Locksmithing 101 | EVERYTHING You Need To Know About The B119 Transponder Key!

Are you that familiar with B119 Transponder Key? If not, then this is for you because I will be going over everything that you need to know about the B119 GM transponder key, one of the top 10 transponder keys in the USA today.

I will tackle the chip used, the test key to use, the shell to use, the code series that this transponder key uses, and how to duplicate. Make sure to download the PDF in the notes below as a nice, quick fact sheet about all the information.

GM started using the B119 transponder key in around 2010 and still uses it today. So with 11 years of it being used, it's no wonder it's in the top 10. The B119 is referred to as a high-security key. When you hear the term high security, it's referring to the blade of the key. And the blade of the key is sometimes called high security, sidewinder, or laser cut. There are all sorts of different names over the years, I'm not sure how we've got to have them all, but we do. Essentially, what it's referring to is on the typical key like the B111 transponder key, an edge style key where the cuts are cut on the edges of the key, where a security key like the B119 is cut on top or the bottom. This key is also a two-track key, which means that there's one track on each side. 

CHIP USED

As far as the chip in this key, it's the Philips 46E chip. By now, the Philips 46 is a popular chip, but you want to make sure you don't confuse any other Phillips 46 chip with the Philips 46E for this GM key. And it's also not rewritable.

TEST KEY

For the test key, I recommend that you use the same key for the test key as well as the shell key for two reasons - one is it'll cut down on your inventory. The price difference between just getting a test key for these compared to getting the shell key is I mean, for me, it's close enough, so I think by just having the one when you're testing it out, and it works. You can pop transponder in it, and you're good to go, so I think it's the best of both worlds, and I do recommend the JMA shell, which part number is TP00OP-111.P5.

One other quick fact is that the B119 has a lot of different heads. It's not that big of a deal, but it's something to keep in mind as you're going to see some B119 OEM keys with some pretty odd shapes. A lot of times, the transponder keys heads can be identified quickly and easily just by sight. However, the B119, a lot of different heads. So at times, that can might be a little distracting or deceiving, but the good news is that the one I just gave you there, the TP00OP-11.P5, will work in all of them. 

CODE SERIES

When it comes to the code series, for the B119, there are two different active code series, so that's something you're going to want to keep your eye out for. The Z code series is an eight-cut, so there are eight cuts on each side of the key. And then there's also the V code series, a 10 cut system. In the PDF, and we'll have the details in there for that. But the question you might be asking is, 'How do I identify what code series I need to be using?' And the quickest answer, the most straightforward answer I can give you, is to use the Ilco Auto Truck Reference Guide and look it up, and it'll show you which one it is. There are several other ways, but that's just a real basic one to know what you're getting yourself into. 

DUPLICATING THE KEY

When duplicating this key, use an electronic code machine like the Futura Auto or the Gymkana 994. Something that can quickly, easily, and duplicates or originate a key by code. However, there are going to be times that you're not going to have that available; maybe you're not that further along in business, maybe right now, you're only duplicating them. You can't justify the expense, so we're going to use a Silca Swift.

To start, set the 2.5-millimeter cutter in as well as the 2.5-millimeter tracer. Set the existing key to where the tracer is and the blank key to where the cutter is.

A little quick tip: try to make sure that the part you're going to cut on the key will be on the jaw. Sometimes, you can set it up towards kicking off here a little bit, you do not want to do that, and the reason is that you don't want to put any extra weird pressure or leverage on that key.

I want to make one last point: it's so important over edge style keys when you're cutting this style that you let the cutter do the work. Do not pull too hard. Let the cutter cut.

Start cutting when both the existing and blank keys are set.

Once one side is cut, flip the key around and cut the other side the same way.

One quick extra little thing, I always go back through it one more time to make sure I do not hear anything. When you did that, that's for sure you're going to know you've done, but this process does take a little longer than cutting edge style key. Just take your time, let it go, and try not to let that light flicker in on this one bother you.

There you have it, everything that you need to know about the B119 transponder key. Make sure you download the free PDF. Thank you, and we'll see you next time.