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3-Key Limit?

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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 06:08 PM
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3-Key Limit?

I am hearing that PATS or whatever limits me to having only 3 transponder keys.

True?

If so, are there ways around this - short of removing the sensor ring and taping a transponder to it?

I've got an ODB II sensor and ProScan - albeit zero knowledge.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 06:13 PM
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Most vehicles it's a 4 key limit. However on most there's also a way to unlock it with IDS to accept a larger number of keys. Of course this varies by year. I've done it a handful of times on different trucks so I know it can be done. Never used ProScan so I have no idea if that will work or not.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Pocket
Most vehicles it's a 4 key limit.
4 keys works for me, 3 does not.

The 2 keys required to code a replacment key kept at home in a safe place.

One key for the keychain.

One key hidden somewhere on the vehicle in case the keychain is lost.


Tangentially, I am hearing references to a "Tune" (whatever that is.... I'm guessing some sort of mod to the cars computer) that disables PATS altogether..... and I find that idea appealing enough that I would have to look into it the next time I buy a vehicle.

I don't care for the sensing ring removal/relocation with a transponder taped to it because if/when it goes South it's tow truck time.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 08:21 PM
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I am hearing that PATS or whatever limits me to having only 3 transponder keys.

True?
False.

Most vehicles it's a 4 key limit.
Also false.


There are no 2004-2008 Fords with a 3 or 4 key limit. The lowest is 8 which is the maximum limit for all of the F150s of this era. Some Fords of earlier vintage allow 16.

If in doubt or if more keys cannot be user-added, then the memory is already full (previously programmed keys) and needs to be cleared, then existing keys need to be programmed into the system.
 
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