Spare Key
 

I have an 02 SD. The truck supposedly has a "micro chip" key for the ignition. So, I ordered a blank chipped key from Amazon so I could have a spare key that will actually start the truck. Got the key and took it to Wally World to get it cut. The guy put the key in some kind of chip detector machine and handed the key back to me stating he can't cut chipped keys. So, curiosity got to me and I tried the "spare key" that is only supposed to unlock the doors and it starts the truck. Took my curiosity a bit farther and went to Ace to get another "spare key" cut from the current one and it starts the truck too. I have driven the truck with both of the spare key's for 20ish miles now and everything works fine. I am wondering if there is something wrong with my truck or if Ford is full it and just getting more money out of people thinking they have to get chipped keys.

I don't believe SD came with a key that had chips in them until recently if at all. I know my key is just a regular key no chips inside it.

My '07 F250 Lariat didn't have a chip in the key. My '11 probably does, but that's just an assumption.

Only 2008 and newer have chipped keys. I doubt the parts department at any Ford dealer told you that you need a chipped key for an 11 year old truck. Google before you assume next time.

The dealer was probably just mistaken when they told him that. Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) was put in Ford vehicles as early as 1996. By 2002 most Ford vehicles were equipped with PATS, but not the Super Duty. In 2002, the F-150, Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, and even the Excursion all had PATS even though the SD didn't.

This is true, sorry if my response sounded a little condescending.

Ford publishes a wall chart that answers these questions.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...ts_job_aid.pdf

I didn't say I went to a Ford dealer. And both of the keys with the black plastic on them do have chips in them. No one told me I "need a chipped key". That's what started this whole thing. The 2 places I went to "Walmart and Ace" both told me and showed me that both the keys are chipped.

This is great, thank you very much.

Thanks for all the information guys, much appreciated. I will now return the key I bought on Amazon and get my $15.00 back and use the $1.79 one from Ace. Case closed, thank you all.