I can't believe all the security

[tomwom]

This is the newest vehicle (2002) I've bought in a long time and can't believe all the security stuff. It came with only 1 key so I was shocked to find out it would cost me $100.00 to get a new one made.

Is there any way to disable all this security stuff so I can get a cheaper key?

Thanks.

P.S. With all that said, I do love this vehicle so far!

 

[Exploderpilot]

You can probably modify your steering column to install a lock cylinder from an older truck, but i'm not even positive about that.

 

[Donner]

????

This is the newest vehicle (2002) I've bought in a long time and can't believe all the security stuff. It came with only 1 key so I was shocked to find out it would cost me $100.00 to get a new one made.

Is there any way to disable all this security stuff so I can get a cheaper key?

Thanks.

P.S. With all that said, I do love this vehicle so far!

You just bought a new vehicle and for a $100.00 key you would disable ALL the security? Pay $100.00 or put the vehicle at a higher risk for theft? This is logical? Search stolen vehicles. Do what you need to, but it doesn't sound like a reasonable decision.

 

[tomwom]

You just bought a new vehicle and for a $100.00 key you would disable ALL the security? Pay $100.00 or put the vehicle at a higher risk for theft? This is logical? Search stolen vehicles. Do what you need to, but it doesn't sound like a reasonable decision.

Yes I would, in a heart beat. Believe it or not, where I live people still leave their keys in the ignition and don't bother to lock the doors in their homes at night. Heck, when ever we go to town we leave the house unlocked.

 

[Charlie]

Yes I would, in a heart beat. Believe it or not, where I live people still leave their keys in the ignition and don't bother to lock the doors in their homes at night. Heck, when ever we go to town we leave the house unlocked.

I leave a key in my ignition, but I lock my doors

 

[Donner]

Understood...

Yes I would, in a heart beat. Believe it or not, where I live people still leave their keys in the ignition and don't bother to lock the doors in their homes at night. Heck, when ever we go to town we leave the house unlocked.

I leave a key in my ignition, but I lock my doors

They do that around here too, and in NE No CA, same thing... but the key, it's a security feature you never have to fiddle with. It's just quiet and helps keep your vehicle yours... We don't leave doors open at night though, it would be nice to not think about those things, just leave home and come back w/o issues... nice!

 

[tomwom]

Yea, I know you're right about the key. It's just that I've never had this much technology in a vehicle before and I got to wondering why they had to add all this stuff. I'm sure I'll go and get a key, but I sure wish sometimes it was like the old days.

 

[Donner]

Exactly... windows open at night, no problems...

We didn't really start having issues until people started stealing gas in the 70s... then car alarms were born, from there American car parts became a luxury item in other countries, car alarms were redesigned... the Club and other things came about, that stuff failed... carjacking became the next big thing, the gps tracers failed because these thieves just stripped the cars down in an hour or less... and now security has to be stealthy... Ask about the PATS, they're getting around this too... it's rough.

But the simple things still help, locking lug nuts, no more pop up door latches (thieves put hangers in there and just opened the door, that option is gone now) etc...

 

[drliu]

(1) finding a way to disable the security features may cost more time/money than getting additional keys.

(2) if you have to spend $$$ to get the second key and have it programmed, you might want to spend additional $20 or so to get a third one. That means even if you lost one, you still have two keys -- minimum # of keys to program additional key(s) by yourself

(3) you can get two blank keys from eBay for about $30 and let the ford dealer cut one of them and program it with your original key (should not cost more than $50); or you can find a locksmith to do it. With two programmed keys, you can program the third one by yourself (refert to owner's manual or ask how here and we can help). You don't need the dealder to cut and program the third one, or they will charge you a lot more. Get the third one cut any where you want for a couple dollars. You can program the third one youself in a minute or so.

(4) If you lost one, get another blank key from eBay, and cut it and program it yourself. You don't want to go back to the situation you are in now again.

 

[muzzymaniac]

This is the newest vehicle (2002) I've bought in a long time and can't believe all the security stuff. It came with only 1 key so I was shocked to find out it would cost me $100.00 to get a new one made.

Is there any way to disable all this security stuff so I can get a cheaper key?

Thanks.

P.S. With all that said, I do love this vehicle so far!

Same problem I had with my 04. Call the local locksmiths someone will have the equipment to program the second key. Mine cost $50+tax and 15mins of time. The dealer did indeed want $100. Keys3 -8(I think you can do 8) can be done yourself. Get the keys off Ebay and have them cut at HD or Lowes etc.

 

[tomwom]

Thanks to all for your suggestions, much appreciated. I think I'm going to like this forum.