Locksmith Ledger

Servicing the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango

Last year, the Chrysler Corporation exhibits at the Detroit Auto Show were just plain sad. There were no new product offerings, and the only “Concept Vehicle” didn’t even have a name. The whole thing reminded me of a funeral. This year’s show...

Article • April 7th, 2011

2011 “Most Popular” Automotive Key Blanks

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...

Article • April 4th, 2011

Guide To Chrysler Remote Head, FOBIK and Ford IKT Key Blanks

Beginning with the 2004 model year, Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth offered the remote head key with the mini-vans. Since then, just about every Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep began introducing either a remote head key or a FOBIK key as new models were...

Article • April 4th, 2011

Technology On The Move: Ford 80-Bit Key Blanks

Ford Motor Company is upgrading its transponder-based engine immobilizer systems to the 80 Bit Texas Instrument technology, beginning with 2011 model Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The Ford 80 bit technology expands security features as well as...

Article • April 4th, 2011

Locksmithing Etc.

News You Can Use

Article • April 1st, 2011

Bianchi TK100

The Bianchi TK100 chip combines the TK24, TK40 and TK60 into one universal chip that services 1,500+ vehicle applications and over 90 percent of transponder vehicles on the road today. The battery-less TK100 is reprogrammable and allows 884 owners to...

Product • March 31st, 2011

Programming The 2009 Honda Fit Using the TKO

Vehicle engine immobilizer programming has evolved beyond on-board programming methods and manufacturer-dedicated tools to the “fits most non-proprietary” vehicle makes and models programming devices. With more than 350 vehicle makes and models...

Article • February 4th, 2011

Time To Trade-in your Transponder Programmer?

In order to compete, an automotive locksmith needs to have just about all of the most up-to-date equipment available. That’s easily said, but not always financially possible or practical. We have written about the different programming equipment...

Article • January 31st, 2011

Servicing the Ford Fiesta, Part 2

The new Ford Fiesta uses the new high-security side-milled lock system that Ford plans to phase in on all of their vehicles worldwide. It also has a transponder system that is essentially the same as other Ford products. It features an easily...

Article • January 14th, 2011

Locksmithing Etc.

BAUER RV SERIES Bauer Products has the RV Code Series, which is RV301-RV370. This code series uses the Bauer RV key blank or newly introduced Ilco 1676 (EZ BAU3). We are looking for the key codes and if you have collected any we would appreciate...

Article • January 7th, 2011

2010 Locksmith Ledger Editorial Index

This reference is issued as a continuation of the annual Locksmith Ledger Editorial Index. The listings cover the material that was published in the Locksmith Ledger during 2010. The purpose of this section, as well as previous supplements, is to...

Article • January 5th, 2011

Servicing The 2011 Ford Fiesta

The new Ford Fiesta uses the new high-security side-milled lock system that Ford plans to phase in worldwide. It also has a transponder system that is essentially the same as other Ford products.

Article • January 5th, 2011

Servicing the Ford Fiesta

Like it or not, we live in a global economy. Products that international corporations sell in the United States also have to be sold in other countries around the world. This “globalization” has brought locksmiths a lot of good things and bad...

Article • December 9th, 2010

Locksmithing Etc.

AN ARGUMENT AGAINST VAN SIGNS Many locksmiths have some form of signage on their service vehicles. It has been an excellent way to attract attention and gain new business. Unfortunately signs can also attract unwanted attention. Driving an unmarked...

Article • December 7th, 2010

Patented, Proprietary and Restricted Key Blanks and Related Lock Mechanisms

To preface this article, I am not an attorney and the following information is intended to provide a general understanding of the terms higher and high security, key control, patented, restricted, proprietary and other terms used by lock manufacturers...

Article • December 6th, 2010

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