Transponder key question
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Junior User
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Transponder key question
Hi Guys,
I happened to come across the key cutting station at a Home Depot store and the word "transponder keys" caught my attention.
The clerk there put my 2004 Escape key into the "chip finder" gizmo, hit the "TEST" button and nothing happened. He tried it 5 times and then he told me "there's no chip in this key"!
So I had me a regular key cut which opened the door but, as I had expected, didn't start the vehicle.
So, I'm wondering, why didn't this thing recognize the chip? If there is a problem, how can I get a second key programmed if the original code is not detected?
I happened to come across the key cutting station at a Home Depot store and the word "transponder keys" caught my attention.
The clerk there put my 2004 Escape key into the "chip finder" gizmo, hit the "TEST" button and nothing happened. He tried it 5 times and then he told me "there's no chip in this key"!
So I had me a regular key cut which opened the door but, as I had expected, didn't start the vehicle.
So, I'm wondering, why didn't this thing recognize the chip? If there is a problem, how can I get a second key programmed if the original code is not detected?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Simply put, their 'test' equipment is not for this type of 'transponder' key.
Every key has a random binary code that it transmits. It is not possible to change this code. When the car's computer is programmed for a new key, it is told to 'accept' this code for the new key. No changes are made to the actual key.
As a result, there would be no way for Home Depot to program your key, nor would it be possible for them to stock all of the 'possible combinations' to sell you a matching one, as there are literally billions if not more possibilities.
Now the old transponder keys back in the day had something like 16 different combinations, so it was easy to stock all 16 different keys, and then just match up whichever one is the same as the old key, but that is no longer the case.
The only way to program the key on these is to use a Ford NGS or WDS diagnostic tool. There might be an aftermarket tool that can do this as well, but I'm not familiar with any. However, if you already have two working keys, you can program a third without needing the diagnostic stuff.
Every key has a random binary code that it transmits. It is not possible to change this code. When the car's computer is programmed for a new key, it is told to 'accept' this code for the new key. No changes are made to the actual key.
As a result, there would be no way for Home Depot to program your key, nor would it be possible for them to stock all of the 'possible combinations' to sell you a matching one, as there are literally billions if not more possibilities.
Now the old transponder keys back in the day had something like 16 different combinations, so it was easy to stock all 16 different keys, and then just match up whichever one is the same as the old key, but that is no longer the case.
The only way to program the key on these is to use a Ford NGS or WDS diagnostic tool. There might be an aftermarket tool that can do this as well, but I'm not familiar with any. However, if you already have two working keys, you can program a third without needing the diagnostic stuff.
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The machine at Home Depot is supposed to detect which chip (e.g. Texas Instruments, etc.) is in the key. You may be right, maybe their test gear is not laid out for the kind of chip in the Escape key.
As to programming the key, I do not have a second key to program a third one but I know for a fact that there are dozens of locksmiths in the Austin area that do program 2nd keys. Unfortunately, they charge just about the same as the Ford dealershios, around $60 - $75.
If a simple locksmith can do it, I don't see why Home Depot couldn't do it.
As to programming the key, I do not have a second key to program a third one but I know for a fact that there are dozens of locksmiths in the Austin area that do program 2nd keys. Unfortunately, they charge just about the same as the Ford dealershios, around $60 - $75.
If a simple locksmith can do it, I don't see why Home Depot couldn't do it.
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Junior User
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Well, I've heard a different story. They take the info from the existing key and program this info into the new key. Apparently, they don't need the vehicle for that.
Does anyone know anything definitive?
Does anyone know anything definitive?
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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
You do not program the keys on Ford vehicles. You program the vehicle to the key. If you have 2 working PATS keys and purchase a 3rd from a dealer or locksmith you can program it to the vehicle.
I did this on my 02 escape.
It works the same as programing the remote entry.
But you must have 2 working keys or the dealer will need to program it for you.
I know of no locksmith in this area (some are high teck) that can program with only 1 key.
I did this on my 02 escape.
It works the same as programing the remote entry.
But you must have 2 working keys or the dealer will need to program it for you.
I know of no locksmith in this area (some are high teck) that can program with only 1 key.
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I'm always willing to learn from the experts.
However, sometimes I just don't get it:
I have one key and I need a second one. If the car is programmed to the key, how does that work? Shouldn't the second key be programmed according to the car AND the original key?
However, sometimes I just don't get it:
I have one key and I need a second one. If the car is programmed to the key, how does that work? Shouldn't the second key be programmed according to the car AND the original key?
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The reason you need two keys to program a third is to prevent a valet, or a mechanic, or a friend, from making a copy of your key and programming it from the one you gave them to use. By having to have two programmed keys, only you can enable a third or fourth key. By the way a small lockshop in our central Illinois city has the equipment to do the Ford keys. They charged me $50.00 to program a second key and then $20.00 for the third. Took only 20 minutes to do.
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The "Scanner" plugs into the OBDII port on the vehicle.
Then the Security module is accessed.
The Security module will at this point make you wait ten minutes (to help deter theft... even thieves can obtain Ford diagnostic equipment).
After the ten minute wait you tell the car you want to program another key to it. It will tell you to insert the key and turn it on.
Then it says "programming complete" and give you the option to program another key.
As far as I know, only the FORD diagnostic equipment has the capability to even access the security module. While some aftermarket equipment MIGHT be available that can do this, it isn't going to be the el-cheapo scanners you can buy at autozone. Even our $3000 Genisys equipment can't do this.
The Ford equipment can cost upwards of $20,000+, which is why they have to charge you so much for it in order to pull any kind of reasonable profit...
Then the Security module is accessed.
The Security module will at this point make you wait ten minutes (to help deter theft... even thieves can obtain Ford diagnostic equipment).
After the ten minute wait you tell the car you want to program another key to it. It will tell you to insert the key and turn it on.
Then it says "programming complete" and give you the option to program another key.
As far as I know, only the FORD diagnostic equipment has the capability to even access the security module. While some aftermarket equipment MIGHT be available that can do this, it isn't going to be the el-cheapo scanners you can buy at autozone. Even our $3000 Genisys equipment can't do this.
The Ford equipment can cost upwards of $20,000+, which is why they have to charge you so much for it in order to pull any kind of reasonable profit...
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