2011 “Most Popular” Automotive Key Blanks

April 4, 2011

Editor's Note: To download the charts referenced in this article in pdf format, click here: http://www.locksmithledger.com/pdf/2011/keychart.pdf

More and more vehicle manufacturers are using transponder-equipped mechanical keys and keyless fobs to operate their new vehicles. There is also an increase in the number of vehicles equipped with higher security mechanical lock mechanisms including Tibbe and sidewinder. The combination of mechanical and electronic locking mechanisms provides additional levels of security for the vehicle owner.

Automotive anti-theft technology is continually changing as more powerful transponders are being introduced. The latest is the Ford 80 Bit transponder that will be introduced onto most 2011 model year vehicles throughout the calendar year. The Ford 80 Bit transponder is backwards compatible with 40 Bit technology Ford vehicles. However, 40 Bit technology vehicles cannot take full advantage of the capability of the 80 Bit transponder.

Another example of new introductions is the General Motors Flip key, a sidewinder remote equipped key used by Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models. Ford is introducing the sidewinder lock mechanism onto the 2011 Fiesta and the 2012 Escape and Focus.

Continuing with Ford, four different mechanical lock mechanisms are available for the North American market - 8-cut, 10-cut, Tibbe (Transit Connect) and sidewinder. Five different transponders have been introduced since the model year 1996 including the Texas Instruments fixed code, the Motorola fixed code, the PATS III Encrypted, and the 40 Bit and 80 Bit Texas Instruments Encrypted.

For most locksmiths including those who do a significant amount of automotive work, it is no longer practical to stock every automotive key blank. Transponder and circuit board-equipped key blanks including remote head and Integrated Key Transponders are significantly more expensive than plastic head non-electronic key blanks.

We have received a number of requests from locksmiths wanting to know the most popular automotive key blanks - the ones that are “must haves” and which can wait and be ordered as needed. Automotive key blank popularity varies by many factors including location, population density, income and your customer base. No one list will provide the “must haves” for everyone. However, there are some general patterns that can be determined for many of the more popular automotive key blanks.

An excellent suggestion I received is to look at the vehicles around you when you are driving. See what makes, models and years are out there being driven in your area. This can give you insight into what your potential customers will own. In addition, are there rent-a-car companies, car dealerships and body shops in your area? Whose vehicle are being rented or repaired?

For this article, I have contacted A-1 Security Manufacturing, Bianchi USA, HATA, Kaba Ilco, Jet Hardware, JMA and STRATTEC, and requested lists of what they consider their “must haves” automotive key blanks.

The supplied “must have” lists range from more than 100 numbers to less than 20. I have limited the key blanks to cars, trucks, sport/recreational vehicles and vans. I have also limited the choices to primary key blanks.

I did request their lists include whenever possible only generic key blank part numbers. Key blank companies usually pay a fee for the right to sell logo key blanks. This adds additional cost to the transponder and non-transponder key blanks. Non-logo programmable transponder key blanks are designed to be functionally equivalent to the logo key transponders. However, some of your customers may be willing to pay additional to have a key with their manufacturer’s logo.

If the key blank company has multiple logo key blanks, whenever possible only the generic will be listed in the primary charts in order to focus the number of included keys. Where there are only manufacturer’s logo key blanks available, the logo will be indicated. For the generic key blanks, there will be separate lists for each key blank manufacturer containing their logo keys and the generic keys that operate them.

The key blanks will not be listed by popularity. The type of key blank will first divide them. In order to differentiate the transponder-equipped key blanks and the two-piece, electronic board key blanks, I have used the term “circuit board” as the generic term to identify these key blanks as each company identifies these keys differently. Bianchi identifies their keys as 2-Piece Clonable Keys. Ilco identifies their keys as Electronic Keys. Jet Hardware identifies their keys as the Smart Clone Keys. We will start with the transponder and circuit board equipped key blanks chart. Then we will present the non-transponder key blank chart.

The third and fourth charts will be the remote head transponder key blanks - the “must have” Chrysler Remote Head Key Blanks and FOBIKS, and the Ford IKT (Integrated Key Transponder). Of the seven companies chosen, only HATA offers Chrysler Remote Head Key Blanks at this time through the locksmith distribution channel. STRATTEC and HATA are the only companies that offer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury IKT key blanks at this time through the locksmith distribution channel.

The reason for the separation is to better organize the key blank numbers to provide the most value of the charts. Each key blank chart is divided by vehicle manufacturers and their respective key blank numbers. The first column is the “Description.” This column provides common information enabling locksmiths to determine what the key blank is either by a code series, transponder information and/or application information.

Then, each chart will be arranged by having the same key blank from each company on the same line. This way, the charts created will show which key blank companies do and do not consider specific key blanks “most popular”. Not all key blank companies offer every key blank available from other companies.

Some key blank companies only offer logo key blanks. When a logo key blank is included, an identifier will usually be with the part number.

If the seven companies include a key blank, it should probably be considered “most popular.” Two examples are the Ford 8-cut equipped with the Texas Instruments Fixed Code transponder and the General Motors 93 (Z) groove (+) transponder-equipped key blank. You might want to consider popularity by the number of companies offering a specific key blank.

If only one company offers a specific key blank, it may or may not be considered “most popular.” An important consideration is whether a particular transponder chip is available to other aftermarket key blank manufacturers. For example, at this time only STRATTEC has Ford authorized access to the 80 Bit Texas Instruments transponder chip.

If certain automotive key blank numbers are not included, this may also be important information. However, you are the final judge of which programmable and clonable automotive key blanks you purchase and stock. The following information should be considered only a guide. Contact your local locksmith wholesaler and determine which brands of automotive key blanks they maintain in stock and of those that they feel are the “most popular”.

Transponder/Circuit Board Key Blanks

The first chart will be the Transponder/Circuit Board Key Blank Chart. The Transponder Key Chart will include both programmable and clonable transponder and circuit board key blank numbers as supplied.

All programmable fixed and encrypted transponders have a preset code allowing them to be programmed to a vehicle. Most clonable transponder and circuit board equipped key blanks do not have a preset code.

If these key blanks are being used for cloning, no additional steps are required. Just clone the clonable transponder or circuit board equipped key blank to the customer’s transponder-equipped key, test the operation using a “test” or metal head key and then originate the cuts onto the cloned key blank. Most clonable transponders and circuit board equipped keys can be cloned more than once.

However, if a no preset code clonable transponder or circuit board equipped key blank will be used with either device programming or on-board programming, a code must first be cloned onto the transponder or circuit board equipped key blank. If not, attempting to program a no code transponder or no code circuit board equipped key to a vehicle can result in a fault that requires the fault to be removed before another transponder value can be programmed. Some faults require dealer equipment to remove.

Once the code has been cloned, the clonable transponder or circuit board equipped key operates like a programmable transponder-equipped key for the purposes of programming.

Jet Hardware has eight clonable transponder keys that come standard with codes already programmed onto them so that they can be used for cloning or device/on-board programming. They include transponder keys for General Motors, Honda, Mazda and Nissan vehicles.

There are different methods of programming a preset code transponder/circuit board key blanks to a vehicle. Some vehicles accept on-board programming when none, one or two already programmed keys is available.

Some vehicles can be programmed using a programming device without any additional information or procedures required. Some vehicles require a P.I.N. Chrysler for example, that is either obtained from the programming device or must be obtained prior to programming. Other vehicles including some Nissan and Infiniti models require BCM conversion. The Body Component Module serial number is printed onto a label on the BCM. The serial number must then be converted to a PIN before a preset code transponder/circuit board key can be programmed to the vehicle.

If you own a programming device, know which vehicle you can program, as the unit is equipped. Knowing how the device operates will also determine the vehicle years, makes and models you are able to program. Manufacturer specific software becomes available as new models are introduced.

Note: For some vehicles, it may be more practical to clone a key if one is available, rather than program a key.

Generic and Logo Key Blanks

Some key blank companies offer multiple versions of the same key blank either by having only logo key blanks or a generic key blank and logo key blanks. To give proper representation, I have included lists of the company’s key blank offerings. For example, A 1 Security Manufacturing has six General Motors (+) key blank part numbers. They are one generic and five GM division logo key blanks including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac. For the chart, only the generic GMX-100C part number is included. The list will contain all six of the key blank numbers.

If the company has only logo key blanks, I included only one key blank number. For example, STRATTEC Ford 40 Bit key blanks are available for Ford, Mercury and Lincoln. Only the Ford 599114 part number is in the list.

A-1 Generic GM PK3 Key Blanks

B99-GPT large head 75 PK3 no logo generic

B99S-PT large head 75 PK3 GM logo

A-1 Generic GM (+) Key Blanks

GMX-100C 93 groove Circle + generic

GMX-222C= 693126 93 groove Circle + Buick logo

GMX-272C= 692933 93 groove Circle + Cadillac logo

GMX-350C= 692932 93 groove Circle + GMC logo

GMX-380C= 692931 93 groove Circle + Chevrolet logo

GMX-381C= 693121 93 groove Circle + Pontiac logo

A-1 Generic Ford Key Blanks

H86-PT no logo Generic 8-Cut PATS III Encrypted

H86-FPT Ford logo 8-Cut PATS III Encrypted

STRATTEC Ford Key Blanks

Generic 598333

Ford Logo 597602

STRATTEC Ford Key Blanks

Ford 599114

Mercury 599179

Lincoln 691259

STRATTEC GM Key Blanks

5903089 93 groove Circle + Generic

692931 93 groove Circle + Chevrolet logo

692932 93 groove Circle + GMC logo

693121 93 groove Circle + Pontiac logo

Jet Hardware GM Key Blanks

B112-CP-PHT 93 groove Circle + generic

GMX222CP-PHT 93 groove Circle + Buick logo

GMX272CP-PHT 93 groove Circle + Cadillac logo

GMX380CP-PHT 93 groove Circle + Chevrolet logo

GMX381CP-PHT 93 groove Circle + Pontiac logo

Jet Hardware Ford Key Blanks

J84-PHT 8-cut Encrypted TI generic

H84-PHT 8-cut Encrypted TI Ford

Non-Transponder Key Blanks

The non-transponder key blank chart lists the “must have” key blanks. They range from 40-year-old introductions to current applications. They have been listed as either plastic head or metal key blanks. If both numbers were provided, I included the metal key blank number. Depending upon your customer base, stocking metal or plastic head key blanks can be better.

Over the years, aftermarket key blank manufacturers have been developing clonable transponders and circuit board equipped keys. The advantage of the clonable is the ability to “clone” additional keys that can operate vehicles equipped with transponder based engine immobilizers. Cloning has several advantages over programming. One advantage is the ability to make as many keys as the customer wants by duplicating the same code onto clonable keys. All vehicles have a limited number of transponder codes that can be programmed.

Bianchi, Ilco and Jet Hardware offer two-piece, circuit board equipped key blanks that are the heads and attachable blades. Each manufacturer offers a variety of different head and blade choices. The basic advantage is the heads can be installed onto different key blades providing a number of different electronic key blank configurations. In addition, if a circuit board equipped key blade wears or the customer wants the bitting changed, a completely new key blank is not required. Simply remove the head and after cutting and testing the bitting, install the customer’s head onto the blade. No need to program or clone, plus the customer can save money.

Bianchi has just introduced the TK100 electronic key head for their two-piece keys. The battery-less TK100 circuit board equipped key head is designed to take the place of the Bianchi TK24, TK40 and TK60 electronic key heads. The TK24 is designed to clone most of the Temic T2 and T5, Megamos fixed code, Philips fixed code and Texas Instruments fixed code transponders. The TK40 key head is designed to clone most of the Texas Instruments Encrypted transponders. The TK60 head is designed to clone most of the Philips Crypto (circle +) and the “V” chip. Eight blades operate with the TK24 head. Fifteen blades operate with the TK40 head. Seventeen blades operate with the TK60 head. The Ford 40 Bit two piece circuit board key blank having the 8-cut blade complete key blank is the FD21UTK40 (TI only) or FD21UTK100. The head is the TK40 or TK100 and the replacement blade is FD21U.

Ilco two-piece electronic key blanks are available with the EH3 and the EH3P heads. The EH3 head is designed to clone most of the Texas Instruments Encrypted transponder chips. The Ilco EH3P head is designed to clone most of the Philips Crypto (circle +) and the “V” transponder chips. Fourteen blades operate with the EH3 head. Thirteen blades operate with the EH3P head. The General Motors (+) two-piece circuit board key having the 93 (Z groove) blade complete key blank is EK3P-B111. The head is the EH3P and the replacement blade is EB3-R-B111.

Note: Ilco has most fixed code clonable transponder-equipped key blanks available.

Jet Hardware two-piece electronic key blanks are available with the SCH-1 and SCH-3 heads. The SCH-1 head is designed to clone most of the Temic T2 and T5, Megamos fixed code, Philips fixed code and Texas Instruments fixed code transponders. The SCH-3 head is designed to clone most of the Texas Instruments Encrypted transponders. Five blades operate with the SCH-1 head. Twelve blades operate with the SCH-3 head. The Jet Hardware two-piece circuit board clonable key blanks part number have an “N” in the middle. For example, the Chrysler Y160 two piece version has the complete part number of Y160-N-PHT. The head is the SCH-3 and the replacement blade is Y160-N-B.

A locksmith can order multiple blades with a limited number of heads in order to create the head and blade match to operate a specific vehicle. For example, a Texas Instruments Encrypted circuit board head can be used with blades for Chrysler, Ford 40 Bit, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota 40 Bit models. The Philips Crypto (circle +) and the “V” chip circuit board head applications include the late model Chrysler, GM, Honda, Land Rover, Mitsubishi and Nissan.

The ability to clone transponder and circuit board equipped keys is not universal. The only transponder that is almost universal to all cloning equipment at this time is the Temic, Megamos and Phillips Fixed Code transponders used by most automotive key blank companies including JMA USA (TP05) and Ilco (Silca T1, T2 and T5).

Many encrypted clonable transponder and circuit board equipped key blanks can only be cloned using their company’s equipment. This means most of the Bianchi circuit board keys cannot be cloned using Ilco or JMA cloning equipment. Most of the Ilco circuit board key blanks cannot be cloned using Bianchi, Jet Hardware, STRATTEC or JMA equipment. And some of the JMA encrypted transponder-equipped key blanks cannot be cloned using Bianchi, Ilco, Jet Hardware or STRATTEC equipment.

Important: Most of the cloning equipment available can read other companies’ transponder and circuit board equipped keys and then clone the value onto their clonable transponder-equipped and/or circuit board equipped key blanks.

JMA USA transponder key blanks are similar to the two-piece electric keys as they are designed so a transponder can be removed and also key blanks can be order less transponder. A locksmith can order multiple key blanks and a limited number of transponders. This provides the ability to stock more transponder accommodating key blanks.

JMA USA has two types of transponders, clonable and programmable. All of the transponder key blanks are designed to accommodate any of the transponders, providing the ability to create different configurations by manufacturing every key with a removable insert. Chipless JMA key blanks are available when an existing transponder-equipped key wears out or a key blank is mis-cut.

Note: JMA USA offers programmable transponders for all of their automotive transponder compatible key blanks.

The four main JMA USA clonable transponders are the TP05, TPX1, TPX2 and TPX3. The TP05 transponder is designed for Megamos, Philips and Temic fixed code applications. The TPX1 transponder is designed for the Texas Instruments Fixed code applications. The TPX2 transponder is designed for Texas Instruments Encrypted applications. The TPX3 transponder is designed for Philips 2nd generation Encrypted (Crypto) applications.

There are a number of different ways to choose the transponder and the circuit board equipped key blanks a locksmith shop will have available. Research is necessary to insure the choices are the most beneficial for you and your customers.

To download the charts in pdf format, click here: http://www.locksmithledger.com/pdf/2011/keychart.pdf

For More Information

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or:

A1 Security Manufacturing, 3001 West Moore St., Richmond, VA 23230 Telephone 877-725-2121. Web Site: http://demanda1.com/

Bianchi USA, Inc., 31336 Industrial Parkway, Suites 3 & 4, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Telephone: 800-891-2118. Web Site: www.bianchi1770usa.com

HATA, Inc., 231 Moorestown, Drive?Bath, PA 18014 ??Telephone 866-888-4282 Web Site: www.hatainc.com

Kaba Ilco Corp., 400 Jeffreys Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Telephone 800-334-1381 Web Site: www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems

Jet Hardware Manufacturing Corp., 800 Hinsdale Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207. Web Site: www.jetkeys.com.

JMA USA, 1513 Geenview Drive, Grand Pairie, TX 75050. Telephone: 817-385-0515 Web Site: www.jmausa.com.

STRATTEC Security Corporation, 3333 West Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53209. Telephone: 414-247-3333. Web Site: http://aftermarket.strattec.com.