Cutting a spare key
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,212
Likes: 4,215
From: Kaysville Utah
Cutting a spare key
My new truck came with the Puch Button start. But I'm old school and like to keep an extra key hidden somewhere, in case I loose a key while 30 miles from nowhere. Especially now that the spare tire and tie downs in the bed need a key.
I bought a FOB of Ebay and programmed it, So now I have 3 working FOBs.
Whats the going rate to cut these types of keys. I stopped by a Locksmith this afternoon and he quoted me $45 to cut the key. Are they that much more difficult to Cut?
I bought a FOB of Ebay and programmed it, So now I have 3 working FOBs.
Whats the going rate to cut these types of keys. I stopped by a Locksmith this afternoon and he quoted me $45 to cut the key. Are they that much more difficult to Cut?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 471
Likes: 4
I use to get the regular cut with chip for $12-$15. I got a plain side cut key with chip (no remote) to operate the new truck as a spare for $75. They had to get it ordered from the factory because they were unable to cut these type key as of now.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
It really depends on who you go to. My hardware store will cut any customer-owned key for free. What that means is that if you (the customer) bring a blank key in to have copied, we'll copy it for free onto their blank, but we assume NO liability or responsibility if it doesn't work. Obviously if the customer purchases a key from us we own it until it works. You may find a local store with a similar outlook. Free cut, but no warranty.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 694
From: Minnesota
It's a good idea to have 3 keys in any event. When you have 2 keys, you can program the 3rd key. If you are down to 1 key, you can't program the new 2nd key and have to have Ford do it; $160 or so. I always buy a 3rd key and immediately program it in the event of a lost key.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 6
From: Berwick, Maine
My Ford dealer cut me a no chip T shaped key for $44.44. I drilled a hole in it, and it fits nicely on my key ring. This key will unlock the door for me if need be, I have no keypad. I did notice that if I lock the switchblade key in the truck, then unlock the door with my $44.44 key, I need to get the switchblade in the ignition quickly, or the truck starts alarming (horn). My truck is a 2017 F-350 XL with STX package.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,212
Likes: 4,215
From: Kaysville Utah
It really depends on who you go to. My hardware store will cut any customer-owned key for free. What that means is that if you (the customer) bring a blank key in to have copied, we'll copy it for free onto their blank, but we assume NO liability or responsibility if it doesn't work. Obviously if the customer purchases a key from us we own it until it works. You may find a local store with a similar outlook. Free cut, but no warranty.
I frequently haul my horses out into very remote areas of Utah for trail rides. If I made a mistake and somehow lost a key, It could be 30 miles just to reach cell phone signal. And a 2-3 hour wait for the nearest wrecker to come. So I like to be self sufficent. I got a 3rd FOB programed, wrapped in foil and stored in a Faraday bag, So the truck doesn't see it. So If I lost a fob, I could dig that spare out and unwrap it and get the truck started. But what if I had a Flat tire and need a spare key to lower the spare. I just feel like it's good behavior to keep a spare hidden on/under the vehicle. Something I've done for 50 years, But most spare keys were $2 or less.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
I ended up with a 39 dollar OEM switchblade fob and blank from Amazon that I programmed using my two original fobs and cut at my store. Works great. I was able to get an $18 non-chip key with a plastic head cut at my local dealer that will open my door, unlock my console, lower my spare, etc. I keep that key stashed in the center console (will not start truck). I also do have the securicode on the door. My dealer also had told me that they will cut me a regular NON-Switchblade key with no buttons that does have a chip for about $60. This would start the truck. There's tons of options out there.
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FTE Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1,050
From: Florida
I bought brand new OEM ford switchblade remote for my 2017 Lariat from eBay for $39.
I brought it to my ford dealer and they cut it for free using my vin number.
They did the same for me on my 2016 F150XLT
I was able to self program the key using my 2 already programmed keys per the instructions in the manual.
After selling my F150XLT I kept the spare key and bought an uncut key blade. I replaced the blade on the F150XLT remote and the dealer cut that key to my F350 vin so I now have 4 keys that work on my F350.
I brought it to my ford dealer and they cut it for free using my vin number.
They did the same for me on my 2016 F150XLT
I was able to self program the key using my 2 already programmed keys per the instructions in the manual.
After selling my F150XLT I kept the spare key and bought an uncut key blade. I replaced the blade on the F150XLT remote and the dealer cut that key to my F350 vin so I now have 4 keys that work on my F350.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
So, am I doing something wrong? I have tried to program my new key fob with the instructions in the manual, but it wont work. I have the 2 FOBs that came with the truck, so I should be able to program a third.... any tips or tricks??
Thanks!
Thanks!
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 628
Likes: 12
From: Madison WI
My local ACE cannot cut the 2017 flip keys, not sure about the hidden on in the keyless models.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
I did remove the trays to get to the key pocket. I wonder if I am just doing it wrong. I have tried to find a video on someone doing it, but no luck.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
Which instructions do i follow? There seem to be these 2 options in my manual in the security section:
"Programming a Spare Integrated Keyhead Transmitter"
or
"Programming a Spare Intelligent Access Key"
"Programming a Spare Integrated Keyhead Transmitter"
or
"Programming a Spare Intelligent Access Key"
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 2
From: North Florida
I saw a video using the two programmed FOBs in the ignition but I don't think that works. I have the recessed key tray under the tray and rubber bottom of the drink tray.
Any help with these instructions would be appreciated.