How to program a spare smart key for a 2025 Hyundai Tucson using the Autel MaxiIM KM100, a popular and capable key programming tool. The job wasn’t entirely straightforward, but with a few workarounds and some persistence, we got the job done successfully.
Vehicle and Tools
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Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Tucson (Smart Key system)
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Tool Used: Autel KM100
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Goal: Program a spare working smart key while retaining the customer’s original key
Initial Setup and Vehicle Identification
We started by connecting the Autel KM100 to the vehicle’s OBD-II port. The tool prompts you to read the vehicle’s VIN automatically, which is usually the quickest way to identify the correct system. However, in this case, the auto VIN function did not work as expected, and the model was not immediately recognized by the tool.
I attempted to let the system pull the VIN, but when that failed, I moved to the manual selection process:
Selected the region: America
Chose the vehicle model: Tucson
Selected the model year range. Since the tool didn’t have a specific entry for 2025, I chose 2021 and newer, which failed to communicate with vehicle.
Later tried 2022–2023 options, assuming the system would be compatible. This option did IMMO scan successfully.
This is a common workaround when dealing with very new models—the underlying immobilizer system often remains the same across several model years.
Reading the Immobilizer Status
Once the vehicle was manually selected, I performed an IMMO status scan. This gave us useful information:
The system showed that two keys were currently programmed to the vehicle.
Communication with the immobilizer system was established, confirming that the tool could interact with the vehicle’s security module.
At this point, everything looked healthy, and we were ready to proceed with key programming.
The PIN Code Challenge
In order to add or replace keys on most Hyundai vehicles, you need the vehicle’s immobilizer PIN code. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized key programming.
I attempted to read the PIN code directly via OBD using the KM100’s built-in function. Unfortunately, the tool could not retrieve the PIN automatically for this 2025 model. This is not uncommon, especially with newer vehicles where security protocols are updated frequently.
My solution: I obtained the PIN code from an external source—a subscription-based key data service that provides PIN codes for various makes and models. Once I had the PIN, I manually entered it into the Autel KM100, and the tool accepted it without issue.
The Programming Process
With the PIN code in hand, I started the actual programming procedure:
Initiated the key programming function on the KM100.
The tool warned that all existing keys would be erased and that we would need to relearn both the old and new keys. This is standard for Hyundai smart key systems—it’s an “all keys lost” type of procedure, even when adding a spare.
Ignition OFF was confirmed, and the tool communicated with the vehicle’s immobilizer module.
Entered the PIN code manually when prompted.
The tool then guided me through the key learning process. For this Hyundai, the procedure required:
Placing the smart key against the start button (the key sensing area).
Pressing the start button with the back of the key within 5 seconds of the on-screen prompt.
Programming Both Keys
I started with the new spare key. The tool confirmed: “Programming succeeded.”
I then selected “Yes” when prompted to program the next key.
I repeated the same physical procedure using the customer’s original key.
Again, the tool confirmed success.
After both keys were programmed, the system showed that two keys were now active.
Final Verification
I exited the programming menu and tested both keys:
The customer’s original key worked perfectly—remote locking/unlocking and engine start functioned as expected.
The new spare key also worked perfectly, with full remote and start functionality.
The job was complete.
Challenges and Takeaways
Auto VIN and Model Selection Issues: The Autel KM100 did not immediately recognize the 2025 Tucson. Manually selecting a similar model year (2022–2023) worked fine, as the immobilizer system was compatible.
PIN Code Retrieval: The tool could not pull the PIN code via OBD for this vehicle. Having access to an external PIN code source was essential. This is something to keep in mind if you’re working with very new Hyundai or Kia models.
All Keys Erased: The process erases all existing keys, so you must have both the original and any new keys on hand to relearn them.
Physical Key Placement: Following the on-screen instructions precisely—especially the 5-second window for placing the key against the start button—is critical for success.