What are high security keys?

High security, also known as "laser" and "chip" keys, means two different things:

1. A chip or transponder key is high security because it programs the ignition key into the car’s computer to deter theft;

2. A key which is cut on its side instead of its edge is a high security key. This started with European keys in the late 80's, notably Mercedes, even before there were chip keys. This type of key requires a special machine to duplicate a key, and to originate a key. Originate means to make a key when all keys are lost.

By contrast, a conventional key, which is cut on its edge (like the one on the left in the graphic above), is familiar to all of us, and can be duplicated on any one of the machines we are used to seeing in hardware stores and locksmith shops. But a conventional key also requires a special code machine to originate a key.

A chip or transponder is an electronic device enclosed in the plastic head of a key. The device communicates with the car’s on-board computer by short range radio transmission.

All chip keys must be programmed before they will start a car. Some, mainly in older cars, can be programmed using on-board programming, which uses a series of steps to add or even originate a key that will start the car. But today all cars need a diagnostic device to originate a chip key, and most need the same device to add a key. A diagnostic device is a lap-held portable electronic programmer.

There are also cloning devices (cloners) which can duplicate a chip key without the need to go to the car (in most cases). Cloners operate on the principle that the programming codes which reside in an already working key can be transferred to a new key, making the new key a match or clone of the original key.

Almost all keys today still have a blade, or mechanical part. Making a chip key involves two steps, duplicating or originating the mechanical key, and duplicating or originating the electronic part.