Automotive locksmithing has entered a new, high-tech era. No longer are locksmiths making a living by purchasing a few basic tools, unlocking cars and duplicating keys. In today’s world of sophisticated electronics and pricey equipment, locksmiths need specialized training. Here are some options in the coming months. Please note that pre-registration (and often pre-payment) are required.
Inaugural IAAL Conference
Registration is now open for the International Association of Automotive Locksmiths' first conference, Sept. 14-16 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Kansas City, Mo.
The class list includes:
- GM Six-Cut Locking System
- Intro to Automotive Control Units
- Soldering
- EEPROM
- Catching Up to 2023 - Advanced Automotive Keymaking Methods and Tips
- Intro to European
- Adding Auto: Get to Know Your OBD Connector and How to Diagnose It
- To Clone or Not to Clone
- GM 8-cut to 10-Cut High Security Keys
- Hands-on Lishi Training
- Honda High Security
- Intro to Automotive Control Units
- Adding Auto: Bridging the Gap
- Kr 55 Key and Remote Programming (Mercedes, Chrysler Crossfire)
- Volkswagen/Audi Programming
- Jaguar/Land Rover Servicing
- Nissan Mechanical
- Nissan Programming
- Automotive Tips and Tricks
- Intro to High Security
- Volkswagen Ignition Repair
- Key Innovations Update
- BMW Key Programming with ACDP
Classes will be ranked beginner, intermediate and advanced. Go to https://www.aloa.org/iaal/iaal-home.html to see the brochure with class descriptions and further information.
AKG Academy
Following is the fall training lineup from the Automotive Keys Group. Dates: Sept. 8-9 in Farmingdale, N.Y, Nov. 3-4 in Dallas. See registration info at https://akgacademy.com.
IM608 Programming, Sept. 8
Come join us for some Autel certified instruction for the IM608, and bring your device if you have one for hands on experience. Donnie Sherfield is going to review the basics of the Autel IM608, dig deep into the lesser known special functions of the device that you may not yet be aware of, and cover all of its European and specialty vehicle key and module programming capabilities. Over the course of this 8-hour class, we will introduce you to helpful devices that work well along with the Autel IM608 that help you complete jobs efficiently using this versatile programmer.
Original Lishi Lock Picking, Sept. 8
This 4-hour class taught by Bill Youngson and Jason Frank is a class designed to teach the basics of lock picking and decoding with Lishi Tools, followed by a minimum of two hours hands on with the tools. We will provide you with different keyway locks to practice with and improve your skills with. Learning how to use these tools the correct way will create more success, unlock additional income opportunities, and save you time and money.
Marketing for the Progressive Locksmith, Sept. 8
Have you ever wondered how to "sell" your services more effectively? This class, taught by Bill Youngson, will cover the importance of presenting yourself as a professional, why salesmanship is important, and how to make a plan to hold onto the perfect amount of business. Pricing Structure and ROI will be discussed. This 4-hour class will also allow for an Open Forum of discussion with regards to Business Marketing and your peers will be encouraged to join in the conversation.
BMW Immobilizers and Key Programming, Sept. 9
During this 8-hour class, Donnie Sherfield will take you through the Immo Systems of BMW Vehicles from EWS1 through FEM/BDC. Module location, removal, precautions, and EEPROM reading will be discussed. ISN reading/writing and DME cloning will be discussed. The primary device discussed in this class will be ACDP, but others such as IM608 and AK-90 will also be discussed. Live module demonstrations will be performed.
Hands-On High Security, Sept. 9
This 8-hour class, taught by Jason Frank, is intended to give you an overview of High-Security vehicle lock cylinders in order to take the mystery out of high-security locks and will include the hands-on building of high-security automotive locks. The newly introduced internal 2-track 2021 Ford high-security ignition and door locks will be included for hands-on pinning. Both versions of the 106 groove keyway will be provided for hands-on, including 5 depth locks (Escape/Bronco Sport) and the 4 depth locks (2021 F150). Jason's reference materials will also be offered for sale, at a discount to all students.
KR55 Key Maker for Mercedes Flip Key Programming, Nov. 3
Did you know that the Mercedes Dealer isn't able to offer almost all Flip Blade IR Keys to their customers any longer? You can open up a new revenue stream for your business by attending this 4-hour class taught by Donnie Sherfield. You will be shown the ins and outs of the KR55 Key Maker and how to add-a-key and perform AKL (All Keys Lost) on Mercedes Sprinters, ML Series, S Class, and Chrysler Crossfire vehicles that use an IR Flip Key. Outside of the OEM Factory Tool, the KR55 is the only device in the world that can program a working remote to these vehicles.
JLR Key Programming, Nov. 3
In this class taught by Shon Mordehay, we will discuss keyed ignition JLR vehicles and the modules related to key programming on these vehicles. During this 8 hour class, you will learn where the modules are located, how to remove these modules, and how to program keys to the vehicles. We will also discuss PTS (Push To Start) JLR vehicles and their KVM modules. Demonstrations will be conducted with the VVDI2, VVDI Prog, VVDI Key Tool Plus, and Tango. JLR Key Programming can be complicated, but this class will help to take a lot of the mystery out of it.
ACDP BMW Key Programming, Nov. 3
New to BMW Key Programming or new to the Mini ACDP? Consider taking this 4-hour class taught by Donnie Sherfield. This class will walk you through all the needed steps to program BMW Keys with the ACDP, including app and hardware setup. BMW CAS1-CAS4 Systems will be discussed and demonstrated. Gain the confidence that you need to add keys and perform AKL (All Keys Lost) procedures on these BMW Vehicles.
Hands-On EEPROM, Nov. 4
This class will be almost 100 percent hands-on. Students will break into groups of two while Donnie Sherfield instructs them on how to program keys via EEPROM during this 8-hour class. Each group of students will be provided with a Laptop, VVDI Prog, Tango, and the same modules that the instructor has so that they can follow along with the instructor and complete the task in real time. Modules to be reviewed include, but are not limited to, Toyota ECU, Saab CIM, Volvo Blue/Black Box, EWS3, EWS4, and Mercedes EIS.
VAG Key and Module Programming, Nov. 4
Tim Tracy and Charley Simpson will instruct this 8-hour Volkswagen/Audi (VAG) programming class. Equipment to be discussed will include Abrites (AVDI), VAG Tacho, Ross Tech VCDS, and VW/Audi ODIS. Using this equipment, the instructors will take you through key programming and module replacement on vehicles using Immo 1 through Immo 5. Diagnostic scanning and the ability to understand what modules in a vehicle may have been replaced will also be discussed. Hands-on demos will be included.
American Key Supply University
Hands-On Lishi Training, Las Vegas
Dates: Oct. 5, Oct. 19
This three-hour course provides comprehensive, hands-on training on picking and decoding vehicle locks with Lishi Original locksmith tools. Students learn the tools and procedures that will help them pick and decode both automotive and residential locks. The class will begin with approximately an hour of classroom learning, understanding the basics of the tools and the locks that you will see in the field. We then jump into the hands-on portion of the class where students will be able to pick and decode as many locks as possible. This class will also cover residential Lishi tools also, as well as the new Kwikset SmartKey Decoder by LockTech.
Advanced VW/Audi Key Programming
Dates: Oct. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This class will teach you how to program ALL immobilizer systems for VW and Audi, including, but not limited to, IMMO 1, 2, 3 and MQB-based vehicles. That includes the UDS and Micronis systems. This will cover mid-1990s through 2016 (and a little later, depending on the model). Key generation will be discussed, as well as how to pick and decode with Lishi Original tools.
Advanced Motorcycle Keymaking
Dates: Oct. 20-21
All classes are held at American Key Supply headquarters in Las Vegas. For registration and full information, visit www.americankeysupply.com and click on Las Vegas Locksmith University.
PureAuto from Lockmasters
Key Generation. Lockmasters, Nicholasville, Ky.
Dates: Aug. 26, Oct. 6
This course offers the student an exciting opportunity to learn the skills needed to generate an automotive key. This extended hands-on portion of the class includes a wide variety of tools that will enable the student to experience success and gain confidence. Learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, use of Determinators, Kobra readers, AccuReaders, Lishi 2-in-1 tools, 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.
Advanced Automotive Transponders. Lockmasters, Nicholasville, Ky.
Dates: Aug. 27, Oct. 7
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 new 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.
To register, call 866-574-8724. More info: www.lsieducation.com
