Houston Car Locksmith

Automotive Key Guide by
Houston Car Locksmith

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On this page we will talk about the difference between key types and different types of ignitions. The first car that actually started by turning the key to engage the starter was built in 1949 by Chrysler. Before, the cars did have ignition locks on them, but you would have to turn the key and then push a button to provide power to the starter. However, we are not in the beginning of 20th century and this is not a history class, so lets not go back that far.

Blade Types

3 Main Blade Types

Every manufacture has couple of different keyways that have been replaced over time; however there is still 3 main blade types. Which is Regular, High Security and Tibbe. Regular security is still one of the most common types, but it’s being pushed in to history by high security, also known as laser cut. As of 2020 there is only couple of automotive brands that keep using regular security keys in their vehicles. Pretty much all manufacturers stopped using regular keyway. I would say in couple of years all new vehicles will come with High Security keys. Take a look at the picture, it shows the difference.

Hey, but what about Tibbe key, did you forget about it? Tibbe is pretty much very rare type in the United States, and it’s only been used in older Jaguars and Ford Transit Connects. Example is on the picture created by Houston car locksmith at Car Key Guy.

Ignition Types

Keyless Start / Push Start

Most of you will say that your car doesn’t have an ignition and you don’t even have a key. Well, you do not have one. Your car is equipped with keyless start, which means it stills need a key, but you are good as long as you have your smart key in your pocket or some where close to driver’s location in the vehicle. To start the car you just need to press on the brake pedal and push the start engine button. It actually reminds me of a system that was used before Chrysler’s innovation in 1949. The only difference is that you don’t need to stick the key in as in early 20th century, but you still need to push a button to engage the starter.

Regular / High Security / Tibbe Keyed Ignition

Different key types using same type of ignition. The ignition that requires putting a key in and turning it over to start the engine. It’s still the most common and it’s still being implemented in some new vehicles. At Car Key Guy, our Houston car locksmith can rebuild or replace your ignition in case it’s either damaged or stuck.

Twist Knob Ignition

The least common. The only brands that used this type were Mazda, Nissan and Cadillac. It’s a mix of keyless start and keyed ignition. These vehicles could be started with simply having your smart key and twisting the knob on the ignition with fingers. However, if the smart key stopped working as a backup you could take an emergency key out of smart key, insert it in to the twist knob and turn it as a regular keyed ignition.

Fobik

Fobik keys are only used in Mercedes and Dodge / Chrysler / Jeep vehicles. The actual Fobik remote has to be put in to the WIN / EIS module and turned to start the vehicle.