Vehicle model:
Sprinter T1N 2005 140′ low roof passenger van
Purpose to clone a key:
The van came with only one key, and it is of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) version, though the RKE does not work. I tried to repair the fob to car, but no joy.
As much as I want another key fob (and both of them to work, the quickest thing was to get a standard transponder key made. I would rather not go to a dealership or locksmith to get a clone key.
I started to research key cloning. The advantage is instead of a finite number of keys, I could have as many keys as I wanted (the car just thinks I’m always using the same key), and I could make new ones whenever I wanted. So, I was looking online for key cloners that would handle the T5 Silca chip (chip that is in the key blanks). Found a number of cloners in the $150 and up category. Not very cost effective. Then I ordered a Chinese clone Mini Zed-Bull.
For $39.99 off obdii365.com,
https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/mini-type-smart-zed-bull-key-programmer-black-color.html
Then for another $12.95, I ordered two Sprinter key blanks off of eBay
Fortunately, because I have to copy keys for some rental properties, I have access to a Belsaw key cutter
Quite a simple machine, and it does take a bit of getting used to adjust, but it does the job.
So I started out with the blank and my existing key.
About 5 minutes later I had a key cut.
Once the key was cut I tried it in the van and got the immobilizer starter error, which was expected.
The Zed-Bull can be used to identify a key for a transponder and which type. Here is what it read for my original and for the ‘virgin’ blank
Top image: original key, bottom image: ‘virgin’ blank:
Not surprising the transponder on the blank key was all zeros.
I then ran the key through the copying process.
Simply insert the original into the machine, press Copy. It will prompt you to press R to read
Once done, the machine prompts you for the correct chip type, and to press W to write the key.
20 seconds later, voila, chip is copied.
I went back out to car and the car started!
So.. what’s the take aways?
— The immobilizer on the T1N is an early generation one that does not use rolling codes
— If you have access to a key machine the blank is readily cut (as it is not a side cut key)
— For $39 you can own the mini zed-bull cloning machine
— For $6 a blank, you can make a copy that works.
