ALOA Automotive Locksmithing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a transponder key in automotive locksmithing?
- A key with an embedded microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system to allow the engine to start (Correct answer)
- A key that transmits a radio signal to unlock doors remotely
- A key cut by code from the vehicle's VIN
- A key with a laser-cut blade
Correct answer: A key with an embedded microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system to allow the engine to start
A transponder key contains a microchip that sends a unique signal to the vehicle's immobilizer ECU; if the signal doesn't match, the engine will not start.
Question 2: Which tool is used by automotive locksmiths to open a vehicle door without a key by sliding between the window and weather stripping?
- Slim Jim or long reach tool (Correct answer)
- Pick gun
- Bump key
- Plug spinner
Correct answer: Slim Jim or long reach tool
A Slim Jim is a thin metal tool inserted between the window glass and weather stripping to manipulate the door's internal locking linkage to unlock the door.
Question 3: What does 'key cutting by code' mean in automotive locksmithing?
- Using the vehicle's factory key code (obtained via VIN) to cut a new key to the correct bitting without disassembling the lock (Correct answer)
- Picking the ignition to determine bitting
- Cutting a key by tracing an existing key
- Programming a transponder chip
Correct answer: Using the vehicle's factory key code (obtained via VIN) to cut a new key to the correct bitting without disassembling the lock
Key cutting by code uses the manufacturer's key code database, accessed via VIN or lock code, to cut a key to exact factory specifications.
Question 4: What is a 'laser cut' (sidewinder) automotive key?
- A key with the bitting cut into the center of the blade in a winding pattern, requiring a specialized laser cutter (Correct answer)
- A key cut by a laser engraver for security marking
- A key with an RFID chip inside the blade
- A key cut to maximum depth for bumping
Correct answer: A key with the bitting cut into the center of the blade in a winding pattern, requiring a specialized laser cutter
Laser-cut (sidewinder) keys have the bitting cut into the center or side of a thicker blade in a winding pattern, providing higher security and requiring specialized cutting equipment.
Question 5: In automotive locksmithing, what does 'all keys lost' (AKL) describe?
- A situation where no working keys exist for the vehicle, requiring programming of new transponder keys from scratch (Correct answer)
- A vehicle with a broken ignition cylinder
- A car with a faulty immobilizer module
- A vehicle that needs its door locks re-keyed
Correct answer: A situation where no working keys exist for the vehicle, requiring programming of new transponder keys from scratch
All Keys Lost (AKL) means no existing programmed key is present, requiring the locksmith to use specialized programmer tools to write new key data to the vehicle's immobilizer module.
Question 6: Which automotive service involves re-pinning or replacing all lock cylinders in a vehicle so they operate with a new key?
- Re-keying or rekeying the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Key cutting by code
- Transponder programming
- Ignition repair
Correct answer: Re-keying or rekeying the vehicle
Re-keying a vehicle involves changing the internal pin configuration of all cylinders (door, ignition, trunk) so they work with a new key, rendering old keys useless.
ALOA Automotive Locksmithing 1
What is a transponder key in automotive locksmithing?