97/99 key compatibility?

[David in NC]

I have a 99 XLS and my son has a 97 XLT. My 99 has the PAT ignition key and the 97 does not. Does anyone know if I can cut one side of a PAT key to fit the 99 and the other side to fit the 97? Will it work? Can I use the one custom key for both X's? Has anyone tried this? Years ago I changed out the door locks and ignition switch in one GM to match my other GM so one set of keys fit both. It was very convenient.

 

[IAmTodd]

Yes, that can be done. The '97 uses no type of key recognition system so you'd be ok to proceed.

 

[CDW6212R]

I don't think so guys. The PATS ignition cylinders are made for those big PATS keys. The older ignition cylinders have smaller openings for the key to go into. Look at the shoulder of the keys, notice that the PATS key is huge just above the tumbler teeth. I don't think that those keys will go into the 97 ignition. Let us know, I've done that with older Fords also.

 

[IAmTodd]

Friend is using an '02 key in his '97.

 

[CDW6212R]

Cool then, good to know Todd.

 

[justin146]

I tried a PATS key in my old Explorer, and it wouldnt fit.

 

[IAmTodd]

I believe the '97s got the same type of outter cylinder cover(guess that is what you would call it) that the '98+ got. There is no way it would have worked in my '95, it would only accept the small Ford key.

I would assume '97 is the only year you could get away with this.

 

[CDW6212R]

Ah that's the rest of the story. I researched lock cylinders for the hatches last year. I wanted to be able to use my 93 hatch and the 99 keys for my ignition. It turns out that the 95-97 hatch uses a cylinder which takes keys from 95 and newer. The 95-97 hatch cylinders are obsolete, so I bought one used and paid to have the tumblers changed.