How to Program Key with Autel KM100: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you an aspiring locksmith feeling lost in a sea of tools and equipment? It can be tough to know where to start. Choosing the right key programmer is a crucial first step. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one for you?

In this post, we’ll explore the Autel KM100 key programmer. We’ll learn about its features and how it can help you kickstart your locksmithing career. Our guide is based on insights from Derek, who runs Advanced Level Automotive. He’s been in the locksmithing game for years. He will break down everything you need to know.

Is the Autel KM100 Key Programmer Right for You?

Many new locksmiths hope to find one key programmer that can do it all. Derek has some bad news: it doesn’t exist. You’ll likely need several different programmers to work on many different vehicles.

However, the Autel KM100 is a great starting point. It’s Derek’s go-to tool for about 90% of the vehicles he programs keys for.

Autel KM100: A Closer Look

The Autel KM100 is designed to be portable and easy to use. Unlike the Autel IM508, the KM100 is a handheld device. But keep in mind, the KM100 isn’t a complete substitute for the IM508.

The IM508 is better for EPROM work and European cars, especially when paired with the XP400. However, the KM100 shines with most North American cars. It also has built-in features that you have to pay extra for with the IM508.

Unboxing the Autel KM100 Kit

Let’s see what you get when you buy the Autel KM100 kit:

• The Unit: It’s about the size of an iPhone, so it’s easy to carry around. Plus, it costs less than half the price of a new smartphone.
• Bluetooth Wireless Dongle: This dongle has a built-in flashlight. This helps you find the OBD2 port in dark spaces.
• USBC to USBC Cable: For some vehicles, a wired connection is better than wireless. This avoids programming issues.
• Charging Cable and Block: Keep your KM100 powered up.
• Two Universal Ikeys: These smart keys can be programmed for many different vehicles. They also come in different button layouts.
• Remote Renew Cable: This unlocks previously locked OEM keys. But you don’t need it for aftermarket keys. Autel’s Universal Ikeys can be regenerated and reused over and over.

Deep Dive into the KM100’s Main Menu

The Autel KM100 has a user-friendly menu with many functions. Let’s take a look:

• Universal Key: This generates Autel’s Universal iKeys. These keys can save you money by reducing the number of keys you need to keep in stock.
• Reading and Cloning: This reads the chip inside a key and clones it. For example, you can use a Chevy Cruze key to test the reading process. The tool shows the chip model, EMO type, transponder ID, and lock status. If a key is locked, you must unlock it before you can reuse it. Cloning a transponder 46 key requires a password calculation. The tool detects the signal between the chip and the antenna and calculates the password.
• Transponder: This lets you generate or simulate a key chip.
• Frequency Detection: This tests remote frequencies to help you diagnose problems. For example, you can test a key fob to see if it’s sending the correct signal.

Special Functions: What Can the KM100 Do?

The Autel KM100 has some cool special functions.

• Key Unlocking (Renew): This unlocks OEM keys that were previously locked to other vehicles. For Dodge keys, you’ll need to do some soldering. Toyota Smart Key unlocking is easier, with no soldering needed. Be careful, keys from 2018/2019 and newer Toyotas may not be unlockable.
• Button Adjustment: This reconfigures the buttons on Universal Ikeys. For example, you can swap the lock and unlock functions. You can also create combination buttons for other functions. It’s easy to restore the original button layout if you want.
• Ignition Coil Detection: This helps you diagnose no-start vehicles. It checks the signal from the antenna coil.
• Mazda ID49 Smart Key Warning Lamp Clearing: This clears warning lights caused by incorrect or aftermarket keys.
• Nissan/Infiniti Function:
• Universal Key Bot Adjustment:

The Power of Universal Key Generation

A major selling point of the Autel KM100 is its ability to generate universal keys. With Autel’s Universal Ikeys, you can cover over 700 FCC IDs. This function only works with Autel Universal Ikeys.

You can find the right key by entering the VIN, license plate, or manually selecting the vehicle. For example, you can generate a key for a 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

You’ll need to insert a battery into the Universal Ikey. Then, select “Generate Universal Key” in the software. That’s it!

Remember, Universal Ikeys are reusable. You can regenerate them as many times as you need.

Autel’s Universal Key Options: A Look at Key Styles

Autel offers Universal Ikeys in OEM shells. This gives them a factory look.

• Nissan Style Key: These come in four-button (with remote start) and three-button layouts. You can stock one key and program it for multiple Nissan models.
• Hyundai Style Key: Don’t forget the emergency blade.
• Dodge Style Key: These are available in five-button and four-button layouts. You can swap the internals into different shells if needed.
• GM Style Key (Cadillac Style): This is a high-quality key, and often sold as an upgrade.
• Honda Style Key: This is a popular choice, even for older Hondas.
• Acura Shell Swaps: You can swap the internals of a generated key into an Acura shell.
• BMW FEM Style Key: This a very high quality key.
• Buick Style Key: This is also a universal eye key
• Generic Autel Universal Ikeys: These come in various button layouts. They do not include emergency blades. They are designed for use with Flip Key blades, which will be covered in a future video.
• The Ford Key (900 MHz): This key is required for 900 MHz Fords with remote start. Other Autel Universal Ikeys cannot be used for this frequency. These keys can be hard to find in the US.

How to Program Key with Autel KM100: A Real-World Example (2022 Nissan Altima)

Let’s see how to program a key using the Autel KM100. We’ll use a 2022 Nissan Altima as an example.

First, verify the correct FCC ID and button layout. We’ll add a remote start key to a 2022 Nissan Altima. The car was previously programmed with a non-remote start key.

Prepare the Universal Ikey by inserting a CR2032 battery.

Now, generate the key. Select the vehicle (Nissan Ultima 2022). Find the correct five-button remote start key with FCC ID kr5txN4. Then, generate the Universal Key.

We’ll use an all keys lost procedure. This erases all previous keys.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Connect the Bluetooth dongle.
2. Go to “Emo” -> “Nissan” -> “Automatic Selection.”
3. Turn on the hazard lights and open/close the door.
4. Run an IMO status scan to check for DTCs in the BCM.
5. Select “All Keys Lost (Guided).”
6. Obtain the PIN number.
7. Address the risk of bricking certain Nissan BCMs.
8. Place the original smart key against the start button.
9. Program the first key.
10. Program the second key.
11. Program the third key (the new Autel key).
12. Key registration complete.

Test the remote functionality (lock/unlock). Then, start the engine.

Success! The key is programmed.

Key Features

The Autel KM100 has some great features:

• Built-in APB112 Key Simulator: This simulates a key for all keys lost situations on newer Toyotas. You don’t need to buy a separate APB112 simulator.
• VVDI Superchip Incompatibility: VVDI Superchips from Xhorse do not work with this tool for cloning

Final Thoughts: Is the Autel KM100 Worth It?

Derek believes the KM100 is one of his top five favorite tools. He uses it more than any other programmer.

It’s portable and easy to use. While it doesn’t do everything, it covers most common vehicles. Plus, it’s more affordable than many other programmers.

Disclaimer

Derek was not paid for this review. He is providing his honest opinion.