Facts on Transponder Programming Equipment

MULTIPLE-MANUFACTURER PROGRAMMING MACHINES

Two multiple-manufacturer programming machines are being sold throughout North America at this time, the ASP T-Code and the Kaba-Ilco SDD. Both can be used to program transponder values to specific make and model vehicles.

As of August 1, 2003, the ASP T-Code is available in three different configurations. The differences are the programming capabilities. All T-Codes can be updated using the additional software packages. The original T-Code configuration, which can program the Cadillac Catera, Ford USA PATS-1/PATS-2/PATS-3, Mitsubishi, Nissan-Infiniti, and Volkswagen-Audi, was discontinued as of July 31, 2003.

The ASP T-Code New Complete Package includes programming capabilities for the Cadillac Catera, Chrysler-Jeep, Ford USA PATS-1/PATS-2/PAT N, Honda-Acura, Mitsubishi, Nissan-Infiniti, and Volkswagen-Audi. Note: At this time, the T-Code New Package will not program the 2004 transponder-equipped Durango, 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and minivans.

Locksmiths can choose from two T-Code Starter Packages: the T-Code American Car Starter Package and the T-Code Japanese Car Starter Package. The T-Code American Car Starter Package includes programming capabilities for the Chrysler, Jeep, and Ford USA PATS-1/PATS-2/PATS-3/CAN systems. The T-Code Japanese Car Starter Package includes programming capabilities for the Honda-Acura, Mitsubishi, and Nissan-Infiniti.

To update existing T-Codes, additional programs are available individually for machines that are not programmed for the following vehicles. These fee-based programs are for Chrysler-Jeep, Ford, Honda-Acura, Mitsubishi, and Nissan-Infiniti.

The Ilco SDD U.S.A. machine contains most Ford/Mercury/Lincoln, most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, and Honda/Acura software. Until October 1, 2003, Ilco was supplying all purchasers of SDD USA with free Nissan/Infiniti software and applicable cables/adapters. Ilco currently offers Nissan/Infiniti, Mitsubishi, and VAG (Volkswagen/Audi) software updates.

Note: At this time, the Ilco SDD U.S.A. machine will not program the 2004 transponder-equipped Durango, 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and minivans.

Presently, Ilco is developing updates that will include Ford CAN, Chrysler CAN, Remote Keyless Entry Programming, and Toyota/Lexus software. According to an Ilco spokesman, these updates will be available during the fourth quarter of 2003.

All of the transponder programming machines will require updating as vehicle manufacturers make changes and improvements to their anti-theft systems. As a result, machine manufacturers will update their equipment on an ongoing process. There will probably be charges associated with updates.

CLONING MACHINES

Cloning machines are designed to identify and replicate an existing transponder value onto a programmable transponder. The advantage of cloning an automotive transponder key is that there is no limit to the number of transponder keys that can be cloned from one pre-programmed transponder. This is because they are duplicates of an already programmed transponder key. This does not affect the number of transponder values that can be programmed to a vehicle.

Note: Cloning machines cannot change the value of a pre-programmed transponder.

Only a limited number of clonable transponder keys are on the market. Programmable transponder-equipped key blanks are available for General Motors models, Honda models, a Mazda model, and a Nissan/Infiniti model.

Different key blank manufacturers use different methods to identify their programmable transponder-equipped key blanks. The Jet Hardware key blanks equipped with programmable transponders have an "-N-" within the part number. The Ilco programmable transponder key blanks part numbers have a suffix of "PT2" or "PT5". The "PT2" and "PT5" indicates zero value. The "-N-" indicates neutral (zero) value. Curtis key blanks containing programmable transponders are Ilco key blanks and contain the Ilco part number.