First surprise!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
First surprise!
Well, I can now say, I drive a pickup truck. I drive a ’99 4wd Ranger XLT Style Side with the extended cab! It has the 3.0 and the automatic and only 32k miles!
I finally got my Ranger legal for road use. My first trip after the legal formalities was to get an extra ignition and door key cut at a hardware store.
I was in for a surprise! Not being astute enough to fully read the owner’s manual, I found out the hard way that these keys seem to have a micro-chip inside them. The key worked fine opening the door, but when inserted and turned inside the ignition, nothing happened.
According to the guy at the hardware store, this could have burned out the ignition switch if I had prolonged my attempt to start the engine. Is this true?
At least the door key will get me inside the truck if I lock my keys inside!
You know when you're a rookie when you go to gas-up and you don't know which side the truck loads on.
I finally got my Ranger legal for road use. My first trip after the legal formalities was to get an extra ignition and door key cut at a hardware store.
I was in for a surprise! Not being astute enough to fully read the owner’s manual, I found out the hard way that these keys seem to have a micro-chip inside them. The key worked fine opening the door, but when inserted and turned inside the ignition, nothing happened.
According to the guy at the hardware store, this could have burned out the ignition switch if I had prolonged my attempt to start the engine. Is this true?
At least the door key will get me inside the truck if I lock my keys inside!
You know when you're a rookie when you go to gas-up and you don't know which side the truck loads on.
Last edited by Flexfuel-Dave; Dec 19, 2003 at 09:31 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
To answer the one question you seemed to ask....I doubt seriously that the attempts to start your truck would burn anything.
When the computer/passlock does not find teh chip, I would not think current of any kind is going through the ignition system.
When I got my 94 Ranger after spring break, I had to quickly get used to gassing-up on the opposte sidethan what my Isuzu truck had....
Oh yeah, I have a security type chip that was installed by my friend's dad when he still had the truck for his company. I pull it out and I don't think the radio turns on when I try to start the truck. If I lose that chip, I am major-league f-cked.
When the computer/passlock does not find teh chip, I would not think current of any kind is going through the ignition system.
When I got my 94 Ranger after spring break, I had to quickly get used to gassing-up on the opposte sidethan what my Isuzu truck had....
Oh yeah, I have a security type chip that was installed by my friend's dad when he still had the truck for his company. I pull it out and I don't think the radio turns on when I try to start the truck. If I lose that chip, I am major-league f-cked.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 694
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From: formerly Brooklyn NY now
good luck with the new truck i have 76K on my 99 ranger with a 4 banger and it runs great even tho i beat on it regularly
keep changing that oil and youll get these fords to run forever
keep changing that oil and youll get these fords to run forever
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
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From: South Jersey
Not true. I don't like to go into details on how the system works since you never know who might find the information, the key sends out a signal like a remote so there's no direct connection.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
Moms' 98 Crown Vic owners manual gave detailed instructions on how to "program" a spare chip key. Did it myself in the dealers driveway.
Check your owners manual for similar instructions.
Check your owners manual for similar instructions.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
Another thing I've realized about the keys are their inability to turn the door locks.
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
If its only the drives side I would guess worn lock, try lubing with graphite. If its both then I would guess its the key.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Central KY
Originally posted by Flexfuel-Dave
Another thing I've realized about the keys are their inability to turn the door locks.
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
Another thing I've realized about the keys are their inability to turn the door locks.
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 266
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From: Rocky Mountains
Does anyone know what year Ford started using ignition keys with chips in them in Rangers? If your key has a plastic coating on the grip end of it, does that mean it has a chip in it? My '95 owner's manual says nothing about a chip in the ignition key.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
It seems to take a certain touch to just turn either door key and get the lock to unlock. I'm learning it! 
Being a real newbie, I don't have a clue when the chip years started. I gave my manual a quick read and it said nothing about this chip business.
I found out the hard way! If someone out here also has a 1999 and finds this chip business printed in their manual, please enlighten us with the page number. I'd like to read up!
I plan on keeping a chipped key hidden inside the truck and carrying the extra "for entering only" key handy. I figure if I need to get into the truck I'll be covered. If I've misplaced the ignition key (Ouch!) then I'll locate the hidden key and be on my way.
Being a real newbie, I don't have a clue when the chip years started. I gave my manual a quick read and it said nothing about this chip business.
I found out the hard way! If someone out here also has a 1999 and finds this chip business printed in their manual, please enlighten us with the page number. I'd like to read up!
I plan on keeping a chipped key hidden inside the truck and carrying the extra "for entering only" key handy. I figure if I need to get into the truck I'll be covered. If I've misplaced the ignition key (Ouch!) then I'll locate the hidden key and be on my way.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Flexfuel-Dave
Another thing I've realized about the keys are their inability to turn the door locks.
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
Another thing I've realized about the keys are their inability to turn the door locks.
Do any of you folks have this trouble?
The key slides in fine, but I have to twist it back and forth a few times before I can get the unlocking postion.
Does this just sound like a badly cut key or is this a common issue this these vehicles?
Thanks everyone!
93 Arerostar 4.0L, 166K miles.
