How to: Program a replacement PATS key Ford Key Programming | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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How to: Program a replacement PATS key Ford Key Programming

amigodana

Well-Known Member
Joined
August 12, 2009
Messages
108
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City, State
Houston, Tx.
Year, Model & Trim Level
98 Exp 2WD conv. to 4WD
DISCLAMER
Use manual PATS procedures at your own risk. EASE Diagnostics is not responsible for damage caused by the use of these procedures. These procedures may not work for all mentioned vehicles. Do not contact EASE Diagnostics for assistance in the use of these procedures. If you are unable to perform the manual PATS procedures use the Ford Module Programmer application.

PATS is an acronym that stands for Passive Anti-Theft System (Ford also calls this SecuriLock). It is also called a transponder key. It is a security feature found on most (if not all) new Ford products, and what it does is disable your vehicle's starter unless your specially programmed key is used to start the vehicle. There is a computer chip inside of the key, and without that you will NOT be able to start the vehicle -- even if you have a regular (non-PATS) key with the correct cuts, it will not work.

For convenience, Included is a list of other vehicles that these instructions apply:
Ford Contour ‘98–up F-150 ‘98-up Ford Crown Victoria ’97-up Ford Escort 99-up Ford Excursion ‘00-up Ford Expedition ‘98–up Ford Explorer ’98-up Ford Focus ‘00-up Ford Mustang ’96-up Ford Ranger ’98-up Ford Taurus ’96-up
Ford Windstar ’98-up Lincoln Continental ’98-up Lincoln LS ’00-up Lincoln Mark VIII ’98-up Lincoln Navigator ’98-up Lincoln Town Car ’98-up Mercury Grand Marquis ’97-up Mercury Mountaineer ’98-up Mercury Mystique ’98-up Mercury Sable ’96-up

NOTE: These instructions may apply to more or less vehicles than those listed above. Ease cannot confirm that these procedures work for every year and model listed.

ON-BOARD PROGRAMMING METHOD "B"
for Ford keys (1996 -early 1998 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will flash for fifteen minutes.
2. When the security light stops flashing, you have FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition cylinder OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.
3. When the security light stops flashing, you have FIVE minutes to start the next step. Turn the ignition cylinder to OFF and then back ON (RUN) position. The dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.
4. After the security light stops flashing the third time, the new key has been programmed into the vehicles computer and will operate the car. It has replaced ALL the previous electronic key codes and is the ONLY key programmed into the vehicles computer.

If you want to add a key....
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key and, within 15 seconds, insert the new key and turn it to ON (RUN).
4. The security light will light up for two seconds to indicate success in programming the key into the vehicle.
5. Don't attempt to start the vehicle with any key for at least 1 minute.

ON-BOARD PROGRAMMING METHOD "C"
for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. In order to initiate a new master key, this will require the use of the Ford Module Programming Application. There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).

If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure.
1. Insert an existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.
3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.
4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.
6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5

As a precautionary measure for all of the above procedures, you should wait at least one minute after you have performed this until you start your vehicle.

PASSIVE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM (PATS)—DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS Article No.01-6-2
http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/docs/sn95_TSBs/01-06-02.pdf
 



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I only have 1 working key for my 2000 Sport.

I bought 2 replacement keys on ebay. The included instructions were the

same as your info. New keys would not program. I tried several times.
 






I only have 1 working key for my 2000 Sport.

I bought 2 replacement keys on ebay. The included instructions were the

same as your info. New keys would not program. I tried several times.

If you have only one key, you need to go to the dealership (or someone with the proper equipment) so they can connect to the car's computer. Sadly, I'm in the same boat, so I just live with one key.
 






I only have 1 working key for my 2000 Sport.

I bought 2 replacement keys on ebay. The included instructions were the

same as your info. New keys would not program. I tried several times.

If you have the correct pats keys already cut, call around. Many dealers and locksmiths run about $50 for programming. Once you have 2 working keys you can do additional key programming yourself.
 






Why does Ford supply only two PATS keys when you purchase a new vehicle?
 






Why does Ford supply only two PATS keys when you purchase a new vehicle?

So does Toyota and Nissan. Two chipped keys seems to be the industry standard for new vehicles. If you want more - they want to sell them to you!!
 






If you have the correct pats keys already cut, call around. Many dealers and locksmiths run about $50 for programming. Once you have 2 working keys you can do additional key programming yourself.

The reason I bought 2 keys was that I lost a key to my Mom's car, so I need to have the dealer program one key for her car also...
 






Yup every manufacturer tries to keep cost down.. Two normal keys and a valet key. Same reason why some computer manufacturers don't offer a operating system cd/dvd, its to cut costs cause you figure it'll cost x amount of dollars per 1,000.. If they can reduce that amount by not offering it, they can lower their cost
 






Why does Ford supply only two PATS keys when you purchase a new vehicle?

because if you have 2 you can make as many more as you want. replacement transponder keys are available on-line for around $15 or from Ford for about $25. i've owned many new cars and they never came with more than 2 sets of keys.
 






So, if you only have one key, you cannot add another without the dealer doing it? I have one key for my X, and I am looking to add 2 more from the Fusion/Edge with the fob built into the top of it...
 






that's correct. YOU cannot program a second key if you only have ONE. you must have at least 2 keys to program additional keys yourself. as already stated, a dealership or a locksmith is required to program a second key if you only have ONE. it's going to cost you between $40-$50 to have it done.
 






Some Ace Hardwares have a key shop that can
program keys. I just had a couple made for my
'new' Sport. Cost was about $50 for the key, cutting,
and programming.
 






i found a pats key in boneyard that had more metal in they cut area than mine, had it recut in walmart .97$ reprogramed it myself according to instructions in factory service manual,, u dont really reprogram the key, u program the computer to accept the imbedded code locked in the key
 






98 key programing

I saw in another post that you need to have 2 working keys to program a replacement. The post says that early 98's only need 1 key to program. My build date is 10/97. Can I program a replacement key having just one? Also, if the second key doesn't program will the original still work? Thanks, Keith
 






i had to take my wifes 98 to the dealer to have second key programmed into the computer then following protocol from the service manual i programmed the third key myself, good luck to you, buck
 






Good info! After I bought my 98 Sport I had a key cut as I only had one, not realizing it needed to be a chipped, I found out when I put the new key in, all it did was flash and not start. A $150 trip at the dealership got me a second key. Ouch! I have been wanting to make extra keys just in case, so I will give this a try!
 






another thing i have done that i believe is a good idea,, ,, it is a bad idea to hang a bunch of keys on the ign locjk cylinder, it wears the tumblers out.. i put my pats key in the console and have a non pats key cut ,, that one i put on my master bunch of keys, i use non pats key to open the dors, then put the big key ring in the console while driving, using single pats in steering column,, if i forget an keep pats in hand i can still get back into the car,, if u use non pats key in ign it will lock up, u must be carefull,, buck
 






Have a 05 explorer and 2 programed keys,mechanic for 20 years (retired)went to program 3rd and 4th keys,,doesn't work, tried 3× no good can't believe it done this 50 times, ever heard of this glitch, bought car at auction but with only 6000 miles, posible 8 other keys already programed? Anyone heard of any other posabilities? Please let me know, thanx.
 






One possibility is that one of your programmed keys is a clone of the other. Do both keys appear to be OEM FORD keys? Or are they dissimilar in appearance?

For the 2 key "trick" to work, each key needs to be unique and if cloned, will appear to the PCM as the same key, not a different one.

Even then, I've read of others with two, known good OEM keys that could not initiate the learning process for additional ones.
 



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well as for me the pats **** should have never been used on a vehicle,if mine gets stolen they will bring it back so they wont have to work on it.money racket
 






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