Many of you may know this but if it helps even one person then it was worth it. I rarely lose my keys. But recently I lost one of my original transponder keys to my 08 SD. Had I been smart I would have made a backup, easily I might add, before this happened. But as I said, rarely do I lose my keys.

With Ford's PATS system, you can make your own transponder keys "if you have 2 original programmed keys" to begin with. Most people don't think about getting a backup key made til they lose one. You can buy them for less than $10.00 on sites like Amazon or eBay. Some will even cut them for you from a cell phone picture. (I had this done and worked perfectly).

The issue arises when, if you wait til you only have 1 key, that you have to pay either a locksmith about $185 to make you one or around $350 or more for the dealer to. Luckily I found a local locksmith who only charged me $75 to program me 1 key, giving me back my "2" original keys, so that I could then make some backups.

All you have to do is put in 1 of your original keys, turn the key to on, wait til the security light goes out, turn the key off, insert the 2nd key, do the same, and after taking out the 2nd key, insert your $10 transponder key and turn on. The PATS system registers it as a recognized key and you're good to go.

I'm sure most of you know this, but for those who don't, I suggest making your own backups now, as it gets expensive when you've lost one. Hope this helps even one of you!

 

Did they clone the key you had or did they use a scan tool and use that to add they key?

 

After reading this post I am glad that I purchased a Ford/Rotunda NGS scanner. It only works up to 2009, but since I have a 2008 I am good.

I love Ebay and what you can find there for OEM special tools.

Jeff

 

Most scan tools out there can add pats keys.

 

No, they hooked up a scanner to the OBD and programmed it. Thats why I hesitated to to get one at Lowes or Walmart as they simply clone your existing key and it does you no good. You won't be able to make your own keys as the dcm will see it as 1 key.

As far as most scan tools being able to add PATS keys Ive yet to see one able to do this. To reach the security section of the ECM you need either f\Ford's IDS tool or a subscription to their software, which is $700.00 yearly to be able to load the section which opens the PATS programming up. Tried several scan tools and even a shop who works on cars and they couldn't access it without the subscription.

 

AE can do it.

SnapOn can do it.