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Hey fellas. I just bought a 2006 F150 super cab 4x4 with a 4.6l as a commuter rig. So far just a couple of wrinkles. I only got one key with it. I assume it’s one of those transponder keys, no key fob as well. Would I be able to get a couple of spares cut in case of getting locked out? Would I be able to unlock the door with them without setting off the security system? I am not very familiar with this as my other truck is a 1979 F250 4x4. Thanks, Rob
You should be able to keep a spare key for lockouts without any problems. The locks don’t utilize key detection for mechanical unlocking - it’s only needed for remote/fob use.
If you get an extra ignition key and remotes, lubricate the locks with graphite or lock lubricant and rotate them a couple times a year to keep them from seizing. Not much point in having a spare key if you still can’t open the door.
if your going to get a key that opens the door, you might as well have it programmed to start the truck.. YEA,, it cost maybe $100. af FORD, but then you have peace of mind..... The may be some Hardware stores that can CLONE you key so you have a spare.. Don't know the cost or which stores MIGHT do that.
I went to locksmiths and Ford before I got my all in one key. I did have both keys, but if I didn't, all of them wanted a ridiculous amount. Personally, I say if you are going to do it, do it right. Get a all in one PATS key and be done with it, since you are already paying the cost for an extra key to be programmed, might as well have one that does it all without the need for an extra fob.
A couple weeks after we got our new to us minivan, my wife accidentally locked our (at the time) 18 month old son inside. She had used the remote start and while buckling him into his car seat, tossed the keys in the driver seat. She closed the sliding door and then couldn’t open the driver door because the doors automatically locked when remote start was active. Luckily I wasn’t far away and had the other key, so I was able to get there before it was a real threat to our son.
After that, I had a spare key made only for unlocking the doors in an emergency/lockout situation (3 years later and it’s never been used). It’s stored in a place on the van that’s exposed to the elements, so a key that would also start the van would be ruined and wouldn’t start the van anyway even if we needed it to.
If you can keep it protected from the weather, do it. If not, get a key just for unlocking it.
I bought a key pad and installed on the door just for that reason.. You have a code to open in case you need inside without a key.. You can buy on e-bay..... program it just like a FOB... with double sided tape.
There are guys here who will just delete PATS for you if you send 'em your ECM. That's the ticket if you're not concerned with theft, plus how many thieves are going to think your PATS is disabled? And who's stealing '04-08 trucks anyway?
The "token" system locksmiths have to pay just smacks of some sort of mob scheme to me anyway....who or what ACTUALLY receives that $ so that you then have the "right" to copy a smart key? I feel like maybe I should come up with a similar scam....maybe a fee everytime someone wants to photocopy a document on their home printer/scanner? Yeah, that's it!!
And yes, you can just get a basic, all metal "door" key cut....but of course it won't talk to PATS. My locksmith threw one in free when he copied a PATS key for me. Had I known then, I would have just ripped out my ECM and done a PATS delete (it's about $100 either way LOL)
You have 1 key. It can be cloned. Wal*Mart made a copy of my key, and It works perfectly. There are also little key machines in the lobby of grocery stores. Stick your key in there, pay whatever the machine charges, and you get a new key. It will work. It just clones your RFID and/or transponder.
Thanks for the ideas ,fellas. Since I only got the 1 key and no fob with the truck I have been super careful about getting locked out. I like the idea of the PATS delete. I am in Ontario, Canada, not far from Kingston. I am also in Toronto through the week , working. Is there anybody around that knows how to get it done? Or can one of you smart gents explain it to a crusty old fart with very little tech skills? Thanks
to get the PATS DELEATE, you have to pull the PCM ( computer) and send to a 3rd party guy and have it reprogrammed. Your probably dead in the water for a week that way.... as fifty150 said there are places that can make a CLONE key... It is not a SEPERATE second key... it is a second key that is PROGRAMED as a CLONE of the first key... That can be cheaper than having the Dealer make you a second key for $100. ........... you might look locally for a place that can CLONE..... They say Wal Mart can do it... not our local, but maybe some Larger ones do ?
to get the PATS DELEATE, you have to pull the PCM ( computer) and send to a 3rd party guy and have it reprogrammed. Your probably dead in the water for a week that way.... as fifty150 said there are places that can make a CLONE key... It is not a SEPERATE second key... it is a second key that is PROGRAMED as a CLONE of the first key... That can be cheaper than having the Dealer make you a second key for $100. ........... you might look locally for a place that can CLONE..... They say Wal Mart can do it... not our local, but maybe some Larger ones do ?
If your PATS ever dies you're likely dead in the water for longer than that just troubleshooting and banging your head against the wall....
FOR ME, a PATS delete would be PM (preventive maintenance), performed at a time of my choosing...then again I've got 4 vehicles between 2 people in my household.... redundancy is nice. YMMV, do that which tickles yer teekles the mostest!
Thanks for the ideas ,fellas. Since I only got the 1 key and no fob with the truck I have been super careful about getting locked out. I like the idea of the PATS delete. I am in Ontario, Canada, not far from Kingston. I am also in Toronto through the week , working. Is there anybody around that knows how to get it done? Or can one of you smart gents explain it to a crusty old fart with very little tech skills? Thanks
PM (er, that's Private Message this time) user Pontisteve here on the forum. Not sure about shipping your ECM to the States, your wonderful government might decide it's terrorist weapons grade electronics when Pontisteve tries to send it back North to you (I'm kidding....kinda sorta....not really....)
Once you've got this done, you can have any mom & pop hardware store with an old-school key cutter duplicate keys for you anytime, it's just a basic, all-metal key. No cloning, no transponders, no tokens....simple...like ya know, 1995
Pontisteve might have recos for people in Canadia who could do it (maybe -- I have no idea and do not mean to speak for him)