JMA Automotive Key Blank Numbering System

By Anthony El Harif

Key blank numbering systems have historically been a complicated situation for key blank manufacturers and locksmiths all over the world. Most key blank manufacturer catalogs include cross-reference charts from other manufacturers’ part numbers to their part numbers in an attempt to reduce confusion over key blank numbering systems and their application.
In this article, we explain JMA’s transponder key blank numbering system and the logic behind it. In addition, we will cite examples of key blank numbers using different manufacturer’s numbering systems.

Transponder-equipped automotive key blanks have two components: The actual mechanical key blank and the transponder that contains the electronic code required to start the engine. JMA’s part numbers include information that identifies the key blank including the blade and the head shape, and the transponder when equipped.

JMA’s automotive part numbering system is divided into two portions. The first portion of the part number used to indicate the transponder.

Transponder manufacturers include Texas Instruments®, Megamos, Philips®, Temic, etc. In addition, transponder manufacturers may offer different transponder configurations, some of which can include fixed value transponders, encrypted transponders and clonable transponders.
The transponder can be removed from JMA automotive transponder-equipped key blanks and JMA automotive key blanks can be ordered with or without a transponder.
The second portion is the key blank part number. To simplify our numbering system, the JMA automotive key blank numbering system will always begin with two, three or four letters of the automobile manufacturer’s name. They include:

• “CHR” for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
• “FO” for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
• “GM” for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile and Pontiac
• “HAA” for Audi and Volkswagen
• “HOND” for Honda and Acura
• “MAZ” for Mazda
• “DAT” for Nissan and Infiniti
• “MIT” for Mitsubishi
• “TOYO” for Toyota and Lexus

The only variations are for vehicles that have “nameplate” changes. Three examples are:

• Mazda Tribute, which uses a Ford “FO” key blank
• Chrysler Sebring two-door, which uses a Mitsubishi “MIT” key blank
• Dodge Sprinter, which uses a Mercedes Benz “ME” key blank.

The numbers that follow the manufacturer’s shortened name are in sequential order. For example, the number 15 following the FO- in the Ford 8-cut transponder equipped key using the fixed value transponder chip (H72PT), meaning this key blank is the 15th Ford key blank JMA has manufactured. The JMA Ford ten cut transponder equipped key blank is number 16. The sequential number changes if the head and the transponder change even if the blade remains the same. For example, the Ford 8-cut oval key blank (599114) has the sequential number of 30 because of the change of the head shape and the transponder.

Additional letter(s) may follow the sequential number. Continuing with the example of the Ford H72PT key blank number, the JMA key blank number has the letters “D.P” following the sequential number. “D” indicates a reversed keyway and “P” indicates plastic head.

The JMA version of the H72PT Ford key blank has the number “FO-15.P.D” coined onto one side of the plastic head. The other side of the plastic head has “JMA” coined. The key blanks themselves have only the head and blade reference; they do not have the transponder part number. This is because the transponder can be removed and a different transponder installed.
Several more key blank examples can be the General Motors (B111PT) key blank has the GM-37.P coined onto one side of the plastic head. The Honda (HD106PT) key blank has the HOND-21.P coined onto one side of the plastic head. Transponder information is on the packaging.