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Since I am ignition/electronically challenged, I need to ask a question about my 2013 xlt.
I want a spare key made and keep in my camper or wallet when out on a trip. Is it possible to have a plain ( no fob / no electronics) key cut that would unlock the door manually and still and start the vehicle?
The truck does have the entry keypad, but if for some reason if it were to fail, it would be nice reassurance I could still unlock my vehicle and go on down the road.
A plain blank will open door but not start ( could hide another in truck) or a plain chip key will open and start but as you said no fob/ no buttons. Jim
That info helps a lot!
Yes! It got me like that once!, I got in a hurry then...thinking maybe it wont think Im a thief if I get the key in the ignition fast!
One more stupid question, what if I get replacement key with the fob ( not going to dealership to avoid getting hammered on price) and if for some reason it gets soaking wet, for example I slip and bust my rear end in a river because "slim" had slipped up on the rock next to me and that water moccasin owns the deed to it. Would a soaking wet key (after trying to dry it out , the best I could) still work?
What Steve said! But yes I believe the fobs will stand being dunked, when you change battery there is a rubber seal that you can see. 'Should" be water proof. Famous last words, your results may vary
My fobs have survived quick swimming pool adventures. I wouldn't have them under water for any duration of course but a quick dunk here and there hasn't hurt anything.
chipped or fob looks like the easiest way out...sure wish it was the good ol days again, that a simply cut key world open and start the vehicle...after doing more research, people are buying key blanks in hopes they can be programmed, then having them cut, then buying a forscan program, then having to buy a OBII interface for a laptop...then then then...a lot of "thens"!
then having them cut, then buying a forscan program, then having to buy a OBII interface for a laptop...then then then...a lot of "thens"!
That process works just fine (Forscan's two month extended license is free and renewable indefinitely). Alternative is to have a locksmith or dealer do the work.
Of course, if you have two functional and unique PATS keys, you can program a third or subsequent key using the procedure in the owner's manual. The above extra steps are needed if you do not meet that minimum requirement of two UNIQUE pre-programmed keys. Clones don't qualify as unique if the original is still present.
This is what I used. Got cut for couple bucks apiece, programmed my self, easy to do if you have 2 working keys. I do construction work sometimes and want as little as possible in my pockets. OEM Ford.
Just remember that you can't unlock the door with the key and throw your jacket in the truck. Once the door is opened you'll need to start the truck to cancel the alarm and you'll only have 10-15 seconds!
Another thing that I have done, and it has saved me at least twice. Go the Lowes, etc, and get a basic, non-chipped, $3 key cut. Hide it under the truck for when you accidentally lock your keys inside, my truck does not have a keypad.
the basic key will unlock the door and then use your “real keys” to start the truck within the 10-15 seconds.
this is also good if you’re a jogger, biker, hunter, golfer, sportsman, etc, and you don’t want a wad of keys with you. Just lock you real keys inside and carry the basic key with you.
