Notices
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator 1997 - 2002 and 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Discussion

Transponder Key

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 08:35 AM
  #1  
pablocruz69's Avatar
pablocruz69
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
Transponder Key

Is it difficult to program a new key for my 97 Expy? My wife lost her keys and I found an uncut key on ebay and was just wondering if I can do it myself or would this be a dealer issue?
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 09:15 AM
  #2  
04markIII's Avatar
04markIII
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Lunenburg, MA
if you lost all the keys, you have to go to the dealer to have new ones programmed. i would get 2. once you have the dealer program 2, any others you get can be programmed per instructions in the owners manual.
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 11:48 AM
  #3  
luxury's Avatar
luxury
Senior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Chippewa Falls, WI
For 97 and early 98 you only need one working key to program new keys. In fact, you can even program a new master key with no working keys. For later 98 and up, you need 2 working keys to add another key and you cannot program a new master key.

For 97 and early 98:
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.


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.

 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 12:28 PM
  #4  
04markIII's Avatar
04markIII
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Lunenburg, MA
he will still need to get the key code from somewhere and have the key cut properly to the vehicle. some locksmiths can do that. a lot of dealers will refuse to cut a key purchased from ebay. we will do it here, but we charge for it. not to sound rude, but for example: you don't buy a pack of burgers at the supermarket for $3 and bring them to burger king and have them make you a triple decker for free.

luxury: thats good info you posted. i thought all PATS vehicles with no keys had to come to the dealer.
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 08:09 PM
  #5  
MazdaRangerGuyInSTL's Avatar
MazdaRangerGuyInSTL
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
Also keep in mind it's a good idea to have a battery charged installed while you're waiting the 30 minutes with the key on for the security system to set itself... it's not fun to come out to a dead battery!
 
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2006 | 11:50 PM
  #6  
pablocruz69's Avatar
pablocruz69
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
Thank you all for the input. I have my key, so I just need one. Can I take the blank key and have it cut anywhere? (if they'll do it) Like Home Depot or Wal-Mart? Just curious, I guess the best way to find out is to go and see. Thanks again. Happy Holidays!!
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:22 AM
  #7  
Leader's Avatar
Leader
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
Yes anyone can cut it.
 
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 08:43 AM
  #8  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Originally Posted by Leader
Yes anyone can cut it.
Sure can. The problem, however, is to get them to do it...... You mnight have to pay a service fee. Certain retailers may decline to copy the key simply because the employees have been trained to not touch ANY security key...

Steve
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:05 PM
  #9  
rel3rd's Avatar
rel3rd
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
When I got spares for my 2000 Expy off of Ebay, the Home Depot near me wouldn't cut them due to their machine being automatic. He said I'd not be happy when his machine miscut the keys. He suggested a local hardware store that cuts them the old fashioned way, manually with the older machine, which is the route I took.

Three bucks to cut two keys and he even came out in the lot to make sure they both worked. I programmed them as per the Ebay sellers included directions and for $23 total, I have two more spare keys.
 
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2006 | 02:00 PM
  #10  
Bronco Chick's Avatar
Bronco Chick
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
don't bother with hardware stores or walmart or any other store like that...they will miscut it and then your out whatever you paid for that key. Save yourself the headache and just go to a locksmith.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2006 | 03:05 AM
  #11  
skier-24's Avatar
skier-24
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Home Depot cut two for me and they both worked perfectly. Looks to me like the new automatic key machines do a better job and are foolproof. BTW I bought my keys on Ebay.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
racin
1997 - 2003 F150
3
Mar 13, 2016 08:59 PM
Millermadness11
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Sep 2, 2015 12:07 PM
corvairbob
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Mar 21, 2015 07:21 AM
sudsmcduff
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Sep 21, 2014 03:30 PM
BruteFord
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Dec 22, 2013 09:53 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:49 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE