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A great deal of misinformation and rumors are being bandied about lately concerning a specialized Locksmith service instrument known as a T-Code. To set the record straight . . . I personally own one of those devices, I use it virtually daily and I am entirely familiar with both its capabilities and its shortcomings. As an infamous President one said . . . "Let me make one thing perfectly clear."

The T-Code was designed for one purpose and one solitary purpose only . . . to program transponder keys! No more . . . no less! Now that you know what it can do (in some instances), let's talk about what it cannot do.

Rumor: The T-Code can read the hexadecimal code value of a transponder key, thereby allowing duplicates to be created:

The T-Code utilizes only one connection to the main vehicle interface, I.E., the OBD2 port. The unit does not include an exciter coil, antenna, code-reading software nor code-writing software, consequently, it can neither read nor write to any manner of transponder key. The T-Code, in this and virtually all other cases, is being confused with another Locksmith service device known as a key "cloner."

Rumor: The T-Code can program an unlimited number of keys for transponder-equipped vehicles which store a finite number of keys:

Once again, the T-Code is being confused with a key cloner. While many transponder-equipped vehicles do in fact limit the physical number of keys which can be stored in the ECU, the T-Code possesses absolutely no capabilities to overwrite that limit. Cloners, on the other hand, may achieve that goal in some instances. It is important to understand, however, that only a select few vehicles utilize keys which are actually capable of being cloned. For instance . . . while some Honda, General Motors and Nissan keys qualify for cloning, most Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Volkswagens do not. Each year the list of non-cloneable keys grows.

Rumor: Based on the existence of the T-Code, SIU agents must change the way they investigate transponder-equipped vehicles:

The reasoning behind that particular pattern of thought, is, in my opinion, absolutely ludicrous. Every manufacturer of vehicles produce electronic test instruments which are fully capable of servicing them, thus, why be concerned over the lowly T-Code? For example . . . the factory-required test instrument for servicing General Motors vehicles is called the "Tech 2." Yes . . . the T-Code can program transponder keys for most GM vehicles, but so can the Tech 2! In reality, the Tech 2 is far more powerful a device than the T-Code will ever be. Furthermore, just as GM has the Tech 2, Nissan has the Consult II, Ford has the NGST, Chrysler has the DRB III, Mitsubishi has the MUT, Honda has the PGM and on and on and on.

Although it would be possible to write pages and pages comparing the T-Code to factory designed service equipment, let's just say that for all intent purposes, the T-Code (while an excellent device in its own right) does not hold a candle to factory-produced service equipment. Let's also consider one last fact of eminent significance. Regardless of what type service equipment is used to create a transponder key which is capable of starting a vehicle's engine, the equipment is costly. Not only is the device extremely costly, but so are the key blanks used. In addition, some vehicles require a pin number prior to programming which is only available only from the factory.

As far as key cloning is concerned . . . well, that again is another issue in itself. It must be entirely understood that an auto thief would need not only the proper test equipment to clone the keys, not to mention the key duplicating equipment and the cloneable keyblanks, he would also need access to the insured's original keys prior to beginning the process. Consequently, if an auto thief did legitimately possess the mandatory equipment, and if he did expend the time and money required to produce a proper key, you and I in all likelihood would not be investigating the vehicle in the first place. In all probability the vehicle would either be on a ship to Brazil, or it would be chopped into so many pieces one might think Freddy Crougar got at it. So, bearing all these facts in mind . . . sit back and relax Chicken Little . . . the sky is not falling!