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On our 1997 F250 HD 4x4 we only have one key, and the ignition tumbler/key assembly is super sloppy.
I was just going to get another tumbler assembly with two keys and then noticed that our ignition key has the larger black plastic at the base of the key (And the little square/rectangular insert on the back edge)
This truck is more of a basic work truck set up,.. no power windows or locks or anything like that so I didn't think it had the Anti-Theft system on it (?)
I decided to call the deal with the Vin # to find out and they couldn't tell me for sure one way or the other..... I called another dealership and they said basically the same
I picked up a "Non-Transponder" ignition assembly with two "non" chipped keys.... I haven't swapped it out yet, but I thought if for some reason mine does have the anti theft system I could maybe just tape the original key inside the steering column shrouds close to the base of the ignition tumbler assembly....???
Anybody have any experience with these? I just don't want to pay the high dollars to have another key made and programmed ... we had to do that on my son 2002 Mustang a couple times and it was like 175 bucks each time!!!
I'm 99.9% sure that no 1997 F-Series had a chipped key. Someone may have cut a chipped key for the truck, but it doesn't have the hardware to read the chip.
Would you like a really cheap way to check this? Get a non-chipped key cut for the current lock. It should be way less than $5. See if it can start the truck.
I'm 99.9% sure that no 1997 F-Series had a chipped key. Someone may have cut a chipped key for the truck, but it doesn't have the hardware to read the chip.
Would you like a really cheap way to check this? Get a non-chipped key cut for the current lock. It should be way less than $5. See if it can start the truck.
Thanks,..I have already picked up the new non transponder ignition tumbler assembly with two keys,... it was like 35 bucks,.. I'm going to throw that in this weekend and see if it works.
I'd try Marks $5 fix first, because some have resistors in key(GM) first, that connect 2 wires in the key cylinder, that go to PCM, when you turn key to on/run a security light come on then goes out if the correct key(resistor) is used, I'd ask dealer to run vin #, before taking out key cylinder and maybe render truck inoperable
I'm speaking from first hand experience, some late 96 F150's had chip, all 97 F150's had chip, 97-98 F250 chip was an option, my fathers 97 F250 Lariat had chip, my uncles 97 F250 xl didnt.
Interesting observation on the models and years that SecuriLock (aka PATS) was installed. My documentation, Ford service and EVTM manuals, does not support your statement. Neither does the documentation from Ford/Motorcraft: PATS Job Aid
Perhaps you are referring to the predecessor that Ford calls Remote Anti-Theft Personality (RAP). My documentation shows it was available starting in 1997 on the F150 and F250LD. So there is plausible evidence it may have been available on the OBS models, but not accounted for in the Ford service manuals (which is well known to happen).
Therefore whether it's PATS or RAP they do require a transponder key and associated electronics. I do apologize for jumping to the PATS topic before educating myself on the anti-theft feature (RAP) that may have been available on OBS trucks before they disappeared.
Wow,.. we're really going down the rabbit hole on this one! .... It's just crazy that there are so many variables on these things... especially around the transitional years...
Still haven't messed with it,.. but maybe tonight - wish me luck!
I'm speaking from first hand experience, some late 96 F150's had chip, all 97 F150's had chip, 97-98 F250 chip was an option, my fathers 97 F250 Lariat had chip, my uncles 97 F250 xl didnt.
Yeah but those would all be the newer body styles. 96 was the last year for the OBS F-150, 97-98 F-250 was either OBS or Ford also used the new 97+ F-150 chassis and added 6 lug wheels, 3/4 suspension and some other stuff to make it an "F-250"
No OBS trucks had PATS. They did have an optional theft deterrent, but it wasn't PATS (chip key system).
Well once again I got sidetracked and did not get to work on the truck unfortunately. (Took the Torino out for a spin...) but I did make a call to one of the mobile locksmith guys we used when my son needed a new key programmed for his 02 Mustang. He seemed to think that it was unlikely but still possible that it used that type of key. I asked him about trying to start it with a regular key and new ignition tumbler assembly, he said it would be okay to try it once and if it didn't start do not try and start it again. Here are a couple pictures of the key I have...
If it turns out you do need the chip, there is a workaround.
You can remove chip from the old key and attach it inside the steering column as close to the tumbler as you can get it.
Yeah that was my initial plan when I purchased the non chipped Ignition switch/key assembly... just tape chipped key on the steering column under the plastic shrouds/covers...
"I picked up a "Non-Transponder" ignition assembly with two "non" chipped keys.... I haven't swapped it out yet, but I thought if for some reason mine does have the anti theft system I could maybe just tape the original key inside the steering column shrouds close to the base of the ignition tumbler assembly....???"
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.... It's just crazy that there are so many variables on these things... especially around the transitional years... 
