Spare keys
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
Spare keys
I've noticed that one of the more frequent subjects in the forums has to do with the matter of keys. Why, oh why, don't people get spares made BEFORE it is a matter of having to spend hundreds of dollars on tow trucks and dealer fees.
Additional blanks are available on E-bay for $10 each. Getting them cut is no more that a few bucks and is often free if you ask nice. (Try the key counter at Lowes)
Programing them is free if you can read. https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ogramming.html
I have 4 keys to each of my 4 vehicles. 1 for me, 1 for the wife, 1 in the house and 1 with the father-in-law so that he can bring it to me should the need arise. Even if I lose a key I still have 2 at hand so that I can program another. I also have 2 spare blanks in the house for the future should the need arise.
The price for getting all of them ($100 for 10 blanks) is less than what it would cost for a trip to the dealer for the first lost key.
So with that said how are you set for keys?
Additional blanks are available on E-bay for $10 each. Getting them cut is no more that a few bucks and is often free if you ask nice. (Try the key counter at Lowes)
Programing them is free if you can read. https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ogramming.html
I have 4 keys to each of my 4 vehicles. 1 for me, 1 for the wife, 1 in the house and 1 with the father-in-law so that he can bring it to me should the need arise. Even if I lose a key I still have 2 at hand so that I can program another. I also have 2 spare blanks in the house for the future should the need arise.
The price for getting all of them ($100 for 10 blanks) is less than what it would cost for a trip to the dealer for the first lost key.
So with that said how are you set for keys?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
It only took me being locked out once with no convenient spares to get some more made. I'd suggest you don't even need the chipped keys make up some $2 keys just to be able to get in the vehicle. I've never lost a chipped but have been locked out with keys in the vehicle more than a few times.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
As G641 brings up; a $2 non-pats key stashed on your vehicle is a valuable precaution against the dreaded key in/locked out situation.
I speak from experience as I once locked the tow truck with it idling thinking that I had a second key clipped to my belt loop. I carry two keys to the truck and for some reason I had left the carabiner with both keys in the ignition.
Yes, I locked BOTH of the keys in the truck. The carabiner should have been on my belt loop with one of them.
The detail man from the shop had to bring me the spare key from the boss to get me in the truck.
At least the cab was cool as I had left it running so the AC could keep it comfortable while I was in the parts store.
I still carry two keys but now have a third in a key box stashed under the truck.
I speak from experience as I once locked the tow truck with it idling thinking that I had a second key clipped to my belt loop. I carry two keys to the truck and for some reason I had left the carabiner with both keys in the ignition.
Yes, I locked BOTH of the keys in the truck. The carabiner should have been on my belt loop with one of them.
The detail man from the shop had to bring me the spare key from the boss to get me in the truck.
At least the cab was cool as I had left it running so the AC could keep it comfortable while I was in the parts store.
I still carry two keys but now have a third in a key box stashed under the truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 20
From: Nixa
I managed to break my key off in the ignition. So when the locksmith came out to get the key out. he aksed me if I wanted more than one key made. So I had him make 4 all together. Since I have triple A and it was basically free, the keys didn't cost extra.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Now that is something learned today. I didnt realize that you could program a key for my truck. Here i thought i had to spend $60.00 to get an extra key. So basically i could get a spare key made an program it myself is that correct.Thanks guys
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
150 What truck do you have? I checked your profile and it is not there. The generation one PATS allowed you to program a spare with only one currently active key. This was changed to generation 2 where you needed to have two active keys in order to program new keys. This change was made because the first generation was flawed in that a valet or anyone who had access to the car and key could cut and program another key while it was in their possession. With the change to the requirement for two active keys to be present this loophole was eliminated. Remember the Gen 1 system still has the flaw. Your owners manual has the programming steps. You will find information on replacement keys and other related information under the Locks and Security section of your owners manual, subsection Replacement Keys
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
It only took me being locked out once with no convenient spares to get some more made. I'd suggest you don't even need the chipped keys make up some $2 keys just to be able to get in the vehicle. I've never lost a chipped but have been locked out with keys in the vehicle more than a few times.
Well said!
My youngest daughter has basically 'taken over' my Ranger.
I got a call from her a while back, asking me to come home and open the truck for her.
(26 miles - one way.)
She had started the truck and put it in the garage, while she grabbed her books.
She left it running (garage door open) and accidently hit the 'Lock' button!
Well, I had some 'flat' keys made. One for her to keep in her purse, one that hangs in a kitchen cabinet, and one in my wallet.
Now, IF the keys get locked in the truck, at least there's a way to get back in. . . especially if she leaves the daggone truck running!!!!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 101
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From: northeast PA
Some years ago I got this advice from a towtruck driver when responding to a lockout. He told me if you do this that often to take a cheap spare key and drill out the hole and keep it behind one of the license plate screws. This has saved me many times. I normally keep that screw loose enough to take off with a coin. I have never had the screw fall out and lose the key or have had the vehicle stolen. And with chipped keys you can only open the doors with the replacements.
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borland
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
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Apr 12, 2004 07:33 PM
