Chip in key?

[steadyhand]

I just got a 99 Mountaineer 5.0, Auto 2WD. I was only given one key. I went to my local Walmart to have a key cut and was told my key, the only key I have, is a PATS key and has a chip inside of it.

I was told it will cost $60 to have another key cut and programmed. I have never owned a vehicle before that had a chipped key so I know little about this.

My question is, does $60 sound about right for something like this?

Also, what happens if the ignition system ever goes bad? Will I have to get all new keys cut and programmed again?

Is there any way around this anti-theft system? Vehicle theft isn't exactly a problem in my area.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

You can get a key, and get it cut. Then Manually program it your self. just be careful when programming it though. There is a thread on this part of the forum to program it. Although $60 seems pretty cheap to program it, but the price of the key is A LOT cheaper, and you can save some cash and program it yourself.

EDIT: hers the link to the thread on how to program the key... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343860&highlight=PATS+Key

 

[steadyhand]

You can get a key, and get it cut. Then Manually program it your self. just be careful when programming it though. There is a thread on this part of the forum to program it. Although $60 seems pretty cheap to program it, but the price of the key is A LOT cheaper, and you can save some cash and program it yourself.

EDIT: hers the link to the thread on how to program the key... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343860&highlight=PATS+Key

Thanks for the reply. Well I spoke to the dealer and they said it would be $80 to get one made and their not even sure if my local Walmart can program a key for it since there is only one key right now. But the service department at Walmart says they can and have done it before.

However, due to the nature of this beast and the possible consequences if they are wrong I may just have the dealer make a 2nd key for me. Then I will order a couple more off ebay, have them cut for about $2 like a normal key and then program them myself for spares.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Blee1099]

With only one key, you won't be able to program an additional yourself or Walmart unless they have the equipment to program keys

 

[imp]

Program a Key

Programming additional keys is explained in the Owners' Manual which Ford sends with the vehicle when new.

You must have 2 keys which work in the vehicle (i.e., the 2 which came with it. You then buy a blank(s), have the teeth cut in it (them), then follow the instructions to program the additional key(s).

You can add up to 8 keys. Obviously, it is a GOOD idea to make and program at least 1 additional key, keep it in a safe place, in case of loss or breakage of one of the originals. imp

 

[Jason c]

A local locksmith will be able to program it for you. I just had a second key made for $60, programming included.

 

[SoNic67]

My wife just lost my second key... I was too lazy to cut a third one (and program it myself) so now I have to shell the same $60 for programming. Live and learn.

 

[koda2000]

$60 for a transponder key and programming sounds about right. you can not do it yourself if you only have one key. i'd go to the dealer or the locksmith and have them do it as i won't trust Walmart and if they screw it up you'll be paying for a tow to the dealership.