Bypass chip key function?????

[tinkering]

:scratch:

My 1998 Explorer has but one ignition key. Apparently some locksmiths have the equipment to cut and program new chip keys (besides the dealer who wants your first born).

IS THERE A WAY to bypass the chip keys function altogether; just unhook or clear something to DO AWAY WITH THE CHIP KEY FUNCTION forever!!??

 

[koda2000]

:scratch:

My 1998 Explorer has but one ignition key. Apparently some locksmiths have the equipment to cut and program new chip keys (besides the dealer who wants your first born).

IS THERE A WAY to bypass the chip keys function altogether; just unhook or clear something to DO AWAY WITH THE CHIP KEY FUNCTION forever!!??

take your one chipped key to ACE and have them cut you a couple of non chipped keys. take your chipped key and glue it inside your steering column right next to the transceiver. personally i have purchased new chipped RF keys on ebay for around $10 and had my Ford dealer cut and program them for $45, but if you want cheap, go with option #1 .

 

[tinkering]

take your one chipped key to ACE and have them cut you a couple of non chipped keys. take your chipped key and glue it inside your steering column right next to the transceiver. personally i have purchased new chipped RF keys on ebay for around $10 and had my Ford dealer cut and program them for $45, but if you want cheap, go with open #1 .

Thanks a bunch for that. Right now I definitely want cheap while I am corralling my finances. Where exactly is that transceiver? How much steering column plastic has to come off; is it easy or does a whole bunch of stuff have to come off? Can you tape it to the outside of the steering column?

 

[koda2000]

there are a couple of screws which hold the plastic covering over the steering column. access them from the bottom. once the bottom of the cover is out of the way you should see a black plastic collar piece that goes around the lock cylinder. this plastic piece also has square piece with an electrical connector with a green plug. this is the PATS transceiver. attach your chipped key as close as possible to this piece (Velcro, tape, glue, tie-rap).

 

[swshawaii]

Or my favorite, clear RTV silicone. Amazing strength, use a very thin layer to bond almost anything. PITA to remove though. LOL

 

[koda2000]

Or my favorite, clear RTV silicone. Amazing strength, use a very thin layer to bond almost anything. PITA to remove though. LOL

my favorite go-to glue is 3M yellow weatherstripping adhesive (aka gorilla snot) it will stick to just about anything.

 

[swshawaii]

Good stuff too. Although I can do without the head "buzz" it gives, especially when driving or working.

 

[koda2000]

BTW, i don't think taping it to the outside of the column is a very good idea. are you too lazy to remove a couple of screws?

 

[tinkering]

BTW, i don't think taping it to the outside of the column is a very good idea. are you too lazy to remove a couple of screws?

You don't even know me and you already know how lazy I am. Of course I'm not too lazy to remove 2 screws!!! I just dread those situations where you have to dismantle the whole thing just to gain simple access. I cut the bottom off of my laptop to access the cooling fins and CPU etc, so I can change and clean things in there without pulling THE WHOLE THING apart. It works great but not recommended for the faint of heart

Thanks you sooo much for this great tip!!!

 

[Torqueranger]

You don't even know me and you already know how lazy I am. Of course I'm not too lazy to remove 2 screws!!! I just dread those situations where you have to dismantle the whole thing just to gain simple access. I cut the bottom off of my laptop to access the cooling fins and CPU etc, so I can change and clean things in there without pulling THE WHOLE THING apart. It works great but not recommended for the faint of heart

Thanks you sooo much for this great tip!!!

I don't think he meant anything by it ...But what he was getting at was how smart is it to leave a key in plain view to take your truck ??? Also what are you going to tell the cops when someone steals your ride and you tell them you gave them the key to steal it ??

 

[tinkering]

I don't think he meant anything by it ...But what he was getting at was how smart is it to leave a key in plain view to take your truck ??? Also what are you going to tell the cops when someone steals your ride and you tell them you gave them the key to steal it ??

LOL I know, I was just being a smart apple. I didn't take it the wrong way. Yes, what a stupid idea, tape the key to the steering column. I might as well label it and hang it from the mirror... and tape a target or an 'M' to my forehead

 

[Bobmbx]

I don't think he meant anything by it ...But what he was getting at was how smart is it to leave a key in plain view to take your truck ??? Also what are you going to tell the cops when someone steals your ride and you tell them you gave them the key to steal it ??

With or without the keys, its still grand theft auto. But yeah, taping the key where it can be seen is probably not a good idea.

 

[tinkering]

With or without the keys, its still grand theft auto. But yeah, taping the key where it can be seen is probably not a good idea.

Ya that's right, why give the guys the tools?

 

[tinkering]

I finally got around to gluing the key in place. I used GOOP. I had to break the steering column upper plastic cover a bit; the passenger side rearward screw was interfering with the placement of the key. It works fine with just two screws.
Once you know the rig is going to work for you, you could cut the key shaft off of the key body before gluing it in there. That way if someone is trying to bust into the thing, they won't find the key waiting for them in there

Thanks a bunch everyone!!!

 

[Flash]

take your one chipped key to ACE and have them cut you a couple of non chipped keys. take your chipped key and glue it inside your steering column right next to the transceiver. personally i have purchased new chipped RF keys on ebay for around $10 and had my Ford dealer cut and program them for $45, but if you want cheap, go with open #1 .

Brilliant!

 

[Flash]

Once you know the rig is going to work for you, you could cut the key shaft off of the key body before gluing it in there. That way if someone is trying to bust into the thing, they won't find the key waiting for them in there

That's what I was going to suggest but I read to the end of the thread before I opened my yap.

I used to work in a prison and because I used to own one of the most easily stolen cars ever made I asked a few car thieves how they did it, it almost always involved pulling the steering shaft shroud off.

1978 Holden Torana Hatchback. I could get into it and start it with no tools.