Does anyone know how close the security key has to be to the ignition to work?

I have a spare key hidden in the cab of my truck and a spare without the chip hidden outside the truck. I have been locked out before!!!! I dont want to take a chance on losing that expensive key and got to thinking........... Will the chipless key start my truck with the other key hidden near the rear of the cab?

Guess I can check that out and report back tomorrow.

 

I don't think it will. I have heard of people taping a key with the chip inside their steering column. Then they get a regular key cut and it will allow you to start the truck.

-Matt

 

No. The chipped key must be in 'very' close proximity of the ignition switch for it to start. Even putting the chipped key a few inches away from the ignition switch is often too far.

 

They even warn you somewhere, owner's manual maybe, about having too much metallic junk on your key ring that could interfere with antenna loop around the lock mechanism, so it's fairly precise about how close the key has to be.

 

Guys,
I talked with a friend with a 05...got his key too close to a magnetic field.....erased it...
Took it to local dealership...wanted $180 to reprogram it...local locksmith did it for a song....
I like the idea of a spare incase of a lock out situation....Didnt they use to outline how to "prograam" a new key in the owners manual? Thats like the guy who got a used Expe and they wanted outrageous bucks to get him the code ....to find out its on the ECU.....what a hoot...

Rod

 

If you have 2 keys you can program a third. It is in the manual.
But these trucks come with 2 keys and if you lose one..... It does cost big bucks to get a second key. OR if you lose both its even more.

That is another reason I wanted a third key to my truck!

Thanks for the info!!!!!!!!!!

 

The kid across the street from me was quoted close to $125 to purcahse a single key and have it programmed from the local Ford dealership. Since he had both of his original keys, I had him order a couple blank transponder keys from eBay for ~$10 each + shipping, which is what I've done numerous times throughout the years. Then we simply had them cut and I programmed them through the vehicle. It cost him a total of about $30 to get both keys including cutting & programming. Programming instructions come with the keys, but you can find them on the internet via google. You must have your original two keys in order to program more spare keys, otherwise a locksmith can sell you a key including programming for ~$25 to ~$50 per key as long as you have at least one original key.

 

Do you not have keyless remote? If so, just buy one of these and you're home free.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[QUOTE=ncranchero]Do you not have keyless remote? If so, just buy one of these and you're home free.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Keyless-Entry-Keypad-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ280079779262QQihZ018QQcategoryZ33 723QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem[/QUOTE]

If your only locked out, That is right.

BUT, If you lose your key say in the lake or a field you better have a full fledged spare handy.

Good point!

 

BUT it's safer/smarter to hide a key inside than outside.......

 

exactly,

Thats why I hid the chip key inside and a plain metal cut key outside. A plain metal cut key is cheaper than a remote and will work the door and tailgate everytime. A remote will most likely work if it is not wet, corroded, or damaged.