I recently bought a 99 explorer xls. I only got one key with the truck. I called a locksmith about a second key and in the course of the discussion he said that I MUST have the 2 original master keys to program more myself, regardless of what the manual says.
Is he just trying to get deeper in my pockets or do I have to pay him for programing each and every additional key. He's willing to cut and program the first one for $45, but wants $25 for each one after that.

 

I think that is correct. I recently had my 2000 in the shop and they lost my keys. They gave me two new keys and I was able to program my old extra at home. You have to be able to turn on the truck with two keys in a row, then you can reprogram more. Who ever you bought your truck from should provide two keys...especially if it a dealership.

If you have to get new keys, do get two made, then reprogram yours...that way if you loose one, you can reprogram new ones yourself.

 

He is right, you do have to have 2. I also bought a 99 explorer with only one key. I had the keys all programmed at the dealer and they recommended to buy a third so if you lose one you have another and can still have a key programmed afterwards if needed.

 

he was telling me that if both working keys were not the "original" master keys, it might not program more.
I was planning on having him program the second key, then I would buy blanks off e-bay, have them cut and program them myself. He say's that might not work because the key he programs isn't the "original" master key.