Too many keys
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 593
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From: Wichita, KS
Too many keys
Either this has never happened to anybody else, or I can't search worth a damn. Anyway, bought a 99 Ranger. Only came with 1 key, so went to Ace where I have bought other keys. They programmed my F150, for example, with no issues. But when they tried to program the keys for the Ranger, the first time, the battery was dead. (It was on the trailer on the way home for the first time.) So, we replaced the battery and went back. They tried again but said the programmer was saying there were too many keys programmed, something like 299 keys. Maybe that's not the right number, but it was some specific number like that. They called tech support who said that the truck could not have another key added. What gives? How do we fix this? I hate to have to go to the dealer for it, but I guess I will if I have to. It's a beater, so I'd almost just as soon take out the PATS, but from what I've read, that isn't possible.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
I would check with local locksmiths. They do not seem to need to make their rent on one customer. That said, I think the max number available is 8 keys. There may be a way to reset them all, but I think that was a feature of later ECMs. You have OBD-II, so check with Forscan and a good scan tool. I think Forscan can reset all keys, but don't bet the farm. Not sure if a 99 needs both 'bus' speeds, but you can get an approved link for $30 from aliexpress. vlinker something. go to forscan dot org for details. takes about 2 weeks from china. or dabay or dariver sites.
tom
tom
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Wichita, KS
Thanks! I will try to do that next week.
I think the gal at Ace said that she could try resetting all keys, but she didn't seem all that confident in that. Considering the issue at hand, I also didn't want to have the only working key wiped out and then her not be able to even add that one so we could drive home.
I think the gal at Ace said that she could try resetting all keys, but she didn't seem all that confident in that. Considering the issue at hand, I also didn't want to have the only working key wiped out and then her not be able to even add that one so we could drive home.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
:Resetting all keys" as I understand involves connecting to the OBD-II port and sending proper commands, etc. I am surprised that Ace Hardware would have an OBD-II connector much less a scan tool/software that would do a reset. As I understand, each key has a 'code' that is echoed to the PATS when the PATS sends out a signal. The keys have no battery or other power source, and just 'bounce back' a signal when they are hit with an RF signal from the PATS using an antenna built into the steering column. If the PATS likes(knows) the signal received, it enables the power to go to the starter and thus enables crankings, otherwise it ignores. With a 'cut' key, and a jumper, it may be possible to enable the starter by jumpering the starter relay control wire. Have not tried myself.
Most dealers seem to want to mark up the key service of any sort a LOT. They have control, they think, and tend to get greedy. "We have the box that interfaces, so we have to charge more." b.s., locksmiths can buy a box that covers a lot of the market for less than I expected, and don't need to make a house payment on one service.
good luck.
tom
Most dealers seem to want to mark up the key service of any sort a LOT. They have control, they think, and tend to get greedy. "We have the box that interfaces, so we have to charge more." b.s., locksmiths can buy a box that covers a lot of the market for less than I expected, and don't need to make a house payment on one service.
good luck.
tom
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