CAL CAL - Certified Automotive Locksmith Lock Cylinder Service and Rekeying Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the standard term for replacing the internal tumblers or wafers of an automotive lock cylinder so that it operates with a new key?

Accepted Answer

Rekeying

Answer

Reprogramming

Answer

Recoding the immobilizer

Answer

Transponder resetting

Question 2

Which tool is specifically used to remove a lock cylinder from a vehicle door without damaging the surrounding sheet metal?

Accepted Answer

A cylinder removal tool or clip removal pick

Answer

A slim jim

Answer

A key extractor

Answer

A plug follower

Question 3

When disassembling an automotive door lock cylinder, which small component is responsible for retaining the key in the lock when it is at the rest position?

Accepted Answer

The key retainer or wards spring

Answer

The plug follower

Answer

The sidebar

Answer

The actuator rod

Question 4

What is a 'plug follower' used for when servicing an automotive lock cylinder?

Accepted Answer

To keep springs and tumblers in place while the plug is removed from the shell

Answer

To follow the VIN and locate the correct key code

Answer

To push cut keys into the cylinder for testing

Answer

To hold the cylinder steady in a vise

Question 5

Automotive wafer-tumbler lock cylinders differ from pin-tumbler cylinders primarily because wafers:

Accepted Answer

Use flat spring-loaded wafers that slide in slots rather than stacked pin pairs in bored holes

Answer

Require electronic signals to operate

Answer

Use a sidebar mechanism as the primary locking element

Answer

Are only found on motorcycle ignitions

Question 6

What is the correct procedure after rekeying multiple automotive lock cylinders (door, trunk, ignition) to ensure they all operate on a single key?

Accepted Answer

Decode an existing working key or cut a new key to the desired bitting, then rekey all cylinders to match that bitting

Answer

Program each cylinder individually using a TPMS tool

Answer

Replace all cylinders with new OEM units keyed alike from the factory

Answer

Use a master key to override all cylinders simultaneously