Hi,

I just bought a 2000 Explorer Sport from an auction and it only came with one key (no remotes). This key opens the door and turns the ignition switch but the red THEFT light on the dash keeps blinking and the car would not start. I've contacted my local dealer and they want $175 to reprogram the key. Is there a way to remove the factory installed theft deterant system - a valet switch perhaps? I am thinking of installing a new alarm system anyway and &175 will buy a complete system with remotes and all.

I appreciate your comments.

 

Try contacting other dealers in your area. Many of them have different prices for this service. I was quoted anywhere from $100 dollars and it would take all day, to $35 (including a new key) and a half hour to do it. That was after calling about 10 Ford dealers in my area.

 

Thanks Bradley,

The thought of having to pay $35-100 for a key is concerning but if there is no other way I will do it. If I am interested in installing an aftermarket security system is there a way to disconnect the factory installed system? I am hoping that by doing that I can go to the local locksmith with my original key and have some spare ones made.

 

If you have one key that works (both the locks and the alarm system), the cost is about $70 for a new one. If your key is not recognized by the alarm electronics, then your system will have to be reprogrammed. It takes between 30 minutes and an hour for the memory to drain, and they like to charge the full rate while it's happening.

I do not believe there is any workaround except for buying one of the $2000 machines that locksmiths use to do it. The reason is there are two electronic components involved; I don't remember their names, but one reads the key code and sends it to the main computer. It is not a "yes/no" signal, but an encoded pulsed signal it sends. These two boxes must be matched. If one is replaced, then the other has to be re-programmed to match it.

I went through this with a 98 Explorer I bought used - had one working key and two non-working. Cost me $75.00. I did some research on the web and found the machines I mentioned (for locksmiths only), and several articles about how it works.

This is another of this issues which would nice to have a hobby shop or club that could provide all the necessary tools.

The reason it is so difficult is to prevent service or valet personnel from making a duplicate key while they have yours. If you only give them one key, it is pretty difficult for them to get a working duplicate.

Winford

 

Thank you for your advice!

I guess I have no other choice. I wish there was a way to do without all the electronic nonsense. I want to install an aftermarket security system anyway and I also own a Club. I think that will be enough. Besides, when was the last time you heard that the valet attendands or service personnel stole a customer's Ford?