Automotive locksmithing in 2025 rarely involves cutting keys, and the locksmith service van is no longer stocked with a zillion types of car-opening tools (though a few are still needed.) These days, vans are stocked with high-tech and expensive transponder programmers, key machines and an inventory of various fobs and remotes.
Locksmith Ledger takes a quick look at some of the new products and, most importantly, some of the training opportunities available to modern automotive locksmiths who are doing more and more programming.
ALOA Automotive Track
Sign up now to reserve your spot in ALOA 2025’s training classes, Aug. 3-9 in Orlando. Classes may be full by presstime. Details are at https://www.aloa.org/aloa-convention,
Automotive track classes include:
- 104/204 Intermediate to Advanced BMW, MB, VAG and JLR Locksmith Servicing (2-day)
- 106 Domestic Auto
- 203/303 Unlock New Income and Expertise: Hands-On Auto Electronics and Control Units For All Levels! (2-day)
- 206 Foreign Auto
- 304 Picking and Decoding With Lishi
- 306 Honda Auto Repair
- 403 EEPROM Essentials
- 404 Modern Auto Key Generation
- 503 Soldering Fundamentals for Automotive
- 504 History of High Security/STRATTEC Update/Pinning of Internal 2-Track Locks
Ilco Key News
Kaba Ilco has added seven new Ilco Look-Alike Remotes covering GM, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. In addition, according to Ilco Key News 13-10, the following keys are now in inventory:
PRX-GM-3B9: 2021-2023 GMC Acadia, 2021-2024 GMC Terrain
PRX-GM-4B14: 2021-2024 Chevrolet Camaro, 2021-2025 Chevrolet Malibu
RKE-GM-4B27: 1996-2000 Buick Lesabre, 1996-2005 Buick Park Avenue, 1996-1998 Buick Riviera, 2000 Cadillac Deville, 2000 Cadillac Seville, 2000-2001 Chevrolet Astro, 1998-2001 Chevrolet Blazer, 2000 Chevrolet Impala, 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1998-2001 GMC Jimmy, 2000-2001 GMC Safari, 1996-1999 Oldsmobile 88, 1996 Oldsmobile 98, 1999-2000 Oldsmobile Alero, 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora, 1998-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada, 1996-2000 Pontiac Bonneville, 1999-2000 Pontiac Grand Am
RKE-MITS-3B4: 2002-2005 Chrysler Sebring Coupe, 2002-2005 Dodge Stratus, 2002-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2002-2005 Mitsubishi Galant
PRX-MAZ-3B3: 2019-2021 Mazda 3, 2020-2022 Mazda CX-30, 2023-2023 Mazda CX-50
PRX-LEX-3B3: 2015-2017 Lexus NX200T, 2016-2021 Lexus NX300, 2015-2021 Lexus NX300H
PRX-HYUN-7B5: 2021-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
More info: https://www.ilco.us/support/key-news
Advanced Diagnostics Nissan Update
Advanced Diagnostics announces a free Nissan update. The newADS2326 now supports 2025 models like Pathfinder, Rogue, Sentra and more. No PIN codes. No extra steps. Just seamless key programming with the Smart Pro and ADC2017 cable. The update is available now.
Advanced Diagnostics USA has also released a complimentary update for ADS2324, now supporting the 2025 Jeep Compass.
Users can now add keys faster with PIN code reading using a working key — no need for the all keys lost process. Just connect via Wi-Fi and update your Smart Pro.
The update is compatible with ADC2012 & the ADC2019 Chrysler Gateway Bypass cable.
Additional software updates released in 2025 support programming Subaru Solterra prox keys and Toyota and Lexus models.
For more information on Advanced Diagnostics updates, visit https://www.ilco.us/support/ad-software-updates
AKS Auto Locksmith Training Blitz
The American Key Supply 2025 Auto Locksmith Training Blitz is a three-day, 18-course, immersive learning experience, scheduled Sept. 36-28 in Las Vegas. Led by some of the best automotive locksmiths in the industry, participants will receive hands-on training in a multitude of automotive key programming electives, from beginner to advanced levels.
Some of the classes offered during the blitz include:
Intro to Hands-On Lishi
Harley Davidson Key Making
Mercedes Key Programming
Odis Setup & Key Programming
BMW CAS ¾ ISTAP, FEM/BDC Key Programming
BMW BDC 2 Add Key with ACDP
More info:
Mercedes/BMW Key Programming: Aug.22-23
Sign up for American Key Supply’s Mercedes Key Programming Master Class on Friday, Aug. 22. Learn hands-on techniques, diagnostics, troubleshooting and more, for Mercedes Benz vehicles. Classes will fill up fast, so sign-up today. This class is designed for INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED automotive locksmiths. This is not a class for beginners.
Locksmiths can also take full advantage of this two-day training expo by also registering for our BMW Key Programming class on Saturday, Aug. 23. This intermediate to advanced level class will cover advanced concepts for programming Mercedes Benz vehicles, including broad classroom training of strategies and troubleshooting key programming procedures, diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Motorcycle Locksmithing, Oct. 10-11
This two-day class will illustrate the similarities between motorcycle key generation and other more common locksmith work. We start with building up your keys & inventory, selecting tools & equipment, and covering methods to successfully remaking lost keys for various types of motorcycles. Students will have the opportunity to cut several types of motorcycle keys throughout the class. The main objective is to give locksmiths the knowledge and confidence needed to also work on motorcycles, and overcome the myth that motorcycle work is more difficult than automotive work.
Popular ATVs and UTVs will also be covered.
Advanced registration is required and classes fill quickly.
Save the Date: 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo
Join Key Innovations and UHS Hardware March 4-6, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo. Get hands-on training, connect with industry leaders, explore the latest tools and tech, and win thousands in giveaways. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills, network, and take your locksmith career to the next level!
• 2 Days of Extensive Hands-On Education
• Countless Networking Opportunities
• OneExpo to Score Incredible Deals & Win $1,000s in Prizes
Registration coming soon at https://bit.ly/3CITXfF
UHS Hardware App
The new UHS Hardware app offers faster shopping, convenient and safe checkout, and app-only exclusive deals. Download on Google Play at https://uhslink.com/gglfb_APP or from the Apple store at https://uhslink.com/aplfb_APP.
UHS Hardware On-Demand Courses
The following recorded, on-demand training sessions can be purchased from UHS Hardware. For more information, visit https://www.uhs-hardware.com/collections/online-education
Auto 101 - Complete Automotive Locksmith Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the Automotive Locksmithing process from start to finish using a variety of key cutting and programming tools like the Xhorse Dolphin XP-005, Xhorse Key Tool Max and KeyTool Plus, Autel IM508, KEYDIY KD-X2, and more.
Automatic Edge-Cut and High-Security Lishi
This self-paced course is made up of a series of lessons designed to familiarize participants with the anatomy and use of edge-cut and high-security Lishi tools.
The course can be completed in 3-4 days but you will have unlimited access to the materials.
Toyota System 2019+ Key Programming With Autel, Lonsdor & Key Tool Plus Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the 2019+ New Toyota System Key Programming on a variety of different models using a few different programming machines. You will be covering adding a key using a dealer code, another key or an emulator in all keys lost situation.
BMW Key Programming Using Xhorse Key Tool Plus
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the BMW Key Programming on a wide variety of different models using VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet - All In One Key Tool. You will be covering a few different systems like EWS, CAS, ISN and FEM/BDC. Depending on the model and year BMW you are working on you will run one of these systems. Learning how read them, unlock them and add keys to them whether through soldering or the use of adapters will allow you work on a multitude of models starting from the first EWS System in 1993 to modern CAS 4/4+ today.
Automotive EEPROM And Advanced Key Programming
This EEPROM course teaches locksmiths key programming and immobilizer bypass for modern vehicles. Through video lectures and demonstrations, students learn to use a wide range of tools and software like the VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet, Xhorse VVDI PROG, TANGO, and VVDI Mini PROG to read immobilizer data from vehicle ECUs and program transponder keys.
PureAuto in 2025
Save the date. Lockmasters Security Institute has scheduled several of its popular PureAuto courses Aug. 22 to 24 in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Classes will include:
Intro to EEPROM. This half day class gives an overview of Auto EEPROM as well as illustrate how to use a variety of tools and software to read immobilizer and ECU data from a vehicle’s ECU or other module to program transponder keys.
Intro to Transponders. This half-day class provides a general overview of the components of transponder keys, how transponder systems work. You’ll learn programming & cloning fundamentals. You’ll get a broad overview of the progression of automotive transponders, programming procedures, key blanks and tools for most transponder-equipped North American vehicles. A great class for beginners wanting to get into the automotive locksmith industry.
Advanced Transponders. This day class will focus on the latest procedures, software and remotes for the most recent models. Your instructor is in the field everyday working on domestic and foreign vehicles and has a wealth of real-world experience. He will share information on programming and troubleshooting: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and VW/Audi. You’ll get hands-on programming experience as well access to videos showing a variety of equipment used in the field as reference materials.
Lishi Training & Key Generation. This is the ideal class for any locksmith wanting to expand into and/or improve their automotive locksmithing skills. This hands-on course allows students to use a variety of tools that will help them learn and gain confidence in the popular Lishi 2-in-1 picks and decoders. You’ll learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, progressioning, cut keys by code and much, much more.
Get more info www.lsieducation.com or call 866-574-8724.
