Become an automotive locksmith from the ground up with this 336-page, fully illustrated step-by-step guide — written for complete beginners, mechanics adding key programming to their services, and locksmiths who want to master modern immobiliser systems.

No prior experience is assumed. The book starts with the tools you need and how to choose them, explains how a car key actually works — the mechanical blade, the transponder chip, the remote and the smart key — and walks you through the logic of key programming before taking you, make by make, through real add-key and all-keys-lost procedures on the vehicles that come into a locksmith shop every day.

Every procedure is laid out the same way: identify the model, identify the key, identify the immobiliser system, cut the blade, then program — with photos of the keys, the modules, the circuit boards and the tool screens at every step. Nothing is left as "figure it out yourself".

Nine makes, covered end to end

Honda • Nissan / Infiniti • Hyundai / Kia • Peugeot / Citroën / DS • BMW / MINI • Mercedes-Benz / Smart • Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Bentley & Lamborghini • Toyota / Lexus • General Motors (Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet)

Including BMW EWS, CAS2, CAS3, CAS4 and FEM/BDC, Mercedes FBS3, every Volkswagen Group generation from immo 3 to MQB48, MQB49 and MLB, Toyota 4C, 4D, 8A and smart key systems, Hyundai/Kia and Nissan smart keys, PSA PIN retrieval and GM CAN FD 4A/49 systems.

What You'll Learn

Which locksmith equipment to buy first, and what each tool is for
How a car key is built: blade, transponder, remote and smart functions
Transponder types and how to identify the chip in any key
Key types, key classification and the key programming flowchart
Using a multimeter and other common instruments
Mechanical key cutting by blade profile, with a CNC key-cutting machine
Add-key and all-keys-lost programming for every system covered
OBD programming versus removing and reading the module (BCM, CAS, cluster, ECU)
Reading immobiliser PINs and EEPROM data
Real-world faults, special cases and how they were solved
A mechanical key blank reference chart (Nos. 01-155)
A self-check list for running your own locksmith business

Whether you are starting a new career, opening your own shop or adding car keys to an existing garage, this guide gives you a complete, structured path — from your first tool to your first all-keys-lost job.

336 Pages • Fully Illustrated • Beginner to Professional • 9 Makes • Volume 1

Table of Contents

Section 1 — Common locksmith equipment: functions, classification and how to choose
Section 2 — Basic knowledge: key programming flowchart, instruments, key composition, mechanical keys, transponders, remote and smart functions, key types and programming methods
Section 3 — Honda immobiliser systems: type 13, 8E/48/46 and electronic 46/47/4A smart keys
Section 4 — Nissan / Infiniti: type 46, twist-knob and push-button systems, B18 Sylphy, X-Trail BCM
Section 5 — Hyundai / Kia: folding remotes with 46/47 and 70 transponders, smart keys, key number lookup
Section 6 — Peugeot / Citroën / DS: PIN retrieval, type 33, electronic 46/4A and smart keys
Section 7 — BMW / MINI: EWS, CAS2, CAS3/CAS3+, CAS4/CAS4+, FEM/BDC on F and G/U chassis
Section 8 — Mercedes-Benz / Smart: FBS3 semi-smart and full smart keys, VVDI-MB and CGDI MB procedures
Section 9 — Volkswagen Group: immobiliser generations 3, 3.5, 4 and 5, BCM2, MQB48, MQB49 and MLB
Section 10 — Toyota / Lexus: 4C, 67/68/72G and 8A transponders, 4D/4A/46/8A smart key systems
Section 11 — General Motors: type 13, 40, 48/60/70, electronic 46/8A and CAN FD 4A/49 systems
Appendices — Locksmith business self-check list and mechanical key blank reference chart (01-155)