trasnponder keys

hey guys,  next up is a 2006 mazda 3 and a 2000 ford f-150. can anyone tell me what questions to ask the client to determine if these vehicles have a transponder security system. i know the chryslers have the grey key, but do the mazda's or the fords have a different looking key. any advise would be greatly appreciated

i dont ask the customer i look the vehicle up myself... go to a site like Bypasskits and look up the vehicle.. if it has a transponder it will be listed and will show you what the appropriate bypass module will be....  customers often dont know anything about the vehicles they own.....Kevin Gerry

Certified Electronics Technician

MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer

Classic Car Audio

since 1979

thanks Kevin, but i thiought this system was an option on some of the vehicles. i have looked them up, but i did not think if there was a bypass module listed for the vehicle, that it was for sure eqipped with the trasponder system. again i go back to the chryslers where the vehicle may or may not be eqipped, depending on if it had the grey key or not. i thank you for the reply, the sites say both of these have transponder systems, so i will go with that. again thanks for the help.

another test would be to tell the customer to spring 2 bucks and have a spare key cut for their car with just the metal head... if it starts the vehicle then obviously there is no transponder system in place.....Kevin Gerry

Certified Electronics Technician

MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer

Classic Car Audio

since 1979

It is now standard equipment on majority of vehicles. For the ford, just check the key. If it has a large plastic collar and has small square on the bottom then it has it. If it is small plastic or metal then there is no transponder. The only problem with Kevin's second suggestion is that the person cutting the key usually has no clue and will say they can't copy the key because it has a "chip" in it. In actuality it just has a plastic cover. It is a valid suggestion but relies on someone who knows about as much as the customer when it comes to the system.Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

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thanks guys that gives me a great place to start. i will take both suggestions. and again thanks for the help and the fast replies.

i knew a guy who tries to get wal-mart to cut him another key for his 97(?) ford aspire. it had the same key as late model ZX2's. they said no cause it had a chip in the key. right...

Call the appropriate dealership and have them run the VIN#. They can pull up all the information on the car based on how it left the factory. I did that for my wife's car the other day and they had the info within a minute or two.

I can tell you, both have them....Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services