buying used ex...no keys?

[jrobie79]

looking at a 2003 explorer eddie bauer I found on craigslist...only problem is the guy lost the keys...title is in his name, it checks out, and it starts from the remote starter.

my question is, would I be able to get another key from Ford assuming proof of ownership (do they go that far back?)

I'm assuming I can't change the ignition cylidner to one from a junkyard without a key to unlock it correct?

On my old 1999 explorer I had a key custom cut by ekeys4cars (with AAA discount it was only $75 - normally $175) as I lost the keys to that one, I'm thinking this might be my best option.

 

[bizzs]

Do a search on PATS system. I am pretty sure that the dealer can make you a key using the vin number as long as you have the proper documents. I am not sure, but there may be some difficulties with programming the keys since you have an aftermarket accessory spliced into that.

If you are computer savey, and want to save about $300.00, I would buy the keys from the dealer and have them cut them. I would download FORSCAN, buy the adapter and reprogram myself. Refer to this link:

www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432028


bizzs

 

[Number4]

You have at least one (1) key. Otherwise the remote start wouldn't work.
It's inside a portion of your aftermarket alarm system.

As far as I know, these didn't come with a built in remote start feature.

How much are they asking?
How many miles?
What engine?

 

[jrobie79]

You have at least one (1) key. Otherwise the remote start wouldn't work.
It's inside a portion of your aftermarket alarm system.

As far as I know, these didn't come with a built in remote start feature.

How much are they asking?
How many miles?
What engine?

$800
140K
no key....he lost the keys, still has the remote start FOB
v6 - 4.0

I just wanted to check if Ford would do it, because they wouldn't for my 1999 about 2 years ago. If not, I'll probably go through ekeys4cars and just pay the $75

 

[Number4]

$800
140K
no key....he lost the keys, still has the remote start FOB
v6 - 4.0

I just wanted to check if Ford would do it, because they wouldn't for my 1999 about 2 years ago. If not, I'll probably go through ekeys4cars and just pay the $75

Can you post a picture of your remote start fob? Like I said, I don't recall these coming OE with remote start. Maybe a dealer install feature. Either way, there will be a box under the drivers dash which will contain a physical key.

If you show him the key, the price may go up!

 

[jrobie79]

Can you post a picture of your remote start fob? Like I said, I don't recall these coming OE with remote start. Maybe a dealer install feature. Either way, there will be a box under the drivers dash which will contain a physical key.

If you show him the key, the price may go up!

really? I'll have to look when I go back. thats good to know, he said it's aftermarket. My mothers suburban has remote start with a lock/unlock fob - I don't recall them installing a key under the dash tho, where specifically should I look?

 

[Number4]

really? I'll have to look when I go back. thats good to know, he said it's aftermarket. My mothers suburban has remote start with a lock/unlock fob - I don't recall them installing a key under the dash tho, where specifically should I look?

It'll have to be somewhat close to the ignition switch (not in or on the column though.) I'd imagine it'll be a 3" x 4" black box. You'll see where they added the system because it won't look OE.

It simply won't start without a key present.

That gives you one key, which is better than none, but still not ideal. I only have one for my '04.

 

[anthonymtz]

It'll have to be somewhat close to the ignition switch (not in or on the column though.) I'd imagine it'll be a 3" x 4" black box. You'll see where they added the system because it won't look OE.

It simply won't start without a key present.

That gives you one key, which is better than none, but still not ideal. I only have one for my '04.

He could possibly have a bypass module, some cheaper remote start systems have the kind where you put a key in a little box and put that little ring by the ignition cylinder. It should be pretty visible once the pannel under the dash is removed.

 

[TechGuru]

A lot depends on which method this remote start system is using.

The more secure ones use a virtual key emulator where the remote start system is a additional key to the PATS system.

The cheap ones have your take a key apart and remove the transponder and glue it near the ignition cylinder. This is also known as a PATS bypass method. If it was done this way all you need is a cut flat key to start it.

First thing's first, we don't even need to be talking about PATS at this point. First you need to obtain a flat (non transponder) cut key for the vehicle, sometimes known as a service key.

There are two ways to go about this, you'll have to call around and see which way is cheaper.

1. Have a dealer cut you one by the VIN number.

2. Have a automotive locksmith decode the key cylinder (they have feeler gauges to do this with) and cut you a key.

Once you have a cut key that fits the door and ignition lock then we'll worry about PATS.