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.
AD Key Programming Software Update
Advanced Diagnostics USA has 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.
More info: https://www.advanced-diagnostics.com/news/whats-new
Southern Lock/Silver Sales 2025 Education Expo
The Southern Lock/Silver Sales 2025 Education Expo is scheduled June 2-6 at the Hyatt Place, downtown St. Petersburg, including five days of education with 40+ courses. Automotive-related sessions include:
- Land Rover/Jaguar Key Programming
- BMW Key Programming with ACDP
- Subaru Key Programming
- Hands-On Lishi Picking and Decoding
- Common Volkswagen Key Programming
- Demystifying NASTF
- Automotive Tools & Programmers 101
- Introduction to EEPROM and Soldering
Classes may be full by presstime. Register at https://www.southernlock.com/tradeshow/registration or check with Southern Lock about future sessions of its Southern Locksmithing Institute.
IML Dallas Expo
Though not strictly automotive-focused, the upcoming IML Dallas Expo includes the following automotive classes. Note that pre-registration is required and classes may be full at presstime. Similar courses may be offered at additional IML Expos. For more information, visit https://imlss.com/Events.html
Transponder Keys, Key Machines And Programming, taught bt Tony Presidio of Ilco/AD
Class description: If you are new to the industry or simply looking for a better way to offer key programming products and services, this 4-hour, hands-on course is a must. Learn about the Smart Pro vehicle key programmer and its worldwide leading software development, as well as other industry-leading solutions, including the RW4 Plus with M-Box Technology along with a review of industry-leading Transponder Keys, Remotes and Key Cutting Equipment. Also covered will be transponder technology, troubleshooting, industry trends and other important information relating to the automotive key programming industry. On completion, students will have experienced programming steps, troubleshooting and cloning capabilities.
Intro To Automotive Locksmithing, taught by Mike Kenessey of Lishi
Class description: This four-hour course is perfect for those with little-to-no experience in automotive locksmithing. This course begins from the ground floor and covers all of the basics. Topics covered include but are not limited to:
- The history of automotive security
- Understanding transponder key systems
- Vehicle entry
- Lock decoding, cutting and programming
- Transponder chip cloning
- Intro to Lishi tools
Advanced Automotive Key Programming, taught by Mike Kenessey of Lishi
Course description: The Advanced Automotive Key Programming course is designed for locksmiths looking to deepen their expertise in key programming, transponder systems, and MODERN vehicle security technologies. This course covers advanced techniques for programming and reprogramming keys, remotes, and key fobs for a wide range of vehicles with the latest immobilizer systems Students will gain experience with various automotive key programming tools, software, and diagnostic equipment, including methods for dealing with complex immobilizer systems and electronic control units (ECUs). The course delves into troubleshooting and resolving key-related issues and developing new skills tied to OEM and aftermarket key programming solutions. Upon completion, participants will have a roadmap on how to continue their journey into the different, new and complex immobilizer systems that their competition can't solve.
American Key Supply Locksmith Academy
American Key Supply’s Locksmith Academy has set 2025 dates for some its popular classes at its Las Vegas headquarters.
Automotive Locksmith Company Ownership Growth & Success, scheduled June 6-7 in Las Vegas, takes the sales and marketing side of the business. The following is the class description:
Are you ready to take your locksmith business to the next level? Join industry veteran Eric "The Beast" Lambert, who brings over 15 years of hands-on locksmithing experience, for this comprehensive workshop designed to empower new and seasoned locksmiths alike.
This class dives into the essential tools and strategies needed to thrive in the locksmith industry, with a special focus on automotive services. You'll explore everything from setting up an efficient van layout and choosing the right point-of-sale systems to navigating insurance options and optimizing your business for growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your operations, this class is packed with actionable insights and tips that will leave you inspired and equipped for success. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the business and walk away with the knowledge to level up your locksmith game!
Additional classes and dates include:
Hands-On Lishi Training, June 5, Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23.
Auto Locksmithing for Beginners, Sept. 27-27
Auto Locksmith Training Blitz, Sept. 26-27
Automotive Locksmith Company Ownership Growth & Success, June 6-7
Mercedes & BMW Locksmithing, Aug. 22-23
Motorcycle Locksmithing, Oct. 10-11
VW/Audi Locksmithing, Oct. 24-25
Advanced Troubleshooting & J2534 Module Programming for Automotive Locksmiths, TBD
More info: americankeysupply.com/education
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.
