hidden chip key
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,954
Likes: 47
From: Mesa
hidden chip key
I only have one key and I don't want to spend $70 for another one. Couldn't I hide the key close to wherever it needs to be then use regular keys all the time? Would this work? Where is the chip reader located? Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Actually it used to be common to do this, companies even used to sell the hidden box where you put the Pat's key so their remote start kit would work. In my old 2001 I just removed the RFID vial from the key and glued it in the tone ring and left it in the column cover. I used regular keys for over 200k before I sold it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Couldn't I hide the key close to wherever it needs to be then use regular keys all the time? Would this work?
Pull the covers off the column, the PATS transceiver is the ring around the ignition key cylinder. Remove it (one screw) then secure the functioning PATS key inside the ring with a couple of zip ties, then stuff it up under the dash where its well out of the way.
You're good to go unless something important like the PCM or cluster dies then you'll have to have two unique PATS keys to reprogram the new module. Hardware store clones don't count.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
The risks are even lower than all of those millions of vehicles that have been driving around for 20 years with a "live" key in a PATS bypass module connected to the remote starter. This is a nearly 20 year old vehicle that probably only has liability insurance on it and no one, except the owner, knows of the bypass. The sky is NOT falling.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 17
The risks are even lower than all of those millions of vehicles that have been driving around for 20 years with a "live" key in a PATS bypass module connected to the remote starter. This is a nearly 20 year old vehicle that probably only has liability insurance on it and no one, except the owner, knows of the bypass. The sky is NOT falling.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
After giving my 1993 F-150 to charity a few months ago, I bought a very nice 2000 which has this key. I only got one key with the truck. From what I read, I have to pay 70 bucks to get an extra key?
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Scope Wizard
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,530
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what I was talking about really had nothing to do with Insurance either.......
I guess it may also vary state by state so sure YMMV....
I was merely referring to "Anti-Theft/key in ignition" statutes defeating a security device falls under this too.... while chances of getting caught up in it are slim you should still know your laws .... https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/u...ICLE-CHART.pdf
my statements were not meant to hyjack this thread but just to add some information.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
Alfred----look in your manual to see how to program a spare key. Newer trucks require TWO keys already programmed into the system to program a 3-4 key............. older trucks required ONE programmed key to program a 2-3-4 key.... Im not sure about a 2000 ...... If you need TWO keys and only have ONE, then you need to go to FORD or Key shop to have a new key cut and programmed.... or you might be able to use a downloaded app on your laptop.
New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Alfred----look in your manual to see how to program a spare key. Newer trucks require TWO keys already programmed into the system to program a 3-4 key............. older trucks required ONE programmed key to program a 2-3-4 key.... Im not sure about a 2000 ...... If you need TWO keys and only have ONE, then you need to go to FORD or Key shop to have a new key cut and programmed.... or you might be able to use a downloaded app on your laptop.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
About $10 for a new key blank. $2-5 to get it cut. $20 for an ELM-327 usb adapter. Free forscan software and also the extended license that lets you access PATS. Program your own keys in 20-30 minutes.
As a bonus, forscan lets you access, read, change most modules on your truck.
Search is your friend.
As a bonus, forscan lets you access, read, change most modules on your truck.
Search is your friend.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
Clone keys copy the chip id stored in the old key to a special clone key that can have it's chip id programmed. So you end up with what two keys that PATS sees as identical. Just an point of clarification.