Cloning the 2nd Generation Philips Crypto with Kaba Ilco RW4 Plus or Ilco EZ®-Clone Plus

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.