Automotive Updates

Today’s high-tech automotive technology requires education and dedicated software, tools and equipment. There are plenty of training opportunities scheduled for automotive locksmiths looking to advance in this high-tech field, offered through trade and locksmith associations and distributors. Here, we list some upcoming classes and preview the latest automotive product introductions.

PureAuto Training Weekend

Automotive locksmiths will roll into Kentucky Sept. 18-20 for Lockmasters’ second 2026 PureAuto weekend of training.

Courses will include:

Intro to Automotive EEPROM. Learn this popular new method of immobilizer bypass for new vehicles. 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. A great introduction to the world of programming automotive transponders. This half-day class provides a general overview of the components of transponder keys, how transponder systems work. Students will learn programming and cloning fundamentals.  The class includes a broad overview of the progression of automotive transponders, programming procedures, key blanks and tools for most transponder-equipped North American vehicles. This is a great class for beginners wanting to get into the automotive locksmith industry.

Lishi Training & Key Generation. Gain confidence in the popular Lishi 2-in-1 Picks & Decoders! 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.  Students learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, progressioning, cut keys by code and more.   It is primary hands-on with lecture.

Advanced Transponders. Keep current with the newest procedures and remotes for the newest models. This full-day class will focus on the latest procedures, software and remotes for the most recent models. Your instructor is in the field every day 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.   Students will get hands-on programming experience as well access to videos showing a variety of equipment used in the field as reference materials.        

Students can take as many of the courses as they choose. For information call 866-574-8724 or visit www.lsieducation.com.

Advanced Diagnostics Ford, Subaru Updates

Advanced Diagnostics has announced an update of the ADS2269 key programming software compatible with Ford to include many new applications, including FIRST TO MARKET all-keys-lost programming for models with an active alarm and a Continental Body Control Module using the ADC2020 key emulator together with the ADC2025 bypass cable.

The procedure requires two tokens: one for server access/authentication and one for key programming. With a UTP plan, both key programming and server access are included in the UTP subscription. This software does not alter the vehicle firmware, making it a safer solution compared to others available on the market.‍

The latest FREE software update to Subaru ADS2330 from Advanced Diagnostics supports programming bladed H-KEYs for 2020–2025 Subaru Outback & Legacy, plus 2024–2025 WRX models—covering Immo, RKE, and even All Keys Lost scenarios with the ADC-2015 Emulator.

More information: https://www.advanced-diagnostics.com/

Autel APB300 for VW and Audi

The Autel APB300 Key Programmer is designed to support key programming for Volkswagen and Audi MLB and MQB vehicles, including models from Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini. When used with Autel professional MaxiIM tablets, such as the IM508 and IM608 series, the APB300 enables locksmiths and technicians to perform advanced immobilizer and key programming functions.

The package includes two Autel replacement FOB circuit boards — IKCBAU3W and IKCBAU4W — designed as replacements for original Volkswagen and Audi FOB circuit boards used in MLB-platform vehicles. During the key creation process, technicians can read immobilizer data directly from a working key, eliminating the need to remove the vehicle’s instrument cluster.

 In addition to the included boards, the APB300 is also compatible with Autel IKCBAU3P and IKCBAU4P programmable circuit boards, which are designed for Volkswagen and Audi MLB platform vehicles. The device also supports programming the Autel IKEYVW3T complete IKEY (sold separately), which is designed for Volkswagen and Audi MQB platform vehicles. The APB300 and the IKey circuit boards included in this package are covered by a one-year limited warranty.

• Designed for Volkswagen AG Key Programming: The Autel APB300 Key Programmer enables technicians to add keys for Volkswagen AG MLB and MQB vehicles, including models from Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini.
• Works with Autel professional MaxiIM Tablets: The APB300 operates with Autel MaxiIM IM508 and IM608 series tablets, allowing locksmiths and technicians to perform advanced immobilizer and key programming functions.
• Includes Two Circuit Boards: The APB300 includes two Autel replacement FOB circuit boards, IKCBAU3W and IKCBAU4W, which can be programmed as replacements for original Volkswagen AG key FOB circuit boards for MLB-platform vehicles.
• Reads Key Data Without Cluster Removal: Technicians can read immobilizer data directly from a working key to add a new key, eliminating the need to remove the vehicle’s instrument cluster during the programming process.
• Compatible with Additional Autel programmable circuit boards: The APB300 can also program Autel IKCBAU3P and IKCBAU4P  (sold separately) programmable circuit boards, compatible with Volkswagen AG MLB platform vehicles.
• The APB300 also can program the Autel IKEYVW3T (sold separately), which is programmable for Volkswagen AG MQB platform vehicles.

For more information, visit www.autel.com

ALOA Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing

ALOA is offering an extensive schedule of automotive training classes at this year’s ALOA convention, June 21-27 in Las Vegas. Pre-registration is required and many are expected to be full by presstime. Check the list below and contact ALOA to see if space is still available.

Another session is planned in October in Dallas.

Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing (5 days)

Mercedes Benz Workshop (2 days)

Domestic Auto

Foreign Auto

Soldering Fundamentals for Automotive

EEPROM Essentials

Picking and Decoding with Lishi

Hands-On Auto Electronics and Control Units (2 days)

For more information, visit www.aloa.org/aloa-convention