Programming New Keys...Will this work?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Programming New Keys...Will this work?
So I lost one of the two keys I have for my Ex. Manual says you have to have two keys in order to program a new one. My question is this.
I have a remote start. To bypass the PATS, I believe the chip from one of the old keys is mounted somewhere in there so the truck can start. (I am not 100% sure about this, but makes sense from what a local installer told me and that the key I lost was a duplicate). So, if I hit the remote start function and let it cycle from 1-10 seconds as the owners manual states then shut it off before it starts (so it is technically in the "on" mode), then repeat with the second (actual) key, then insert the new blank third, it should program it. Do you think this will work? Just a thought I had late at night.
I really just do not want to pay the stealership to do it. If I have to, does anyone know what it costs?
WigWag
I have a remote start. To bypass the PATS, I believe the chip from one of the old keys is mounted somewhere in there so the truck can start. (I am not 100% sure about this, but makes sense from what a local installer told me and that the key I lost was a duplicate). So, if I hit the remote start function and let it cycle from 1-10 seconds as the owners manual states then shut it off before it starts (so it is technically in the "on" mode), then repeat with the second (actual) key, then insert the new blank third, it should program it. Do you think this will work? Just a thought I had late at night.
I really just do not want to pay the stealership to do it. If I have to, does anyone know what it costs?
WigWag
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Well, it certainly won't hurt anything to try it, but I doubt it will work. I believe it's the actual placing of the key in the ignition that does the programming.
One warning: if you do try this, just don't exceed 88 miles per hour- the Ford flux capacitor just can't take it anymore!
One warning: if you do try this, just don't exceed 88 miles per hour- the Ford flux capacitor just can't take it anymore!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Springfield, IL USA
WigWag,
My local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $85.00 for a key blank and to program it. (Ranger) I checked another dealer and he quoted $75.00.
I have relied on only one key for a long time. I think I will get a key blank cut so it will work in the door just in case I lock my keys in the car. That would only cost a couple of bucks.
My local Ford dealer quoted me a price of $85.00 for a key blank and to program it. (Ranger) I checked another dealer and he quoted $75.00.
I have relied on only one key for a long time. I think I will get a key blank cut so it will work in the door just in case I lock my keys in the car. That would only cost a couple of bucks.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Thanks guys. Just thought I would ask. I would get a blank cut, but it has a keyless entry pad, so that is not a big deal. I think I lost my other keys while shoveling snow and they fell out of my jacket pocket. Found the mini flashlight from my ring stuck in the ice yesterday.
Was just a thought...things you think of to not spend more than you have to.
WigWag
Was just a thought...things you think of to not spend more than you have to.
WigWag
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally posted by WigWag
...Was just a thought...things you think of to not spend more than you have to...
...Was just a thought...things you think of to not spend more than you have to...
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Senior User
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Just as a follow up, especially for you Alaska owners, went by CAL to price getting a replacement. 24.95 for the ket and cut plus 82 for labor. 106.95!!! OUCH!!! That will teach me to lose another one without having others programmed.
For everyone, I found a web site called street keys. The keys are $20 a piece (free shipping on two keys) and the activation is 60 bucks. So, around 85 bucks for a single key. 100 for two. Not a deal if you go somewhere like JOHARE mentioned above, but 20 buck is 20 bucks for me here.
What would be the good thing is to buy your keys cheap off Ebay and find the dealer to program it. But the site does not list the name of the affiliates, just how many are in a given area. So, I will be searching the phone book.
Just thought I would say, if you have a PATS system and only two keys, make a third. Much cheaper. For what it's worth.
MarkII, I am part Scottish too. And yes, I am cheap. That is how I save my dimes to drive an EX!!!
WigWag
For everyone, I found a web site called street keys. The keys are $20 a piece (free shipping on two keys) and the activation is 60 bucks. So, around 85 bucks for a single key. 100 for two. Not a deal if you go somewhere like JOHARE mentioned above, but 20 buck is 20 bucks for me here.
What would be the good thing is to buy your keys cheap off Ebay and find the dealer to program it. But the site does not list the name of the affiliates, just how many are in a given area. So, I will be searching the phone book.
Just thought I would say, if you have a PATS system and only two keys, make a third. Much cheaper. For what it's worth.
MarkII, I am part Scottish too. And yes, I am cheap. That is how I save my dimes to drive an EX!!!
WigWag
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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My son bought a car with only one key. His chip key now sits inside the antenna ring under the dash and any old key that will fit the lock will start the car. His original lock is pretty well worn out anyway both in the ignition and the door. I spent $80 and got all new locks for the car that came with 2 keys but I won't be programming them into anything.
And yes I am 3/8 Scottish
And yes I am 3/8 Scottish
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Hmmm Torque1st...
Just to make sure I am understanding correctly...since the transponder is somewhere under the dash, ANY blank key will start it? That does make perfect since when you turn the ignition with a plain key, it should get the code from the transponder for the remote start, right? I thought about that, but I am a little slow.
Did I mention I am also part moron?
WigWag
Just to make sure I am understanding correctly...since the transponder is somewhere under the dash, ANY blank key will start it? That does make perfect since when you turn the ignition with a plain key, it should get the code from the transponder for the remote start, right? I thought about that, but I am a little slow.
Did I mention I am also part moron?
WigWag
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Posting Legend
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The transponder antenna is a plastic ring around the lock cylinder. I just removed it and ty-wrapped the chip key inside the antenna ring and then folded the wires and tucked it back in under the dash secured with another ty-wrap. As far as the PATS system is concerned the "proper" key is in the lock and it is happy. The second chip key for the car is at the bottom of the Pacific somewhere. I can now have as many keys as I want for the car at $1.50 each and they don't have to have that enormous plastic head so they fit on the keyring better. Since the locks have been changed that old chip key wouldn't work the ignition lock even if a thief found it.
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transponders
before anyone tries to program with a remote starter consider how they work , all that thy do is mimick the frequency or the voltage or the resistance of the original keys keys have to be installed into the ignition and rotated with the cyl, to be programmed , in most cases this is done with the engine off and at an interval of within 5 seconds of the first key being cycled . dont try and disable your vtd system by fooling the ecm with a transponder without the risk of having it stolen or even having it create other electronic problems , yes its expensive but just get the right key ......
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Just a follow up. I got two keys off e-bay for about $20 total. Also got one more from a local locksmith. She cut all three keys and programmed them for $50. I thought that was a great deal since the stealership wanted over a hundred bucks for one. Expensive lesson, but as I mentioned. Make spares right off the bat.
FYI...she stated that you need two original programmed keys (ones done by the computer) to program dupicates. She stated copied keys from these originals (ones done according to the manual), are called "flip" keys and will not serve to program anymore keys. Nice lady. I learned something. She actually does some of the programming for the dealer anyway.
WigWag
FYI...she stated that you need two original programmed keys (ones done by the computer) to program dupicates. She stated copied keys from these originals (ones done according to the manual), are called "flip" keys and will not serve to program anymore keys. Nice lady. I learned something. She actually does some of the programming for the dealer anyway.
WigWag
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That is why I use my method, -much cheaper and no more problems. Ford made it real nice to get keys if you loose one of the originals like the PO did at the bottom of the Pacific ocean. They made things nice and secure but this will be absolute HELL as these vehicles get older. As long as I have one original or a "flip" key I will always be able to get the car started. Unless of course the transponder chip goes bad then you are SOL. If you are worried about a thief finding the key and using it to start the car you could always make it a little harder by cutting or grinding the key cuts off. Or do like I did since the locks were worn out and get a new set of cylinders for the car. Then the key under the dash won't work. I did get two new keys with the locks but I have no way of programming them. Plus I don't want to carry those big-head keys anyway.
Maybe they want you to just buy a new vehicle when you lose a key...
You can use my method when you lose one of those originals
Maybe they want you to just buy a new vehicle when you lose a key...
You can use my method when you lose one of those originals
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