Replacement Key?
Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Replacement Key?
So, I'm trying to find a blank key for my new truck. Unfortunately, like every Ford I've ever owned, it has the PATS system which requires a transponder key. Very pricey from the dealer, not so much on Ebay.
The problem is finding one! Everyone seems to list their key blanks for a certain model vehicle, although I suspect they are all the same thing. Since this is a rare option in SDs it's not easy to find one listed for it.
Does anyone know if any of the Ford transponder keys will work with my truck, or am I looking for something that's model specific?
Thanks!
The problem is finding one! Everyone seems to list their key blanks for a certain model vehicle, although I suspect they are all the same thing. Since this is a rare option in SDs it's not easy to find one listed for it.
Does anyone know if any of the Ford transponder keys will work with my truck, or am I looking for something that's model specific?
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I can't imagine why they would separate them out, the transponder is a form of RFID. There are going to be a limited set of freqs, probably 16 or so. The idea isn't to make each transponder unique but to make the key/transponder unique enough it's a pain to work around it.
If you don't have a tuner yet, a lot of tuners have the option of disabling the PATS. If you dislike it, remove it and use a regular cheap key. The insurance companies will probably not like it, but it's your truck.
If you don't have a tuner yet, a lot of tuners have the option of disabling the PATS. If you dislike it, remove it and use a regular cheap key. The insurance companies will probably not like it, but it's your truck.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
I'm thinking it's the key blank - the metal key itself that varies between models. The PATS module is probably universal. I know for a fact the '05 Escape and the '08 superduty key blank is the same, probably others. There are only so many combinations that can be cut on a given style blank, so years ago you could walk thru a parking lot and just see how many vehicles you could open with your key. Hence the PATS system development.
”The right of citizens to bear arms is just one more guarantee against arbitrary government, and one more safeguard against a tyranny which now appears remote in America, but which historically has proved to be always possible.” -Hubert Humphrey-
”The right of citizens to bear arms is just one more guarantee against arbitrary government, and one more safeguard against a tyranny which now appears remote in America, but which historically has proved to be always possible.” -Hubert Humphrey-
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
The keys are actually the same for most of the Ford Pats system vehicles. The key blanks for the '03 Taurus and the '08 F-150 are the same. There has been some changes for '09.
Try here for your key blank. eBay Store ? Transponder island: Search results for. I recommend having at least 4 keys programed for each vehicle. I have posted about PATS keys a few times in the past.
Try here for your key blank. eBay Store ? Transponder island: Search results for. I recommend having at least 4 keys programed for each vehicle. I have posted about PATS keys a few times in the past.
Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Thanks for the help, guys!
I think I found one...total came to just under $12.00....hope it works!!!
I think I found one...total came to just under $12.00....hope it works!!!
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Post Fiend
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
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From: Mt. Shasta California
If you only have 1 it will cost you a bunch to program another, and if you have 2 the third etc is easy to program. You can't just buy a key from Ebay and have it work if you only have one.
If you lose your only key you will have to tow it to the dealer first. I ran around the backwoods for 2 years before I had a second one made. They would of had to tow me from the deep in the woods to the dealer 65 miles away before they could make a key.
If you lose your only key you will have to tow it to the dealer first. I ran around the backwoods for 2 years before I had a second one made. They would of had to tow me from the deep in the woods to the dealer 65 miles away before they could make a key.
