To finish up our trio of articles diving deeper into the three core aspects of being a locksmith, we’re going to look at automotive locksmithing today. Automotive locksmithing can be broken down into three categories: lock outs, spare vehicle keys, and all keys lost. Well, there are four if you want to make German vehicles their own thing, and they sort of are.

Lock Outs

This is the beginner section, you have to be able to unlock the vehicle first before you do anything. There are several methods to unlocking a vehicle without its key, such as an air wedge and rod. While this technique is great it doesn’t always work. Same goes for the Slim Jim. To really master being an automotive locksmith you’re going to need Lishi picks. The more of them you have the better. Now some locks are easy to defeat, and some not so much. Dodge for example, not too bad. Honda four track though, that can be rough. You would be amazed how many people lock their keys in their trunk. Some vehicles there is no way into the trunk except by picking the trunk lock. Some don’t even have a trunk lock anymore! In that case you might have to pick your way into the cab, as when you use the air wedge and rod, if the alarm goes off it also disables the trunk release. This is why automotive locksmithing is truly its own trade. There are so many makes and models, each with their own problems.

Spare Vehicle Keys

This is one of the easier aspects of automotive locksmithing. Making a duplicate of a key that already exists is miles easier than trying to make a key from nothing. While keycodes are a thing, they may be incorrect or unobtainable. Now making spares for older vehicles is relatively simple, just cut the key and you’re good to go. In Canada though, any vehicle made from 2009 onward must have a chip. Some cars even have chips as far back as the 1990’s. Now pre 2009 some cars can be programmed yourself, but may require you to have the original key, or possibly all the original keys. From 2009+ though, every vehicle in Canada must be able to be programmed via the OBD port. This means you’re likely not enrolling the key yourself. An OBD programmer can run you anywhere from $500CAD to $5000CAD, which in almost any situation is going to cost you more than just having a locksmith do it for you.

All Keys Lost

This. This is one of the hardest aspects of being an automotive locksmith. There are three options at this point. You can pick the lock and decode it. You could find the keycode and punch that number into your machine. Or worst case scenario, you pull the door lock or ignition and make a key the old fashioned way. Some makes and models a locksmith can pull the keycode using the VIN through an organization called NASTF. However, the ignition or door lock may have been changed at some point, or they might not have your code. Lishi picks are the next best thing. A lishi pick allows the locksmith to pick the lock to your car, and then decode the cuts to your key. Then it’s as simple as putting those cuts into the machine and presto you have the key. However, you’ll still need to program in a chip, and you’ll first have to figure out which chip that vehicle needs. There are some specialty tools and databases that can assist with that, and is usually not too hard to figure out.

German Auto (Honorable Mention)

German automotive is truly its own thing all together. VW and Mercedes are notorious for making overly complicated and unnecessarily difficult procedures for enrolling a new key, or removing an ignition. Things like making the trunk lock electronic only, and putting the battery in the trunk. Keys locked in the trunk AND the battery is dead? RIP. If you call an automotive locksmith and they tell you they don’t touch Mercedes, just understand that it’s because German automotive is dumb and largely not worth the time.

Conclusion

Automotive locksmithing is its own trade all together. While the cylinders and keys really aren't all that different from commercial and residential locks, it takes quite a bit of time to master the skills and build the knowledge of many makes and models.

If you’re looking for a new car key or have lost all your keys, Crono Lock offers vehicle key creation and vehicle key programing for most makes and models (except the Germans). Give us a call today or visit our vehicle key page for more information.