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I installed a new ignition lock cylinder in my 2001 F-150 and now it won't start. I followed the directions for reprogramming the new keys to the truck but am having no success. Just wondering if anyone knows a little about this area so I can get my truck started before the battery dies.
ummm not sure if you can do that. My understanding of the PATS is that you have to have one key that the module recognizes to be put into the ignition to reprogram the new keys. In other words, you would need to install the old key in order to program a new one. Which would be very difficult with a new ignition lock cylinder..... The thing to do would have been to go to a locksmith and get the new lock cylinder to have the same key way as the old one. Good luck... My feeling is your not going to be successful on your own.
You may be able to start the truck by placing the old key against the area next to the ignition switch within the sensory area of the transponder loop. You will need to secure the old key there for the truck to run. Otherwise you will need to have the truck towed to the dealer and have the new keys programmed. Why did you change the cylinder? You realize that the new keys will not unlock your truck until you get the lock cylinder in the door changed by a locksmith.
You must have TWO operational PATS keys in order to add any additional ones.
Too much information is lacking.
If you have one key that the PATS system previously recognized, you can move the ring off the cylinder and secure the key in it somewhere under the dash. You'd then just have "regular" key security which, as long as no one knows or discovers your change, may be good enough since the old key is probably cut differently than your new one.
Alternatively, just tow it to a Ford dealer for a PATS re-program or find a mobile locksmith who has the correct equipment to do the job.
Well I eventually got a hold of a locksmith today and it took him 15 minutes a key to program to my truck. Luckily it only cost me a hundred dollars and a beer to get my truck running again. I do realize now that I have to have two keys now (one to unlock the door and one to start the truck) but I am ok with it. The reason I replaced the ignition lock cylinder was because it would frequently not allow the key to turn so i would have to jiggly it for ten to fifteen minutes until it would finally allow me to start the truck. Lesson learned: Before changing out locks make sure you don't need professional help first (No thanx to Advance Auto for telling me I could do it myself)