Sometimes it's who you know. I stopped by the dealer, gave them my VIN (2000 SD) and got a recall taken care of. I asked if they could tell me anything about the truck by VIN and they said they could not. A week later my Dad calls his buddy at the same dealer and gives him my VIN. Buddy tells Dad they probably won't have anything on my truck because FORD only keeps records back 10 years. While still on the phone with my dad, his buddy is surprised to find all the info on my truck by VIN. One hour later I pick up three factory code cut keys and a print out of the options ordered on my truck (like an Oasis report).

 

I ran into a similar situation with my '01 F250. This is the response from a buddy that is a direct employee of Ford Motor Company in Dearborn (hope it helps):


The key code database made available to Dealers goes back ten model years. Each year about this time, the oldest model year data is purged. There is solid rationale for doing this. All that said, there is a few other alternatives available.

First, check with a certified locksmith who is (and this is important) registered with NASTF website for accessing OEM vehicle key code data. Registered locksmiths can access vehicle key code data for US vehicles going back 15 model years. Not all certified locksmiths registered and subscribe to this application.

The ALOA website will assist in identifying a local locksmith with an NASTF LSID, meaning that they have access to the vehicle key code database.

Associated Locksmiths of America

Another alternative available is the original selling dealership may have recorded the key code in the "Deal Jacket" – the file kept of the original purchase transaction and all of the paperwork. It's a bit of a "needle in a hay stack" approach, however in many cases, it's the last resort before replacing the entire cylinder of the vehicle.