I can’t believe that I can’t find my key for my 2006 F-150!

I called a locksmith shop, they wanted me to take it to them, said they would be more likely to be able to figure out the key, in their shop and not have to drill it out and replace it.

I have towing with my vehicle insurance, called them to tow it. They said they would put it on a flatbed to take it to the shop. I asked about how they would do it and they said they just pull it on. I said that could damage the vehicle, damage the transmission.

Question: Do you agree that it would likely damage something, if the car is in park, no key and they just drag it on, with the wheels not turning? Wouldn’t that be bad for my F-150?

They said they could bring the little wheels, for $75 more. Kinda outrageous, that they charge extra to not damage the vehicle!

What are your thoughts?


Saw this on a trip in Oregon, thought would be fun to park here, 2006 F150

 

Set the brake too, and ask the driver to throw some lube down on the bed, like a soap solution or trans fluid.

Seen a few pulled up on a rain slick roll back bed, rear wheels sliding. If not5 loaded heavy, it works. Also seen a few towed backwards with wheel lifts.

 

i'd call a mobile locksmith. Don't forget , they gonna have to program that key for Pats.

 

I had to call AAA and tow a very short term ex coworker’s Suburban that was parked in our next door neighbor’s parking lot.

The driver got under and put the transmission in neutral manually. No keys, either, but it made it on the flatbed decent enough.

 

There are kits available online to open car doors. Tow truck drivers do it all the time. Auto entry tool kits are commonly found online.








You can also change the ignition, door locks, and reprogram the new keys yourself.

You Tube

https://youtu.be/XTF2GHcLM3c?t=18

 

Here is what a mobile locksmith could do.

 

^^^ Perfect ^^^

 

The driver can also place a wood block just ahead of each of the back wheels. As the vehicle is pulled up the bed the rear tires actually ride up of the wood blocks and they just scoot so to speak up the bed.

 

Those Slim Jim kits are nice. I got a lot of practice with one guy in shipping who kept locking himself out of his Nissan Frontier. He moved to Washington state I believe and I’m out of practice now. 😅

 

The best thing to do is use a competent mobile locksmith. Dealerships use them. Typically, there's one guy who does all of the car dealers in a certain area. Ask around the new and used car dealers to see who they call

Expensive. And not always locally available. Some of these guys will drive from over an hour away if you don't live in a big city. They will charge you for that.


Of course you can do it yourself. Tools and parts are readily available. It's not that hard to do. Just a lot of labor. You will also need to reset the key cylinder tumblers in all of your doors to match the new ignition keys. And you probably also lost the remote key fob. That can also be replaced and reprogrammed. Key lock cylinders don't cost much. A computer from Ford or Snap On will cost a fortune. A lot more work to take all of the doors and tailgate apart to rekey them.

 

I'm glad I'm a AAA gold member.