When I bought my '01 F-150 over 3 years ago it came with only one key. I requested 2 more to be included in the deal so my wife could have one and have another on the key rack in the house as a spare.

Had to have some work done on the truck (blew a sparkplug) so when I went up to get it after garage hours I grabbed the extra key. It wouldn't start the truck. Just kept spinning over and the "THEFT" light was a-blinkin' away. Used my key (which the mechanic had locked inside thre truck) and it started right up. When I got home I tried my wife's key and it work as well.

I tried to program the spare key following the steps in the owner's manual (several times) but the spare key still will not start the truck. Once a key has been programmed (incorrectly in this case apparently) can it be reprogrammed? If so, how? I didn't see a reference to that in the owner's manual.

I need another FOB for the door locks as well so if this key is shot I'll look for both on eBay.

 

There is a limit to how many keys can be programmed into the system. You might have hit that limit. Only way to know is for a dealer or locksmith to connect to the computer.

Steve

 

I read there was a limit in the owner's manual, 8 I think it was. But shouldn't the tech have noticed that when programming the two "new" keys? I REALLY don't want to have to go my local stealership and get violated again...!?!?!

 

The tech most likely just used the owner's manual procedure and didn't hook up the NGS (or comparable).

It's always possible that the chip in the spare is defective....

Steve

 

Thanks. I guess I can take my receipt in there and see if they'll check it out.

 

i think i would buy another key, have it cut, then try to program myself. the key may be bad. if you can get the dealer to check it for very little that would be o.k. --- if they want too much, i would chekc with a new key first.

 

Scored a pair of keys off eBay over the weekend (another fob as well). After getting them cut and I'll try programming them. If they won't take I guess that means the max number has been reached.

Thanks for all the info!