CML CML Automotive Locksmithing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a vehicle immobilizer?
- A steering wheel club lock
- An electronic system that prevents engine start without the correct transponder signal (Correct answer)
- A wheel clamp used by law enforcement
- A brake locking device
Correct answer: An electronic system that prevents engine start without the correct transponder signal
An immobilizer is an electronic anti-theft device that disables the engine management system unless it receives the correct transponder code from the key.
Question 2: What equipment do automotive locksmiths typically use to program new transponder keys?
- A replacement ECU
- An OBDII programmer or key programming device connected to the diagnostic port (Correct answer)
- A signal jammer to reset the immobilizer
- The dealer's proprietary software only
Correct answer: An OBDII programmer or key programming device connected to the diagnostic port
OBDII programmers connect to the vehicle's diagnostic port under the dashboard to program new transponder keys to the vehicle's immobilizer.
Question 3: What is a sidewinder (laser-cut) key?
- A key with serrations on one side only
- A key with cuts machined into the center channel on both sides of the blade (Correct answer)
- A key with a built-in transponder chip
- A double-sided reversible key
Correct answer: A key with cuts machined into the center channel on both sides of the blade
Sidewinder/laser-cut keys have cuts machined into the center groove (track) running along both sides of the blade, providing higher security than traditional edge-cut keys.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a jiggler key set in automotive locksmithing?
- To program transponder chips
- To try multiple bitting patterns in a lock by feel and movement to achieve opening (Correct answer)
- To remove broken key fragments from cylinders
- To decode combination padlocks
Correct answer: To try multiple bitting patterns in a lock by feel and movement to achieve opening
Jiggler keys have varied bitting patterns that, when worked in the lock, may align tumblers sufficiently to open the cylinder.
Question 5: What is the standard procedure when a key breaks off inside a vehicle ignition?
- Replace the entire ignition assembly immediately
- Use a broken key extractor tool to remove the fragment (Correct answer)
- Drill out the ignition cylinder
- Contact the dealer for replacement
Correct answer: Use a broken key extractor tool to remove the fragment
A broken key extractor tool is specifically designed to grip and remove broken key fragments from lock cylinders without damaging the cylinder.
Question 6: Which ignition switch position is typically required when programming a new transponder key?
- OFF/LOCK position
- ON/RUN position without the engine running (Correct answer)
- START/CRANK position
- ACCESSORY position
Correct answer: ON/RUN position without the engine running
Most programming procedures require the ignition in the ON/RUN position so the vehicle's electronics are powered and communicating without the engine cranking.
CML CML Automotive Locksmithing 2
What is a vehicle immobilizer?