I recently bought a 2014 F350 6.7 diesel from a small (not a Ford dealer) dealer near me. The truck has been deleted but I do not have the tuner used when it was deleted. The problem I'm having is the truck only came with one key. I've been to a Ford dealer and a diesel performance shop and both tell me I can't program a spare key unless I have the tuner. They said there is a good chance the tune will get wiped from the program and without having the tuner to re-flash it, the truck won't run due to the deleted parts. Anyone else dealt with this issue? How did you resolve it? I would really like to have spare keys. The performance shop said I could buy a new tuner but that it would be close to $1k. That's sure an expensive key!!

 

You are not the first one who has experienced this or a similar problem buying a deleted truck WITHOUT the tuner being included. Is there anyway you can locate the previous owner to see if they might still have the tuner or a spare key and would they give it to you or sell it to you? If you can't find the tuner or a spare key, you are possibly screwed as they have told you on future problems that require an ECM update.

Apparently they are unaware that the PATS is stored in the BCM not the ECM. The BCM is the fuse panel located in the cab of the truck. You could try using FORScan on a laptop with the free license and an OBD2 interface for the laptop to program a new key. It will require you to have two keys prior to starting the process. You can buy keys off eBay for a few dollars and have a local hardware or someone to cut the key or you can buy a key from a locksmith and have them cut the key. You do not need a FOB/IKT key but a standard key with 80 bit chip in it. Should have a "H" stamped on the the key or similar code as your current key has on it.

Before you do anything, go talk to a reputable locksmith and ask them about the programming of new keys with the truck being deleted. Ask them if they have ever reprogrammed the PATS on any deleted trucks. You can pay their fee and see what happens which I think it would not be any problem with the ECM and erase it. But, be prepared for the worse and hope for the best.

You can read this link on programming a new key with FORScan...

Erase All PATS Keys 2016 F250 XLT - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

The dealer I bought it from bought it in a wholesale auction so I doubt we will locate the previous owner. They are supposed to call me back today to see if they can do anything to help. Curious, has anyone tried one of these;
https://tomskey.com/
Not sure if these do the same thing getting into the program or if they only copy the key portion and transfer to the new key?

 

The only way to know if it is a copy of the first key is to try the 2 key programming method for a spare key. In your owner's manual it tells you how to do this but the basic procedure is to have 2 two working keys, a 3rd key cut to fit the ignition switch, rotate each of the programmed keys from off to run and then insert the 3rd key and rotate it to on and off. If it programmed it, then it will start the vehicle. or of the two programmed keys are copies, it will probably tell you that your second key is copy by not going into the programming mode.

If your 3rd key is a fob style key, the two programmed key method will automatically program the key fob for you.

Anyway, I would check the local locksmith and ask them what they charge to sell you a key (fob style key or regular security key) and to program them to the truck. Compare their price with Toms. The locksmith keys would for sure be different and then you could program a 3rd key or 4th yourself. I suspect it is the same for your 2017, the 2015 I had allowed up to 8 keys to be programmed.Only 4 of the 8 keys could be the fob style keys.