1997 Explorer Ltd. V8 - ignition key? chip or not?

[SparkyGT]

I looked around the forums and am wondering if this is a chip keyed vehicle, my 1998 wasnt, so it was easy to get extra keys for ignition. so i have a key with a plastic cover, i got one cut for ignition just in case, but im not sure if i try the all steel key i just got made and try starting will it put in a lockdown mode?

this is what the key looks like top that i got with the 97 and the bottom is what i got cut

 

[410Fortune]

no pats in 97 no chip in the key

 

[SparkyGT]

Thank you!

 

[SparkyGT]

Update on my 98, everyone thought it was weird i was able to use a non chip key for starting it. i was taking apart the dash for use on my 1997, and i found a chip key ziptied up to a bracket with the pats module/receiver that goes in the column. So im guessing that the previous owner didnt want to get another chip key, and did this to enable using cheap cut keys.

 

[J_C]

lol, yeah seems that way. If you have PATS and need a chipped key, there will be a "Theft" light blinking slowly on the dash at all times when the vehicle is off (but of course, battery connected).