Cloning the 2nd Generation Philips Crypto with Kaba Ilco RW4 Plus or Ilco EZ®-Clone Plus
Cloning automotive transponder-equipped keys requires specialized equipment in order to replicate the electronic signature onto the clonable key blank. A cloned electronic key features a code functionally identical to the original key, which is already programmed to the vehicle. When you clone an automotive transponder key, there is no limit to the number of keys that can be cloned to a vehicle.
With the development of cloning the Philips 2nd Generation Crypto transponder chip, more than 150 additional vehicle models can have cloned keys without requiring a programming device. These include vehicles that are operated using the Chrysler “beige” key, the Honda “V” chip and the General Motors (C+) chip, which are all Philips 2nd Generation Crypto transponder chip. The Philips Crypto 2nd generation transponder chip is also known as the 46 chip or the Philips Crypto.
According to Ilco, “the cloning capabilities of the Philips Crypto enabled RW4 or Ilco EZ®-Clone cloning devices increase the number of vehicle models that can be cloned to more than 20 makes covering more than 400 models. This increased capability brings the percentage of clonable vehicles on the road to approximately 90-95 percent.”
Cloning the Philips Crypto transponder chip requires access to the vehicle. Part of the authentication information is retained in the key and part of the authentication information is found in the vehicle’s on-board computer. This mutual authentication is required in order to obtain all of the necessary information required to create a functioning clone.
To obtain the necessary information from the vehicle’s on-board computer, Silca has developed the “Snoop” component. The Snoop is attached to the Philips Crypto transponder-equipped key bow to be cloned in order to communicate with the vehicle’s on-board computer. The Snoop’s antenna is secured around the body of the key head using an elastic strap. The Snoop collects the vehicle’s on-board computer authentication information and facilitates its transfer to the cloning machine by way of the vehicle’s antenna coil. The cloning machine then compiles this with the Philips Crypto transponder chip’s authentication information and transfers it to the Ilco Electronic Key equipped with the EH3P Electronic Head.
To clone a Philips Crypto transponder chip equipped key, an RW4 Plus, Ilco EZ®-Clone PLUS or an RW4 or EZ®-Clone (with a PLUS-box) and a Snoop are the necessary hardware in order to communicate with the vehicle’s on-board computer and key. Connecting the PLUS-box to the RW4 or the Ilco EZ®-Clone gives the ability to perform all programming function of the RW4 Plus and Ilco EZ®-Clone Plus.
The RW4 Plus has a 24-button keypad that contains numbers 1-10, letters A-F, up/left and down/right, Read, Write, Escape and Enter keys. There are a two-line, 20-character LCD display, 12-18 VDC power port, USB port, RS232 connector and an On/Off switch. The RW4 Plus includes a 110 VAC power supply and a cigarette lighter/power outlet power supply cable.
Note: This cable can make the job easier since the vehicle must also be read in order to clone a key. However, some vehicles do not permit the cigarette lighter/power port to be powered when there is no key in the ignition lock. Check to be certain power is available with no key in the ignition before cloning the key.
To clone a Philips Crypto transponder chip, the Ilco cloning devices do not require connection to the Internet or a personal computer. In addition, the Ilco TD3AII Transponder Detector can be used to detect the EH3P Electronic Head as Philips Encrypted.
These cloning devices have been designed to clone onto the Ilco Electronic Head key blanks using the EH3P electronic key head. This installable/removable head is designed to operate with 13 blades designed for vehicles operated with the Philips Crypto chip.
Note: Because the methods for cloning the Philips Crypto Chips are unique to each cloning device manufacturer, the cloning device must be the same as the manufacturer of the Philips Crypto clonable keys.
The Ilco EH3P electronic key head contains a battery powered circuit board that mimics the Philips Crypto chip. Ilco recommends replacing the readily available battery once every two years.
Ilco Electronic Head EH3P and blades can be used to create the keys listed in the chart.
The EH3P electronic key head can be cloned more than once. If a mistake is made or the owner of the vehicle has a different vehicle using the Philips Crypto chip, the EH3P head can be cloned a second time since blades can be installed and removed. The cloning procedure is not limited to a specific vehicle manufacturer.
Ilco has produced two different heads for this style of electronic key. One head is designed to clone the Texas Instrument Encrypted transponder. The second head is designed to clone the Philips Crypto transponder.
These two heads are not interchangeable. The circuit boards and communication protocols are different. To identify the difference between the two, the Philips Crypto part number EH3P electronic key head has a red circuit board and a red plug. The Texas Instrument part number EH3 electronic key head has a green circuit board and a black plug. The part numbers are molded into the head. The key blades have the part number in one side of the horseshoe shaped clip.
The 2007-09 Dodge Caliber and 2006-09 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with the Philips Crypto Chip may have immobilizer variations and specific vehicles may not clone successfully.
For the purpose of this article, I cloned the Philips Crypto transponder (“V” chip) equipped Honda remote head key from a 2007 Honda Accord using an RW4 Plus. The 2007 Accord is equipped with the four track high security lock mechanism. The electronic key blade was duplicated using the customer’s key as the pattern key. The cut key blade was tested in the door lock before starting the cloning procedure.
Cloning a Philips Crypto chip equipped transponder key is a two-part process. The first part is to read the authentication information in the Philips Crypto chip in the key bow. Once the chip has been read, the display will indicate to remove the key. The second step is to prepare the Snoop to collect the authentication information from the vehicle by attaching the strap around the head of the customer’s key and inserting the key into the ignition lock.
Note: I placed the antenna above the middle of the buttons side of the remote head key when using the Snoop.
When the ignition is rotated to the “On” position, the on-board computer sends part of the authentication information to the key, which is read and recorded by the Snoop. LED one illuminates as the information is being transferred. After the first part is read and recorded, the ignition is turned to the “Off” position and then turned again to the “On” position to read the second operation.
When the Snoop is collecting information, two LEDs on the case should flash. When the first part is recorded, LED one flashes. When the second part is recorded, LED one then LED two flash. When the flashing has ceased, the recording operation has been completed. The key is removed from the ignition and the antenna is removed from the key.
When instructed, insert the Snoop into the key receptacle of the cloning unit with the antenna at the bottom of the receptacle. Press Enter. The information is read.
The next step is to insert the original key and press RD.
The LCD displays KEY DATA PROCESSING , then WAIT /99.
The LCD will cycle as the RW4 Plus is cracking the algorithm. When cycled to 99/99, the LCD will display REMOVE KEY. Most keys do not require the full 99/99 cycle. The cycle varies from key to key.
The final step is to insert the EH3P key into the receptacle and press Write.
When the authentication information has been written, the LCD will display OPERATION COMPLETE. Another message will ask if you want other copies. Remember there is no limit to the number of cloned keys that can operate a transponder based anti-theft system equipped vehicle.
Test the operation of the Ilco Electronic Key to be certain the key operates the ignition lock and is capable of starting and operating the engine.
With the increased number of vehicles whose transponder equipped keys can be cloned, and having electronic keys that can be assembled, eliminating the need to purchase pre-made key blanks, providing the cloning option to your customer will help increase your bottom line.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba Ilco Corp. Telephone: 800-334-1381. Web Site: www.kaba-ilco.com.
