Automotive security is continually evolving. As locksmiths, we have seen car alarms, engine kill switches, content alarms, VATS/PassKey, and transponder-based anti-theft systems including mechanical key operated and variations of “keyless” ignition systems. With transponders, we have a number of transponder manufacturers including Megamos, Philips, Temic and Texas Instruments. These manufacturers produce fixed coded and the encrypted transponders.
Transponders can be both compatible and not compatible. Compatibility is determined by similar applications. For example, a Megamos 48 chip can be used in specific year/models of Volkswagens and specific year/models of Isuzu Axioms. All of the T5 configuration transponder chips are interchangeable between each other.
However, a Texas Instrument fixed value transponder is not interchangeable with an encrypted value transponder. A Philips Crypto 2nd generation transponder equipped key cannot be used to program a first generation Philips transponder. A Texas Instruments encrypted transponder chip cannot be used to program a Philips Crypto 2nd generation transponder. Or vise versa.
In addition to original equipment transponders, aftermarket manufacturers offer clonable transponder equipped key blanks. Some manufacturers offer clonable electronic head key blanks or clonable two-piece battery and battery-less electronic chip equipped key blanks. These key blanks are equipped with electronic circuitry that mimics the operation of a transponder. These clonable key blanks have been introduced for the Texas Instruments and Philips encrypted transponder keys.
The Philips Crypto 2nd generation transponder chip is also known as the 46 or the Philips Crypto. The Philips Crypto transponder chip is used by many of the world’s vehicle manufacturers. This encrypted transponder is also known as the General Motors Circle Plus (C+) chip, the Acura and Honda “V” chip and the Chrysler “beige” plastic head transponder chip.
Cloning technology for the Philips Crypto transponder chip is different than cloning any other transponder chip. The reason is part of the information needed to produce a clonable key is contained in the chip and part is contained in the vehicle’s on-board computer system.
CLONING EQUIPMENT
Specialized equipment is required to clone a Philips Crypto transponder chip. As of June 15, 2010, you cannot clone a Philips Crypto transponder-equipped key using cloning equipment built prior to 2010.
The single unit cloning equipment that can clone the Philips Crypto transponder chip at this time are:
Bianchi 884 Decryptor Ultegra
Ilco RW4 Plus
Ilco EZ-Clone PLUS
Locksmiths who own the Ilco RW4 or the EZ-Clone can upgrade using the PLUS Box® to clone the Philips Crypto transponder chip.
Locksmiths who own the JMA TRS 5000 can upgrade using the TPH Cloner attachment to clone the Philips Crypto transponder chip.
Important: Some electronic components must be modified on your TRS5000 unit in order for the TRS5000 to clone Philips Crypto Transponders. This hardware upgrade is free of charge and TRS5000 owners must send their TRS5000 units to JMA in Dallas, TX. Contact JMA for more information.
Bianchi has discontinued the Repli-Code 7 (TX) and the Decryptor attachment. Bianchi is offering an 884 Decryptor Ultegra Trade-in Program.
CLONABLE KEY BLANKS
Three key blank manufacturers are producing clonable key blanks for the Philips Crypto transponder-equipped keys. They are Bianchi, Ilco and JMA. Bianchi and Ilco produce two-part electronic key blanks. JMA produces a clonable transponder.
These three styles of Philips Crypto clonables are not interchangeable. Each appears to be able to be cloned using only their equipment. A major reason for this is that each manufacturer uses their own protocols, making their cloning process unique to their machine.
BIANCHI
One Bianchi battery-less electronic chip equipped head, the BTK60, is compatible with vehicles whose transponder based anti-theft systems are operated using the Philips Crypto transponder chip. The BTK60 is compatible with 14 different keyway horseshoe blades. The plastic horseshoe portion of the blade attaches it to the head.
An advantage of the Bianchi BTK60 electronic cloning system is that the electronics are built into an installable/removable head. One BTK60 can be used with any of the 14 horseshoe blades. There is no need to stock complete key blanks.
The Bianchi battery-less electronic chip equipped head BTK60 and blades can be used to create the key blanks listed in our Bianchi chart in the print issue.
ILCO
The Ilco Electronic Head key blanks operate using the EH3P electronic key head. This installable/removable head is designed to operate with 13 blades. The complete electronic head key blanks are compatible with vehicles whose transponder based anti-theft systems are operated using the Philips Crypto transponder chip.
An advantage of the Ilco electronic clonable key system is that the electronics are built into an installable/removable head. One EH3P can be used with any of the 13 horseshoe blades. There is no need to stock complete key blanks.
For servicing the Ilco Electronic Keys, Ilco developed a head removal tool that separates the EH3P head from the blade assembly. The tool is designed to press against the two molded snap tabs using the proper amount of pressure. This disassembly tool reduces the potential damage to the components of electronic two-part keys while trying to disassemble. The Ilco part number is EK3RT - (EH3) Head Removal Tool.
The Ilco Electronic Head EH3P and blades can be used to create the key blanks listed in the Ilco chart in our print issue.
JMA
JMA manufacturers a clonable transponder chip to clone the Philips Crypto transponder called a TPX3 transponder. This clonable transponder chip is the same size as the other JMA transponder chips.
JMA sells their key blanks that operate vehicle equipped with the transponder based anti-theft system with or without a transponder chip. The JMA shells do not contain a transponder chip. A JMA transponder chip can be removed from a JMA transponder-equipped key blank and installed into a JMA shell. This enables locksmiths to reuse a programmed JMA Philips transponder chip if the blade is mis-cut, worn or broken.
An advantage of the JMA transponder key system is that the transponders are installed after the shell or key blank has been manufactured. One JMA clonable Philips transponder can be used with any of the 19 JMA shells. In this regard, there is no need to stock complete key blanks since transponder can be loaded as needed.
JMA transponders and shells can be used to create the key blanks listed in the JMA chart in our print issue.
There are more than 160 models of vehicles using the Philips Crypto transponder chip technology for the engine immobilizer system. Having cloning equipment that can clone the fixed code transponders and the encrypted transponders including the Philips Crypto enables you to clone keys for approximately 400 vehicle models.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following companies cited in this article:
Bianchi USA. Telephone: 800-891-2118. Web Site: www.bianchi1770usa.com.
Kaba-Ilco. Web Site: www.kaba-ilco.com.
JMA. Telephone: 817-385-0515. Web Site: www.jmausa.com.
To read additional Locksmith Ledger articles on transponder cloning, visit Web Site: www. tinyurl.com/cloning0810
