed to the vehicle. The truck’s owner did not want the existing values erased. If it were my vehicle, I would have erased the values and programmed the existing key and another one or two.
We just added a new key.
The customer just purchased the vehicle used from a dealership and they provided him with the PIN. Without the four-digit PIN CODE, you cannot program new keys.
Programming
Begin by turning off the ignition and inserting the one key to be programmed.
Then turn the ignition to the On position. Press any key.
The TKO then indicates if a warning light on the console is blinking. Repeat the procedure because of an error with the key has occurred. Press any key.
The next screen asks: Is the procedure successfully ended? Yes or No. Answer Yes.
Turn ignition to the off position, remove the key and disconnect the TKO from the OBDII port.
Insert the programmed key into the ignition and rotate it to the start position. The starter should engage and the engine should start and continued to idle.
For more information on the TKO or Ilco key blanks, contact your local locksmith distributor.
To read additional Locksmith Ledger articles about Kaba Iloc Corp. products, visit http://tinyurl.com/ilcoauto513.
Ilco® North American Auto/Truck Key Blank Reference
Kaba Ilco Corp.'s 31st Annual Edition of the Ilco® North American Auto/Truck Key Blank Reference is now available. Kaba Ilco thanks the many sources that have assisted in the preparation of this valuable reference.
This free reference is designed to assist those cutting keys with an organized and easy-to-use reference. Printed copies are available in April from Kaba Ilco Corp. distributors.
The Ilco 2013 Auto Truck Key Blank Reference is one of the numerous references, guides, and support tools offered by Kaba Ilco Corp. at no cost to the security professional.
The reference is now available on the Ilco website www.kaba-ilco.com/key systems, or
www.ilco.us. This document is located under Literature & Support, Key Blanks, Automotive Key Blanks, General Information.
PureAuto: a Full Week of Automotive Training
Stay competitive in the fast paced world of automotive locksmithing. Lockmasters’ PUREAuto seminars teach only the most up-to-date tips and techniques available to the industry while using the current and innovative tools on the market. Each course is invaluable to both the novice and pro. Learn tips and industry updates from the experts in the field.
The next session is Aug 19-23 in Lexington, KY. Register at 800-654-0637. More Info: www.lockmasters.com.
Monday: Domestic Automotive. This course covers domestic lock identification, lock removal, service procedures and more. Starting from 1994, you will receive in-depth instruction with all variations of GM 10 Cut ignitions, Ford 8 and 10-Cut systems, and Chrysler 7 & 8-Cut systems. Instruction and use of proper tools including force tools, ignition picks, Vats interrogators and many other tools of the trade. You will have the opportunity to get hands on use of some tools. Basic transponder programming overview of GM, Ford and Chrysler included. Recommended Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of domestic auto up to 1994 including GM 6-Cut lock systems, Ford & Chrysler pin tumbler systems.
Tuesday: Automotive Key Generation. This course offers the student an exciting opportunity to learn the skills needed to generate automotive keys. There is an extended hands-on portion of the class that includes a wide variety of tools that will enable the student to experience success and gain confidence. You will learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, use of Determinators, Kobra readers, AccuReaders, progressioning, keys by code and more. This course is recommended for the locksmith who wishes to expand into automotive locksmithing, or learn how to better exploit their key generation skills.
Wednesday: Motorcycle Key Generation. This class introduces students to the tools, skills and information that are useful for beginning motorcycle locksmithing. You will disassemble and reassemble various motorcycle locks. Many types of lock systems will be covered. Students will learn the easiest way to generate keys in the extended hands-on portion of the class. This will include a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain confidence sight reading, impressioning and using the wafer readers. This class includes the basics of motorcycle key systems, special key cutting equipment, key blank selection and lock code information.
Thursday: Introduction To High Security Automotive. High security continues to become more lucrative from year to year. This course includes the basics of high-security key systems, vehicle entry, key generation and lock servicing. The course provides information on the most popular high-security makes including General Motors, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, VW, Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Saab and Volvo. You will get hands-on key generation using decoding tools, and lock disassembly with Honda, Lexus, and VW. Recommended: Students must have experience in domestic and import auto service, key generation and lock removal & repair.
Friday: Automotive Transponders. Now’s your chance to keep up with the ever-changing world of transponders. This class covers transponder systems made since 1996, programming procedures, key blanks, and tools for most transponder-equipped vehicles in North America. This will include the newest procedures and key blanks for the newest models. Learn about the CAN Systems and PROX systems as well as laptop based programming options for some vehicles. Includes information on programming and troubleshooting: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and VW/Audi.
