Philips Crypto Key Blank Cloning Guide

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