2012 Ram Cargo Vans
According to a number of sources, Chrysler has renamed the Dodge Grand Caravan as the Ram cargo van or Ram C/V. The 2012 Ram C/V has a 1,800-lb. cargo payload and up to 3,600 pounds in towing capability. Power is supplied by a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 25 mpg highway. There is a 160-amp alternator and a 20-gallon fuel tank. The Ram Cargo Van has a commercial-tuned ride and heavy-duty, load-leveling suspension to maximize payload capability. The Ram C/V will be built at the Chrysler Group Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant and will go on sale third-quarter 2011.
SDC 474U Touchless Exit Switch
The SDC no-touch wall mounted switch has up to a four-inch read range. The infrared sensor has no moving parts, eliminating the need for physical contact with the sensor in order to activate the switch. Simply waving a hand in front of the sensor activates it. A dual LED illuminates status with red indicating standby and green indicating active.
The 12VDC sensor has a DPDT (Double Pole- Double Throw) Dry Contacts whose activation time is one second or as long as the sensor is triggered. The 474U Touchless Exit Switch mounts into a single gang box.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Security Door Controls (new address), 801 Avenida Acaso, Camarillo, CA 93012 . Telephone: 805-494-0622. Web Site: www.sdcsecurity.com.
Nissan 2012 NV
Nissan has introduced its version of the commercial van in three base models - the NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. The NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD are available with the high roof and a V8 engine. The high roof provides approximately 21 additional inches of headroom. The cargo area is approximately 120 inches long by 70 inches wide. A person over six feet tall can easily standup in the cargo area. The transponder-based engine immobilizer is only available on the SV models.
For more information contact your local Nissan dealership or www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/NV.
New Jet Hardware Keys
Jet Hardware has introduced five transponder-equipped, non-manufacturer logo automotive key blanks, shown in our chart.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Jet Hardware Manufacturing Corp., 800 Hinsdale St., Brooklyn, NY 11207. Web Site: www.jetkeys.com.
Arrow Lock Occupancy Indicator Deadbolt
Arrow Lock has introduced the Occupancy Indicator Deadbolt for visual notification and privacy control. An “In Use” sign can be seen in the external assembly window when the bolt has been thrown. This ANSI A156.5, Auxiliary Locks, Grade 2? deadbolt lock has a solid steel bolt with hardened steel pin insert. When thrown, the one inch bolt extends from the front.
This deadbolt has an emergency key override that can unlock the door from the exterior. The override key can be inserted and removed in the deadbolt retracted or extended positions.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Arrow, 3625 Allegheny Drive, Salem, VA 24157. Telephone: 800-839-3157. Web Site: www.arrowlock.com.
Hyundai Key Code Issues
A locksmith called with a 2008 Hyundai Sonata key code that was provided by Hyundai as T1094. The correct prefix is “F” as the key blank is an HY15. When cutting keys by code for Kia or Hyundai, be sure to check that the code series is correct for the model year of the vehicle.
Loctite®
Loctite is a manufacturer of bolt and screw thread adhesives. These products are available in three applications. The Threadlocker Red 271™ is for permanent locking and sealing screws and bolts. Threadlocker Red 271 cures in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. Once cured it is only removable by heating up parts to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242® is for locking and sealing screws and bolts that require disassembly for servicing using standard hand tools.
Loctite Threadlocker Green 290™ is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners where the components are no longer just right. Green 290 can be used to fill porosity in welds, casting and powder metal parts. Localized heating and hand tools are needed for disassembly.
For more information, the Web Site is www.loctite.com
Bianchi USA 2011 Automotive Guide
Bianchi USA has introduced the 2011 Automotive Guide. This 13-page .pdf is divided by 39 vehicle manufacturers and each group is then sub-divided by model years. The vehicle information features two-piece cloneable Bianchi key blanks including which cloning tool to use. The transponder key information includes key blank number, code series, keyway and a manufacturer cross reference to Ilco EZ numbers and STRATTEC.
To download a copy, go to www.bianchi1770usa.com, then click download literature. Click 2011 Automotive Guide Application Chart or call 800-891- 2118 e-mail [email protected],
FYI
Locksmiths do not know the exact date when a new vehicle is introduced or when a vehicle manufacturer introduces new locks. Therefore, it is not always possible to know if the model year corresponds with the locks, keys and key code. When originating a key from a key code and it does not operate the vehicle, try looking up a key code for either a year earlier or year later. Also, sometimes the manufacturer provides the incorrect prefix letter.
When looking up a key code, look for the Vehicle Identification Number tag on the door or doorpost of the vehicle. They sometimes include the month and year of manufacturer. This can help to determine the correct code series.
Also, whenever possible use a metal key blank as the test key; it is cheaper to replace if not cut to the proper key code. Plus you can give it to your customer as an emergency key to gain entry into the passenger compartment in case keys are locked.
According to the Rotunda
Programming Keys for 2011 Model Year Super Duty: The 2011 Super Duty is the first Ford vehicle released with a new key strategy. These new keys utilize the 80-bit transponder technology and are stamped with "SA" or "HA" on the key blade. Prior model year keys are not compatible. If the vehicle is equipped with Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT), only IKTs should be added as additional keys. Standard PATS keys will program, but will set a DTC and generate a fault message in the message center every time they are used.
Car-Opening Techniques: 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne
This month we will offer recommended car opening techniques for the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne. This four-door sedan is equipped with vertical linkage rods on the front and rear doors. Part of the vertical linkage rod is accessible. The horizontal linkage rod between the forward edge of the door and the vertical linkage rod is not shielded on the rear doors.
Warning: This vehicle is equipped with multi-layer weather stripping at the base of the windows.
The following opening methods can be used to unlock the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne:
Use the High Tech Tools 114 Tool to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Insert a strip saver and a wedge in the middle of the outside door handle assembly. Insert the 114 tool just forward of the rear edge of the door with the tip facing forward. Lower the tool into the door until the tool’s bend contacts the weather stripping. Rotate the tool handle away from the car until the tip contacts the vertical linkage rod. Bind the linkage rod and lift the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.
Use the Pro-Lok AO-07 “Astro Tool” and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the wedge seven inches from the rear edge of the front passenger door window. Inflate the wedge according to manufacturer’s specifications. Insert an inspection light into the door cavity six inches from the rear edge of the window glass. Identify the vertical rod 10 inches below the lock-unlock button. Insert the AO-07 car-opening tool into the door four inches from the rear edge of the window with the tip facing rearward. Lower the tool 10 inches into the door cavity. Rotate the tool ninety degrees clockwise and lift the tool one inch next to the vertical linkage rod. Twist the tool clockwise to capture and bind the vertical linkage rod. Carefully lift the tool to raise the button, unlocking the locking mechanism.
Use the Slide Lock Mercedes Strip™ and a slim wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the slim wedge above the midline of the rear edge of the front passenger door window frame. Insert the knotted end of the Mercedes Strip between the wedge and the base of the window into the passenger compartment. Use the string to guide the tip towards the vertical lock button. Capture the lock button between the tip and the string. Slowly and carefully pull up on the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.
Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1008 car-opening tool and two wedges to unlock the rear passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the two wedges just forward of the outside door handle creating a gap large enough to operate the tool. An inspection light can be used to locate the linkage rod. Carefully insert the long end of the TT-1008 between the wedges into the door cavity with the tip pointing towards the front of the vehicle. Lower the tool eight to 10 inches. Rotate the tip of the tool towards the inside of the vehicle and pull up until the tool contacts the horizontal linkage rod. Capture and bind the linkage rod in the tip of the car-opening tool. Lever the linkage rod towards the rear of the vehicle to unlock the door locking mechanism.
The direction to rotate the 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne driver’s side door lock plug to the unlocked position is counterclockwise.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following car-opening tool manufacturers.
High Tech Tools, 1628 NW 28th St., Miami, FL 33142. Telephone: 1-800-323-8324. Fax: 305-635-1015. Website: www.hightechtools.com
Pro-Lok, 655 North Hariton Street, Orange, CA 92868. Telephone: 714-633-0681. Fax: 714-633-0470. Website: www.pro-lok.com.
Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc., 1166 Topside Rd., Louisville, TN 37777. Telephone: 800-336-8812. Website: www.z-tool.com.
Tech-Train, Lockmasters Inc., 2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Telephone: 800-654-0637. Fax: 859-885-7093. Website: www.lockmasters.com.
We are interested in printing opening methods from other car-opening tool manufacturers. To have your instructions published, enclose a contact name and telephone number. Write or fax to Jerry Levine C/O Locksmith Ledger 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Fax: 847-454-2759.
