Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Replacement key without Original?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 06:22 PM
  #1  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
Replacement key without Original?

Have a 2012 F250 Super Duty 6.7L. I lost the original key, and did not have a spare. Do I have to have it towed to a Ford Dealer to get new keys made?
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 06:30 PM
  #2  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Since you have NO keys at all, your choices are to either have a GOOD mobile locksmith to come out to the truck or tow it to the dealer or a shop that can do the repair.

Not many choices for the DIYer unless you are very capable. You (or the dealer/locksmith) would have to drill out the ignition cylinder, and replace it, along with the door cylinder(s) with new keys cut to the new cylinders and then program the keys into the PATS systems.

 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 06:36 PM
  #3  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
That's what I figured. All I know is the Ford dealers around where I live want way too much money to replace the keys. Makes me wish I had gotten a spare when I had the chance!
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 08:06 PM
  #4  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Yeah, it's going to cost HUNDREDS to resolve (unless you (DIY). Twice as much at the dealer, tho.

Good luck...
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 08:09 PM
  #5  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida
I've had this happen. If the truck is under 10 years old the dealer can make a new key without the truck being in the shop. You need the VIN, a government issued ID, and proof of ownership. They can look up the original key code and cut a key from that.

I had this happen to a car older than 10 years. I had a mobile locksmith come out and cut two new keys. He didn't have to change anything on the car, he just did his magic and made me two keys that work fine in the car. This was about two years ago, it cost $170.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2022 | 08:55 PM
  #6  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
Crap lol! My F250 is almost 11 years old now...that sucks. Well, guess it is off to find the best locksmith!
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 06:54 AM
  #7  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
I've had this happen. If the truck is under 10 years old the dealer can make a new key without the truck being in the shop. You need the VIN, a government issued ID, and proof of ownership. They can look up the original key code and cut a key from that.
They can indeed cut new keys for a vehicle that is within the range that they still have the data for. The replacement keys do, of course, still need to programmed for PATS (and RKE functions, if applicable). PATS can be DIY with Forscan. Will still cost over $100 per key with minimum of two needed.

I had this happen to a car older than 10 years. I had a mobile locksmith come out and cut two new keys. He didn't have to change anything on the car, he just did his magic and made me two keys that work fine in the car. This was about two years ago, it cost $170.
Curious if that was a PATS-equipped Ford? Also curious how he was able to figure out the mechanical key cuts. Does sound like magic if he couldn't take the cylinder apart.

Crap lol! My F250 is almost 11 years old now...that sucks. Well, guess it is off to find the best locksmith!
Call your dealer anyway with your VIN. You might get lucky!







 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 09:47 AM
  #8  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Curious if that was a PATS-equipped Ford? Also curious how he was able to figure out the mechanical key cuts. Does sound like magic if he couldn't take the cylinder apart.
Yes, it is a 2002 Lincoln LS and it has PATS. He looked up something and cut the keys. He then used a scan tool to program them to the car. The car started and ran with those keys.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 09:49 AM
  #9  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
Call your dealer anyway with your VIN. You might get lucky![/QUOTE]


Dealer says they have to have my F250 there to program it...

The key itself runs 170 plus tax plus programming is another 180 plus tax....SHEESH.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 09:53 AM
  #10  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida
Dealers are often a good choice, but are usually the most expensive choice.

When I lost the keys to my 2002 Lincoln LS with PATS I saw a locksmith making keys on a dealer's lot. I talked to him and made an appointment to come to the house and make two keys, including programming. My total cost was $170. The keys work fine.

Find a local locksmith. They know how to do this.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 09:56 AM
  #11  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
[QUOTE=projectSHO89;20578040]They can indeed cut new keys for a vehicle that is within the range that they still have the data for. The replacement keys do, of course, still need to programmed for PATS (and RKE functions, if applicable). PATS can be DIY with Forscan. Will still cost over $100 per key with minimum of two needed.

What is Forscan? So is what you are saying that I buy 2 keys from the dealer, use this Forscan to DIY the programming? What if the dealer says they won't let me buy keys without programming it there?
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 10:14 AM
  #12  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida
You can download Forscan at www.forscan.org. I recommend calling a locksmith. They can do the whole process for about half of what the dealer will charge you for only the keys, if they will sell you the keys without the programming.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 10:36 AM
  #13  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
You can download Forscan at www.forscan.org. I recommend calling a locksmith. They can do the whole process for about half of what the dealer will charge you for only the keys, if they will sell you the keys without the programming.
Yeah, I did not ask the dealer that I called if they sell the keys without the programming. I wouldn't know at all how to program the truck myself. I mean, I have done quite a bit of auto repair, but electronics is not my forte. Guess I am gonna have to try to find a locksmith who is willing to work on my truck. I have heard from other forums that not too many locksmiths like to work on these trucks' keys due to their complexity? Is that true?
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 10:40 AM
  #14  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,763
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
Yes, it is a 2002 Lincoln LS and it has PATS. He looked up something and cut the keys. He then used a scan tool to program them to the car. The car started and ran with those keys.
OK, that makes perfect sense now that you've mentioned that they were programmed after cutting. I wonder if the locksmith had access to Ford's key cutting database. Sounds like it.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2022 | 10:46 AM
  #15  
machgirl03's Avatar
machgirl03
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 201
Likes: 23
So 2 different Ford dealers are saying they are not going to be able to do anything with my truck due to the production date being Sept. 14th, 2011. They said they don't have access to the key codes because it's older than 10 years. What am I going to do now?

Will I have to get a whole new ignition lock cylinder???
 

Last edited by machgirl03; Oct 3, 2022 at 10:48 AM. Reason: more info
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:32 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE