Goofy Switchblade Key
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 243
Likes: 153
Goofy Switchblade Key
I don’t have push button start, but have the switchblade key. I think I’d like just a normal key to go on my keychain with my Fob. Is that something I can get? Do they have to be programmed, or with the fob on the key ring are they close enough to work properly?
thanks
thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
So no, these trucks with a physical key won’t take a non-chipped key in the ignition to start it.
I bought a small blank, plain chipped key (no buttons) that is supposed to work with these trucks. I could not get it programmed using my two factory keys. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but I am going to take it to a locksmith that programs keys and see if they can get it to work, because I hate the massive OEM key fob of these trucks. I’ll report back if it works.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1,191
From: Southeast MO
Most modern vehicles with a chipped physical key use a sensor in the ignition switch that senses the key. This is also why most vehicles with a physical key don’t have a special hidden slot to stick the key in when the battery in it dies like push button start vehicles have. The sensor is already in the ignition switch.
So no, these trucks with a physical key won’t take a non-chipped key in the ignition to start it.
I bought a small blank, plain chipped key (no buttons) that is supposed to work with these trucks. I could not get it programmed using my two factory keys. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but I am going to take it to a locksmith that programs keys and see if they can get it to work, because I hate the massive OEM key fob of these trucks. I’ll report back if it works.
So no, these trucks with a physical key won’t take a non-chipped key in the ignition to start it.
I bought a small blank, plain chipped key (no buttons) that is supposed to work with these trucks. I could not get it programmed using my two factory keys. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but I am going to take it to a locksmith that programs keys and see if they can get it to work, because I hate the massive OEM key fob of these trucks. I’ll report back if it works.
Did you use Forscan to program them? I have done several on steel body 6.7's using Forscan.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 45
Likes: 30
I don’t have push button start, but have the switchblade key. I think I’d like just a normal key to go on my keychain with my Fob. Is that something I can get? Do they have to be programmed, or with the fob on the key ring are they close enough to work properly?
thanks
thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 4,962
The huge "switch blade key" was ridiculous in so many ways and did not want that contraption in my pocket. For a while I was second guessing my decision to not go with an upper level trim just because of the key. Then, in searching how others deal with this life changing issue of the huge key, I decided to just chuck the key under the center lower dash cubby after shutting the engine off and use the key pad exclusively for access. Works perfectly! (BTW, used double stick tape to keep the little rubber liner thingy on the floor of the cubby so the key does not just drop onto the floor)...
Trucks with the switchblade key need the physical key to start the truck, to turn the ignition switch.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,848
Likes: 3,473
From: Uh oh, CA
It would be nice if they offered a key only option… but I have gotten pretty used to the switchblade style key fob. I don’t have many other keys/items on my key chain so it’s not a problem carrying it in my pocket. But I do love the keypad… that was something that came with the XLT Value pack and I didn’t really care about… now I wouldn’t want one without it!
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
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He uses the key to start the truck, then stores it in the cubby when he gets out, rather than carrying it in his pocket. And then uses the door keypad to unlock and enter the truck.
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: South Jersey
I believe the switchblade style of key needs to be in close proximity to the ignition on the column. From what I've seen, the receiver antenna is around the ignition switch hole. This may be why the plain key doesn't work, where the "push-button start" fob has much greater range. Not sure if it's the fob, the receiver system or both...
One *may* be able to find a way to have the fob near the ignition and have the plain key work. I guess it would be trial and error finding the right place/distance.
One *may* be able to find a way to have the fob near the ignition and have the plain key work. I guess it would be trial and error finding the right place/distance.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 45
Likes: 30
Bingo!...Life is good! Cheers!...
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 2,330
Do the base xl keys have a PATS type transponder in them? Those were my favorite keys, still have the transponders so the car immobilizes without programmed keys, replacement blanks were 10 dollars a piece and once cut you can program new keys in under a minute.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
I carry my keys on a carabineer that I attach to a belt loop. I don't like having a lot of stuff in my pockets. Problem solved. I don't mind the bulk of the switchblade key/fob.
But after driving my F-150 for 15 years which had a separate fob and standard key, and now after a year of owning the new F-250 XLT, I still hold the switchblade fob in my hand while looking for my key. A freaking year and I still do that.
Old dog. New trick. Indeed.
But after driving my F-150 for 15 years which had a separate fob and standard key, and now after a year of owning the new F-250 XLT, I still hold the switchblade fob in my hand while looking for my key. A freaking year and I still do that.
Old dog. New trick. Indeed.