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How do I program my key?

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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:40 PM
  #1  
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How do I program my key?

I just purchased a 2004 F150 Super Crew. I love it. However, the prior owner could not find the second set of keys. Of course, I didn't realize these were passive - computer controlled keys. I first went to a locksmith and had a key copied. It turned the ignition cylinder, but wouldn't start the car.

I then realized I had one of those keys that has a chip in it and needs to be programmed to the car. I purchased a blank, had it cut to fit the truck, then went to program it.

According to the owner's manual, I need TWO (2) coded keys in order to program a spare. I only have the one. The manual says I need to go to the dealership to get the key coded to my truck.

I don't believe it is right that I need to pay Ford for the right to use multiple keys with my truck. Is anyone aware of the programming procedure when you only have 1 coded key? Thanks.

-Vinny
 
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:50 PM
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There is no way to program a key if you only have one key. In this situation, the only answer is to go to a dealer or local locksmith with the new blank you have. They will connect their computer to your computer in the truck and will be able to program the new key. Then, you can buy another key, have it cut, and program it yourself. This is the only answer to your present situation. Sorry for the bad news..........
 
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:54 PM
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Thanks

Thanks for the quick response. So, maybe the locksmith can do it instead of the dealership. I bet they would be cheaper!
 
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Old Nov 7, 2006 | 12:02 AM
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Been there done that. With both my 2005 F-150 and now with my 2006 F-150, I got a blank key off E-Bay and had it cut at a local hardware. Then I just programed the third key myself. I wanted a third key just in case I lost one. Didn't want to go through the dealership thing for a key. Then I bought a used 2004 Taurus that came with just one key. So I got two blanks off E-Bay and had them cut at the hardware. I then had to have my Ford dealer program one of the keys. They charged me twenty something dollars to do it. Then when I had two programed keys, I programed the third myself. Very easy to do. Tells you how in your owners manual. If you supply the cut PAS key to the dealer to program, they shouldn't charge you too much. If they want an ungodly amount, go elsewhere. You can do the same with the remote control door controllers. They program easy too. My Taurus came with none, now I have three. Bet you can't guess where I got those too.....
 
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Old Nov 7, 2006 | 02:07 PM
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I love eBay too. I purchased my key blank there, as well as a second transmitter for locking/unlocking the doors.
I called dealership today - $60 to do the programming. I found a variety of locksmiths that have the capability. Fees anywhere for $35 to $55. I'll go to the $35 guy!
Once I have the second key, I'll be good to go myself.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 01:47 AM
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after being a member for 2 weeks now i have learned alot form fte and its members
 
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 01:55 AM
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after looking on the net how to wire a deck into my explorer i found how to program keys to a key ring()its like programing your seatbelt reminder.i also have a supercrew 2003 awsome truck.ill look how to do it and get back to you
 
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:19 AM
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We charge 21.00 at our dealership or .3 hour. The only problem with buying a key and having it cut elsewhere is when your original key is worn. A lot of times we have to cut a second key using the Keycode with a manual cutting machine because the original allowed a bad trace cut and would not work. Of course we have to throw away that poorly cut key at our expense.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by HomerWinzlow
We charge 21.00 at our dealership or .3 hour. The only problem with buying a key and having it cut elsewhere is when your original key is worn. A lot of times we have to cut a second key using the Keycode with a manual cutting machine because the original allowed a bad trace cut and would not work. Of course we have to throw away that poorly cut key at our expense.
Must be an awful lot of miles on the vehicle to have that much of a worn key. That's why I buy a third key and program it myself when the vehicle is new. Or in the case of my 04 Taurus that had 69,000 miles on it, and no key wear, bought the blanks and had them cut myself. You say you charge $21 at your dealership. Is that for programing a key that's brought in already cut? It's a good price. What do you charge for the key, cutting, and programing of a key, if all three are needed? Just curious.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 09:11 PM
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The key is also 21.00 so 42.00 total. We consider it a service that shouldnt be profiteered on greatly. The tech often loses on the deal due to low vehicle battery, customers that come in on a tow hook with no key, etc and we dont up the charge. You would be surprized how soon some keys are worn down. Some vehicles are started many times in a day. Most of the time they dont have a spare key, or dont bring it in with them and dont want to go home to get it. A 10 cut key only needs one bad cut of the 10 to make a bad trace.
 

Last edited by HomerWinzlow; Nov 25, 2006 at 09:20 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:03 AM
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Originally Posted by HomerWinzlow
The key is also 21.00 so 42.00 total. We consider it a service that shouldnt be profiteered on greatly. The tech often loses on the deal due to low vehicle battery, customers that come in on a tow hook with no key, etc and we dont up the charge. You would be surprized how soon some keys are worn down. Some vehicles are started many times in a day. Most of the time they dont have a spare key, or dont bring it in with them and dont want to go home to get it. A 10 cut key only needs one bad cut of the 10 to make a bad trace.
Well Homer, other dealerships should take your dealerships attitude. That's nice to hear, very fair price for doing it all. From some of the stories I've heard, your price is the lowest. Thanks
 
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 07:56 AM
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You can believe our techs get jealous at what some other places charge for basic stuff like that. We not only have to settle for low hourly wages because of our location and the lack of competition and few places to get a job to begin with, but we have to compete with Walmart and all the others as well. We are likely amoung the least wealthy of professional technicians. Its pretty sad when you cant afford to buy what you service.

At the same time we realize that everyone in this small community is in the same boat so we dont mind giving some breaks on light stuff like this.
 
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