computer key!!!
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
Likes: 35
From: Semper Fi tell I die!
damn it!! wish i would have known that! i would have put that 80$ towards the AE
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
Yes it can. It is cheaper to get a few from ebay stores, and sometimes you can get some of the key shops to cut and program for ya, even if you only have one key. (some of them have the technology)
I now have three working keys, one on my key chain, one on the wife's, and one hidden under the truck, just in case. Nothing like going fishing out of town and loosing a key, and not being able to get home. I have not done this yet, and don't want to try it out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
Just info for you folks.
My truck bought used came with only 1 pats key. I paid a locksmith $175 to make another after he read the codes with his computer.
Later my truck was in the shop for PCM failure. I told the shop buy new from Ford PCM. They bought from another supplier as it was about $250 cheaper. However the truck would not start due to the PATS system not matching the flashing of the PCM and Vin'#'s. Guess it thought it was stolen truck. The locksmith came back out to the truck location verified ownership and then reprogrammed the PCM/VATS system/ KEYS to work again. The cost was $275. so there was no savings on a aftermarket PCM vs new. If you ever need a PCM get one where your flash program is installed on the replacement. Junkyard PCM's will cost you much more to get flashed and matched to VATS.
Correct. If you have 2 keys you can program a 3rd. If you only have 1 key get out your wallet.
My truck bought used came with only 1 pats key. I paid a locksmith $175 to make another after he read the codes with his computer.
Later my truck was in the shop for PCM failure. I told the shop buy new from Ford PCM. They bought from another supplier as it was about $250 cheaper. However the truck would not start due to the PATS system not matching the flashing of the PCM and Vin'#'s. Guess it thought it was stolen truck. The locksmith came back out to the truck location verified ownership and then reprogrammed the PCM/VATS system/ KEYS to work again. The cost was $275. so there was no savings on a aftermarket PCM vs new. If you ever need a PCM get one where your flash program is installed on the replacement. Junkyard PCM's will cost you much more to get flashed and matched to VATS.
Correct. If you have 2 keys you can program a 3rd. If you only have 1 key get out your wallet.
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
More PATS key problems.
I am having related key problems in my new truck. I hope this is the correct place to ask my question. I am new to forums of any type.
I bought 2 new keys from the local Ford dealership for my 2011 F250 Lariat ($60 ea). I followed the instructions in the owner’s manual (they are the same as you listed earlier). It says that if successful the new key will start the engine and the theft indicator will go out. Neither of the keys will program. The manual says that if they will not work take them to the dealership and have them do it for you. The reason I am doing this before I lose a key is to avoid paying the dealership for the service. Incidentally my old 2002 F150 had a red indicator that said “antitheft” the 2011 owner’s manual refers to the indicator but I can’t find anywhere.
When I try to use one of the new keys that the computer doesn’t recognize, the little computer screen between the Speedometer and the Tachometer displays “Starting System Fault” in red letters instead of a compass. A couple of times while I was going through the three key routine the electric door locks clicked twice.
Any Ideas?
I bought 2 new keys from the local Ford dealership for my 2011 F250 Lariat ($60 ea). I followed the instructions in the owner’s manual (they are the same as you listed earlier). It says that if successful the new key will start the engine and the theft indicator will go out. Neither of the keys will program. The manual says that if they will not work take them to the dealership and have them do it for you. The reason I am doing this before I lose a key is to avoid paying the dealership for the service. Incidentally my old 2002 F150 had a red indicator that said “antitheft” the 2011 owner’s manual refers to the indicator but I can’t find anywhere.
When I try to use one of the new keys that the computer doesn’t recognize, the little computer screen between the Speedometer and the Tachometer displays “Starting System Fault” in red letters instead of a compass. A couple of times while I was going through the three key routine the electric door locks clicked twice.
Any Ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
I am having related key problems in my new truck. I hope this is the correct place to ask my question. I am new to forums of any type.
I bought 2 new keys from the local Ford dealership for my 2011 F250 Lariat ($60 ea). I followed the instructions in the owner’s manual (they are the same as you listed earlier). It says that if successful the new key will start the engine and the theft indicator will go out. Neither of the keys will program. The manual says that if they will not work take them to the dealership and have them do it for you. The reason I am doing this before I lose a key is to avoid paying the dealership for the service. Incidentally my old 2002 F150 had a red indicator that said “antitheft” the 2011 owner’s manual refers to the indicator but I can’t find anywhere.
When I try to use one of the new keys that the computer doesn’t recognize, the little computer screen between the Speedometer and the Tachometer displays “Starting System Fault” in red letters instead of a compass. A couple of times while I was going through the three key routine the electric door locks clicked twice.
Any Ideas?
I bought 2 new keys from the local Ford dealership for my 2011 F250 Lariat ($60 ea). I followed the instructions in the owner’s manual (they are the same as you listed earlier). It says that if successful the new key will start the engine and the theft indicator will go out. Neither of the keys will program. The manual says that if they will not work take them to the dealership and have them do it for you. The reason I am doing this before I lose a key is to avoid paying the dealership for the service. Incidentally my old 2002 F150 had a red indicator that said “antitheft” the 2011 owner’s manual refers to the indicator but I can’t find anywhere.
When I try to use one of the new keys that the computer doesn’t recognize, the little computer screen between the Speedometer and the Tachometer displays “Starting System Fault” in red letters instead of a compass. A couple of times while I was going through the three key routine the electric door locks clicked twice.
Any Ideas?
If they sold you the wrong keys they should replace them. Hopefully you bought the keys at the dealer where you bought the truck.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
I learned a long time ago nothing is ever simple until it is completed.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
They call is a clone and it must be because there is no reason to add more info to the computer,
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
If the door locks clicked and then the keys didn't work you must have skipped a step in the procedure. Read and follow the instructions again, slowly.