Identifying this chip in your vehicle
The Texas DST-AES (8A) chip is manufactured by Texas Instruments and is used across 132 model-year combinations in our directory, spanning 1 manufacturers. The chip operates at 125 kHz LF with AES-128 encryption.
You won't find the chip name printed anywhere on a typical fob — the chip is a millimeter-scale die embedded under the plastic. The fastest way to confirm whether your vehicle uses the Texas DST-AES (8A) is to look up your year/make/model on KeyFob Guide; we've cross-referenced every entry against manufacturer data sheets and the OBD2 community immobilizer database.
Aftermarket fob shopping
Reputable aftermarket sellers list the transponder chip family in the product description. When shopping for a fob compatible with the Texas DST-AES (8A), look for one of the following phrases on the listing: "Texas DST-AES (8A)", "AES-128 chip", or the manufacturer's part designation. Generic listings that say only "fits 2010-2020 [model]" without naming the chip should be treated with extreme skepticism — the wrong chip will pair the keyless entry side but fail the immobilizer handshake, leaving you with a fob that locks the doors but won't crank the engine.
Top programmers for this chip
Across the 132 vehicles using the Texas DST-AES (8A), the most broadly compatible aftermarket programmers in our index are:
- Autel MaxiIM IM508 — 132 compatible vehicle pages. Autel's entry-level immobilizer programmer. Strong U.S. domestic coverage (GM, Ford, Mopar) without per-vehicle license fees. PEPS pairing on most pre-2018 vehicles.
- Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro — 132 compatible vehicle pages. Autel's flagship programmer. Adds full EEPROM read/write capability via the included XP400 Pro adapter, plus J2534 reflashing.
- Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus — 132 compatible vehicle pages. Tablet-form pad and programmer combo with strong European and Asian coverage. VVDI's annual update cadence is faster than competitors.
- AutoProPAD G2 — 132 compatible vehicle pages. Locksmith-favorite tablet programmer with strong U.S. truck and SUV coverage. Excellent at all-keys-lost on Ford, GM, and Mopar PEPS systems.