I just purchased an 05 Escape, But it only came with 1 key. The Dealer wants $80 to make a new transponder key. I found one on line for $20...but the catch is that I need to have 2 keys to program a 3rd key.

Bottom line is that I will be stuck going to the dealer or a locksmith to program my new key unless I can find how to DYI instructions. Is there someone out there that has a short-cut around the dealer price.

 

No, there isn't except by cloning, which isn't cheap either......

 

I made some phone calls and found a local True Value hardware store that will make it for $50

 

Cannot comment on the price for programming the key, but you can have the mechanical portion cut at Lowes or Home Depot for a nominal fee. I don't think they have the specialized equipment necessary to program the PATS to recognize the new key.
Locksmiths in general, unless on the shaky side, will charge a lower fee than a dealership. The shaky side is mentioned because of the story I watched about NJ locksmiths trying to open front doors, and being rather inept, and not very professional, but sure had their hands out for their fee... Those shops that have a storefront seem more likely to be fair to their customer.
Some locksmiths have 'portable' workshops built into a truck, and they can come to your home or work at minimal extra charge.
IOW, shop around...
tom

 

That will be a clone. You still won't be able to program a 3rd or subsequent key on your own.

 

I made about 20 phone calls and I was surprised to find that the locksmiths were about $100 and the hardware stores were the cheapest.

 

That's because they're taking the shortcut of just cloning an existing key instead of giving you a key with a new code that gets programmed into the PATS system.

 

loco, I thought that the 'code' was embedded in the key itself, and could not be changed, so the PATS would 'ask the key who you are' and the key would respond, and then the PATS would check that the number returned was registered, and thus valid.
The need for two keys is to prevent a non-owner from using one key, making another key valid, without access to a second key. Given that the owner would be the one to have access to both keys at once.
How do they recode the read-only key number? Or did I miss something?

 

The keys at the hardware store are field-programmable.

 

What's the down side? If I could disable the PATS system so I could buy a $2.00 key I would. I don't completely understand how the PATS system works, but I don't need a security system as much as I need money

 

If you have one key that works and don't care about the PATS, go get a couple of plain keys cut from it, pull the transceiver ring off the ignition key cylinder, zip tie the chipped key in there so it gets read and is secure, then fasten the thing up out of the way under the dash. Use the cheap key for daily operation. My old 98 Contour ran like that for close to 8 years.

Cross your fingers that the PATS system or the PCM doesn't need servicing before the rest of the car falls apart.

 

Is it possible I can just leave my one transponder key in the glove box or something, and have a couple of non chipped, cut keys start my 2001 escape?

 

Didn't you even bother to READ to post immediately prior???

 

If you only have one key go to Home Depot and for about $50 they will make a transponder key that will work with your Escape. Then order a blank transponder key from Amazon.com and you can program it yourself. It is a good idea to have 3 keys so if one is lost, you can still program another. Don't ask me how I know.

 

Wrong. See above. The key from HD will be a clone.