my wife has a 03 exploder and we are trying to put in a remote start. we bought it and took it in for the appointment but when we got it there they said we needed 2 keys. We only have one, do we need a special key cut or can we go to a hardware store and get it cut. the shop told us the dealer would have to do it.

thanks.

 

Cutting the key isn't the problem... it's programming it.

There is a security feature that reads a digital code from a chip in the key, and if that code is programmed into the car's computer it will start. If not it will not start.

The reason they need two keys is probably so they can program the remote-start module... well either that or a common trick they do is to relocate the receiver under the dash and tape a key to it.. this fools the system into thinking you always have a coded key in it so it will be allowed to start remotely.

As far as programming goes, if you have two keys you can easily program the third yourself, but if you do NOT have two keys only a ford scanner can program a second. I'm assuming the installers don't have this tool.

You need to ask them which method they will use. If it is the first method then you'll need to find someone with a Ford scanner (all Ford dealerships, and some locksmiths may have them) to program the key, but if they are going to use the second method (taping a key to the receiver) then you should be able to purchase a non-chipped key from just about any hardware store, as you won't need a chipped key to start the vehicle beyond that point.

Good luck.

 

Just as an FYI, you'll probably be taken more seriously on an Explorer owners/enthusiasts forum if you don't call them an "Exploder".

If it weren't for this little helpful tip, I'd have just passed this thread by thinking it's just some idiot trying to stir the pot, not someone with a legitimate question that I may or may not be able to answer.

 

I just had a remote start put in my 03 EB last Saturday. Yes I had to bring them an extra key. it is mounted in a box under the dash and when I went to the dealer to get the additional key made from my other 2 keys, they told me to be sure and find out where they are mounting the box because in the future if I needed to have another key programmed, they would need all of them to do that. Since I had it installed at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img][/img]<st1:PlaceName>Circuit</st1:PlaceName><st1:PlaceType>City</st1:PlaceType>, I would be responsible for pulling the other key before I brought them all to the dealer. My remote start works and I am very happy with it. reply to this post if you want more details. Like cost and what parts they used.

 

Sorry, Im not a big fan of this car. It is an 03 100th aniversery edition and it has 30k miles. We have had to take it in many times for warrenty issues. The last thing we took it in for was the a/c and the back passanger window did not work, 6 months later and they stopped working again and now its out of warrenty.

Dont get me wrong I love ford, I drive a 02 250 deisel. But this is not my favorite ride.

We got the other key and they programmed the transponder and gave us the key back. thanks for the help.