Port City Locksmith: What is Key Cloning?

There are times when a driver may have one key and want a second key. With a traditional chipped key the locksmith needs to plug into the OBD port of the car to program the new key into the car’s computer. What if the car’s computer won’t accept a new key or there is a problem with the OBD port that does not allow for the programmer to have access to the car’s computer? Key cloning may be the answer. Key cloning is a process whereby the existing key is placed in a computer device that reads the chip information. This information is then “written” to a new programmable chip. The result is that the car’s computer does not know the difference between the keys. It just looks at the new key as the old key. No connection to the car is necessary. A cloned key can be made to a car that is not present. Another issue that can arise is that some vehicles have a maximum number of keys that can be programmed. It is common with commercial vehicles to have many people who need keys to a single vehicle. If the computer will not allow enough keys, cloning is the answer. An unlimited number of keys can be cloned to a single vehicle. Cloning is a valuable tool under certain circumstances.