ALOA Automotive Locksmithing

Question 1

What is a transponder key in automotive locksmithing?

Accepted Answer

A key with an embedded microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system to allow the engine to start

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Slim Jim or long reach tool

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Using the vehicle's factory key code (obtained via VIN) to cut a new key to the correct bitting without disassembling the lock

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A key with the bitting cut into the center of the blade in a winding pattern, requiring a specialized laser cutter

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A situation where no working keys exist for the vehicle, requiring programming of new transponder keys from scratch

Answer

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.

ALOA - Associated Locksmiths of America Practice Test

ALOA - Associated Locksmiths of America Practice Test

ALOA Automotive Locksmithing