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If you’re entering the automotive locksmith business, one of the smartest moves is knowing which transponder keys are most in demand. After investing in key programmers such as the Smart PRO and AutoPro Pad, your next step is stocking the right keys.
This blog covers the most critical transponder keys for locksmiths in the USA. Each key includes details on chip type, compatibility, and why it belongs in your inventory.
A transponder key is a modern car key equipped with a tiny microchip (transmitter + responder) inside the plastic head of the key. This chip communicates with the vehicle’s immobilizer system, ensuring that only the correct key can start the engine.
When you insert the transponder key into the ignition, the chip sends a unique code to the car’s computer. If the code matches, the car starts. If it doesn’t, the engine remains immobilized, protecting the vehicle from theft.
Enhanced Security: Prevents hot-wiring and unauthorized access.
Unique Coding: Each chip has a distinct digital signature.
Widespread Use: Standard in most vehicles manufactured after the mid-1990s.
Programmable: Locksmiths and dealerships can program new keys when needed.
Transponder keys are embedded with a microchip that communicates with a car’s immobilizer system. If the correct chip isn’t detected, the vehicle won’t start.
Locksmiths must carry the right transponder keys because:
They represent the core of key programming jobs.
They cover a wide range of common makes/models.
They provide emergency solutions when remotes or proximity keys are unavailable.
When starting an automotive locksmith business, stocking the right transponder keys is essential. Below are the critical transponder Keys in the USA, with detailed descriptions, key features, and reasons why locksmiths should choose them.
The GM B111-PT, commonly referred to as the Circle Plus Key, is the most widely used transponder key in the United States. It has been used in millions of GM vehicles over many years.
Key Features:
Uses a Megamos 13 chip
Nicknamed the Circle Plus Key
Test blade: B106
Compatible with Chevy Impala, Silverado, Malibu, Trailblazer, GMC Sierra, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Grand Prix
Why Choose It:
As the most widely used transponder key, the B111-PT is an absolute must-have for locksmiths. While it can be difficult to cut, the B106 metal key helps ensure accuracy before programming.
The Ford H92-PT is an 80-bit transponder key that replaced the older 40-bit H84-PT. It remains one of the most popular Ford keys in circulation.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4D-63 chip (80-bit)
Backward compatible with H84-PT
Found in Ford Escape, Fusion, F-150, Expedition, Focus, Explorer
Why Choose It:
The H92-PT has been so popular that at one point, industry shortages made it difficult to source. It’s an essential Ford key for locksmiths.
The Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Y164-PT is a successor to the Y160 and can be identified by its gold-colored head. It is a widely used key across mid-2000s Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4D-64 chip
Gold head for easy identification
Test blade: Y159
Compatible with Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Ram, Jeep Liberty
Why Choose It:
Locksmiths encounter this key frequently, and having it ensures coverage for many Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep programming jobs.
The Ford H72-PT holds historical significance as Ford’s first transponder key. It was widely used in Ford vehicles from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4C chip
Edge-cut blade design
Found in Ford Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Taurus
Why Choose It:
This key launched Ford’s transponder era and remains vital for locksmiths servicing older Ford vehicles still on the road today.
The Nissan NI04-T is one of the most popular Nissan transponder keys, covering a wide variety of models from the 2000s onward.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4D-60 chip
Standard Nissan edge-cut blade
Works with Nissan Altima, Maxima, Sentra, Pathfinder, and some Infiniti models
Why Choose It:
Because of Nissan’s consistency in using this key type, the NI04-T is a reliable and frequently requested transponder key.
The Toyota TOY44D-PT is the predecessor to the TOY44G, equipped with the older D chip. It is still widely used across millions of Toyota vehicles from the early 2000s.
Key Features:
Uses the TR47 blade
Equipped with the D chip (older chip type)
Common in Camry, Corolla, Tundra, and Sienna models from the early 2000s
Why Choose It:
Locksmiths need this key to service the massive number of older Toyotas still in operation. It complements the TOY44G, ensuring coverage across Toyota vehicles.
The GM B119-PT is a high-security sidewinder transponder key used in newer GM vehicles. It represents GM’s evolution into more advanced key systems.
Key Features:
Uses a Philips 46 chip
High-security (sidewinder) blade
Compatible with Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Buick LaCrosse, and GMC Terrain
Why Choose It:
If you want to service newer GM vehicles, stocking the B119-PT is a must. It’s widely used and critical for handling modern GM security systems.
The Y170-PT is a versatile Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep transponder key often used as the emergency override key for Chrysler fobik systems.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4D-64 chip
Functions as a backup/emergency key
Compatible with Chrysler 300, Dodge Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram trucks
Why Choose It:
Even when the correct fobik isn’t available, locksmiths can use the Y170-PT to get customers back on the road, making it an essential emergency solution.
The Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Y160-PT was one of the very first Chrysler transponder keys, introduced in the late 1990s. It is still common among older vehicles, making it a necessary key for locksmiths.
Key Features:
Uses a Texas Instruments 4C chip
Test key: Y159
Compatible with Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles from 1998 to the early 2000s
Why Choose It:
This is a first-generation Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep key, meaning locksmiths will encounter it frequently on older cars. Keeping it in stock avoids lost service opportunities.
The Honda HD106-PT is an older edge-style Honda transponder key. It remains relevant because older Honda models are still on the road in large numbers, making this key a consistent service request for locksmiths.
Key Features:
Uses a Philips 46 chip
Edge-cut blade design
Test blade: HD-103 metal key
Compatible with models like Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Odyssey (late 1990s to early 2000s)
Why Choose It:
Despite being older, the HD106-PT is easy to program and vital for locksmiths covering Honda’s older yet still common vehicles.
Having the right transponder keys and programming tools in stock is essential for every automotive locksmith. To ensure quality and reliability, it’s important to source your inventory from a trusted supplier. One of the best options in the USA is CLK Supplies. They carry a wide selection of OEM and aftermarket transponder keys, professional-grade programmers, and complete starter kits designed for locksmiths entering or expanding in the automotive market.
Stocking the right transponder keys is essential for every automotive locksmith. From GM’s Circle Plus Key to Honda’s HD106-PT, these transponder keys cover the most common vehicles in the USA, ensuring you’re always ready for customer needs. To get reliable, high-quality transponder keys and locksmith tools, trust CLK Supplies, your one-stop shop for automotive locksmith solutions.
Yes, a professional locksmith can create and program a new transponder key even if the original is lost. Using advanced key programmers, locksmiths can access the vehicle’s immobilizer system and generate a new key from scratch.
A transponder key has a microchip embedded in the head of the key that communicates with the car’s immobilizer system. It must be inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. On the other hand, a key fob is a remote that can lock/unlock doors, open the trunk, and in some cases, start the car wirelessly (push-to-start systems).
