anyone ever gotten a made from somewhere other than the dealership? If I can avoid that $80/key that would be great. My brother in-laws works in the part department at the ford dealership so I may be able to get them cheaper.

 

I have an '01 and the PATS system(reads the microchips on the keys) went out. The dealer had to replace with new keys and they say "Strattec", the name of the key vendor, on them instead of Ford. Makes me mad, but the dealer claims thats all thats available. Might depend on what year yours is, but since they have the microchips in the keys that ignitions have to read, I believe dealer may be only one that can do it..

 

I got an extra key for free from the dealer as a courtesy. I already had the two the car came with.

 

mines an 98 and I seen the Strattec keys on Ebay, I'll just give the brother in-law a call and see what I can do.

 

okay i found some OEM ford keys, but it say to have any extra keys programmed you need 2 working keys? Why and can anyone verify this?

 

Yes, you need two working keys to "cycle through" so that you can program a new key. A section in your owners manual will explain how to do this.

 

There are plenty of PATS keys on "ebay". I found one for $9.99 with FREE shipping; a local locksmith cut the new key for FREE. Can't beat that deal with a stick!!! And, yes, you do need (2) working keys; it's a very simple process if you follow the owner's manual.

 

If you don't have 2 working keys you'll have to take your Expy in to your dealer to have the keys programmed.

 

I have purchased blank PATS keys on eBay as well (Curtis brand and Strattec brand). I had them cut at the local hardware store and programmed them myself. They both work great. I needed two working keys for my 2001 Expedition:

On-Board Programming Method "B"

for Ford keys (1996 -early 1998 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....


1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will flash for fifteen minutes.

2. When the security light stops flashing, you have FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition cylinder OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.

3. When the security light stops flashing, you have FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition cylinder to OFF and then back ON (RUN) position. The dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.

4. After the security light stops flashing the third time, the new key has been programmed into the vehicles computer and will operate the car. It has replaced ALL the previous electronic key codes and is the ONLY key programmed into the vehicles computer.


If you want to add a key....


1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.

3. Remove the existing key and, within 15 seconds, insert the new key and turn it to ON (RUN).

4. The security light will light up for two seconds to indicate success in programming the key into the vehicle.

5. Don't attempt to start the vehicle with any key for at least 1 minute.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On-Board Programming Method "C"

for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....


1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer equipment. There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).


If you want to add a key....


**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**

1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.

3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.

4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.

5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.

6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5

Tim

 

If you don't have two keys to program it yourself, check with a good, full service locksmith. Around here, at least, they charge about $25 less than the dealership. They don't have "Ford" keys, however.

 

so a regualr locksmith can get me another key for my expy for a little less than the 80 bucks the dealership is charging?

 

I bought two of the staitec keys off of ebay and programmed using proceedure mentioned previously and have worked like a charm. Local locksmith didn't even charge for cutting since I provided the key stock. Keys were around $9 for both.

 

I have bought several Pats keys off E-Bay. The local Walmart will cut the new keys for free also. As long as you have two keys programming additional ones is a piece of cake.

 

OK, I've got a 99 Expedition that we bought used and only came with one key is my only option Ford?

 

I went to the dealership once, and it cost me $130 for the key and remote. Then I went right onto ebay and purchased another PATS key blank and remote. I cut the key and programmed it myself, as above. If you have two keys, get a third set ASAP.