Lost Key
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Covington usa
Lost Key
I've read that you can tape a key (w/chip) under the steering col and then can use a non-computer key to drive with. This would allow you to make spare keys and not pay the sky high price for the computer keys...anyone tried it and is it true?... (I just lost my spare)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 940
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From: Morris Plains, NJ
I've heard that that can work, mainly when people want a remote start system, but it should work with a "dumb" key too. Of course, it technically voids the insurance discount you get for having the PATS system since any dumb key (cut for your ignition of course) will now start your car and allow a theif to drive away.
And if that taped key falls out of place and you lose it, the truck is going to sit where it is until you tow it to a dealer/locksmith and get it reflashed with new keys.
Reminder to everyone else: if you buy a PATS vehicle, immediately get a 3rd key made and programmed into the vehicle. Replacements are cheap if you have two working keys, not so cheap if you lose one of only two.
-Jim
And if that taped key falls out of place and you lose it, the truck is going to sit where it is until you tow it to a dealer/locksmith and get it reflashed with new keys.
Reminder to everyone else: if you buy a PATS vehicle, immediately get a 3rd key made and programmed into the vehicle. Replacements are cheap if you have two working keys, not so cheap if you lose one of only two.
-Jim
Last edited by PSKSAM2; Aug 2, 2004 at 12:17 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Covington usa
Third key
KJim, why is the third key cheaper? When I bougt my truck (slightly used) it only had one..another dealership felt sorry for me and made me a second for the cost of the blank...but why would the thirid be cheaper?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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You don't have to have the dealer program the key if you have 2 programmed keys. All you have to do is put in one programmed key, turn to run for approx 3 seconds, remove and insert the other programmed key turn to run for approx 3 seconds, insert unprogrammed key turn to run untill theft lamp stops flashing approx 5 seconds, and your key is programmed.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 940
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From: Morris Plains, NJ
Exactly. If you have two programmed keys, the owner's manual tells you exactly how to program the car with a third blank. Therefore, for the cost of a blank, you can make that key work, assuming you have two others already working. If you are down to only one working key, my understanding is that the car would have to be fully reprogrammed to add new keys which is a more expensive process.
I'm amazed that the other dealership made you a second key no-charge. I thought it was labor intensive process to have it done, which is why it costs money.
-Jim
I'm amazed that the other dealership made you a second key no-charge. I thought it was labor intensive process to have it done, which is why it costs money.
-Jim
Last edited by PSKSAM2; Aug 2, 2004 at 03:16 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Covington usa
Lost Key
I guess I whined well enough or they were trying to keep a two ford family happy. All he did was plug in a hand held reader (like what they use to read the codes) and it just ran for about 15 mins.... he then gave the blank to the service tech...didn't take long and I fail to see where the expense is...it's all pure labor and it's done by the service writers not one of the grease monkeys from the back...so I feel if they aren't too busy you should be able to ask for a favor..
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 2
From: Morris Plains, NJ
Originally Posted by sorensenj
Good idea having a third key made. I have both original keys and would like to have a third one. Can I buy a blank online somewhere? Or do I have to get one from a Ford dealer? Thanks.
I'm not sure why they charge so much for that then LonnieD. I've never seen the process, but I was told it was more involved than that so I'm suprised. People have come back with $100 or more quotes for reprogramming the computer for new keys. It sounds like they had a simpler way to do it. I know that they do want to keep it controlled, otherwise the whole system would be useless (if anybody could get their hands on the equipment they could add a key to your car and take off with it instead of having two already programmed keys needed as verification).
-Jim
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Elder User
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From: Covington usa
Keys
All that it takes is time from the service Tech....I have seen the computer systems for sale and you can start your own business. The hand help computer just plugs into the trucks computer under the desh... I stood and watched...yeah it takes time but geesh!!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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It takes approx 25-30 minutes to program the key with the computer. Now depending on the shop rate, and the price of the key, thats what it takes. Understand, I do need to make a profit to feed my family as well. I don't need to take advantage, but, thats life. I don't see the whole amount remember, only a percentage of the profit.
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Elder User
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From: Covington usa
Lost key
I don't forsake you earning a living and the whole system is designed to stop theft... it's just plain stickewr shock, when my wifes Ford key cost 2.00 to reproduce (non-computer) and mine is 85+ dollars...I do get upset when my stereo/cd/clock display goes out and Ford tells me to go to a local shop that wants to charge me $345.00 to solder three points on the power board (that I was just shown how to do it for $19.90) and then I find that Ford has had this problem for many years and still has not taken the steps to have their out-side supplier fix his quality production problem since it's not a safety problem...that's a problem that will left unchecked cause many of us to leave the Ford family and seek a company who will be more concerend about qualiy. 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Wisconsin
I agree, Ford does seem to have some quality issues that just seem to keep coming up year after year. You would think they would want to fix the nagging ones anyway but I suspect it's some easy money so we suffer. I've had Ford's for quite a while so I can't speak for other makes but do they have the same types of quailty issues? And do they handle them better than Ford? Maybe, maybe not. Let's face it, it all about money and how much the owners can bear.