I just got my 1999 Explorer Sport yesterday...

[Columbus]

Its my first car. Its a gas-guzzler, but I still like it. 1999 Ford Explorer Sport 2 Door, 80k miles, $6500. Yesterday I picked it up from the dealer and found out I had no code for the keyless entry system, but thanks to these message boards, I was able to find the hidden computer module. Thanks a bunch, guys!

I only have one key for the car, so right now my main concern is to get a spare key just in case I lose it. The manual tells the procedure for creating a third key with the Securilock system, but it says I need 2 keys first. Now, my questions are:

1) How can I tell if I have the Securilock system installed?
2) Can I just go to any keymaker and have the key duplicated, or do I need to buy a special (and probably expensive) key from Ford?
3) How exactly does this Securilock system work? Does it encode a magnetic code on the key, or is there some kind of circuitry inside the key itself?

Thanks for your help, guys, and great site!

EDIT: I found this link, but it does not state whether it is possible or not to work around this PATS system or whatever its called. MOHAWK was trying a workaround, but does not state if it worked. Will keep on searching through the forums.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=552568#post552568

 

[Hokie]

1) How can I tell if I have the Securilock system installed?

the key will be thick and you can see where the chip is inserted near where the metal part comes out of the plastic (i've never seen a '98 or newer explorer without it)

2) Can I just go to any keymaker and have the key duplicated, or do I need to buy a special (and probably expensive) key from Ford?

expensive blank from ford, or on eBay

3) How exactly does this Securilock system work? Does it encode a magnetic code on the key, or is there some kind of circuitry inside the key itself?

there's a passive chip in the key that talks to the PCM

What color is your '99 Sport? any mod plans? if you wanna see a clean '99 sport check out explorerchic's... or if you wanna see some lifted examples, check out my pics or bigger, JasonB's...

 

[Columbus]

Thanks Hokie, but will a keymaker know how to encode a blank ebay key? Can my X encode a blank key using only one original?

My X is Green, and right now I just graduated from college and I have yet to find a full-time job, so no mod plans. I guess when I have money to spare (after I pay for grad school) I'll look into a new stereo system, since most people start from there. I don't think I will be lifting or lowering it, but any other suggestions?

 

[Hokie]

Can my X encode a blank key using only one original?

There's a procedure where you program the keys yourself using the ignition. Can't remember it, but i believe its in the owners manual and i'm sure its been written up on this forum

 

[Columbus]

There's a procedure where you program the keys yourself using the ignition. Can't remember it, but i believe its in the owners manual and i'm sure its been written up on this forum

Yeah, I know about that procedure, but the thing is it requires 2 preexisting keys to do it (says so in the manual). I've been reading up in the forum and I have not found anything to confirm that I can do it with just one original key. I'm going to buy a couple of blank keys soon and try it out for myself, but first I wanted to know if anyone has successfully done it.