Ignition key cutting..

[Dave.jj]

Hi... Can anyone in the UK tell me where I can get a new key cut. I have the blank, but I need to get it cut and chipped. Is it a trip to Ford or do you know of anywhere else?
I have been to my local keycutting shop but they say they cant do the 98' Explorer, as the chip code changes each time it is used.

 

[celly]

You can get the key cut ANYWHERE that cuts keys. Being in the UK, it might be more of a challenge. To program a PATS key yourself, you need two other PATS keys programmed to your Explorer. If you only have one key, the dealer has to do it which can get pricey.

I got my keys cut at Walmart, and programmed them msyelf. It's dead easy to do. Here are the instructions I followed:

---------------------------------------
Programming Explorer Key
---------------------------------
If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**

1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.

3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.

4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.

5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.

6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5

 

[mctoy]

Yes-CELLY is correct, if you already have 2 factory keys, you can program others easily. If you only have one you MUST have it programmed. I found a mobil locksmith here in the states that met me in a parking lot, sold me the PATS key, cut, and programmed it, all for $50. Keep trying other locksmiths. Call a used car lot, and find out who they use. Someone, (even in UK) besides Ford has the machine to do it! My local Ford dealer wanted $55 for the blank, $35 to cut it, and another $85 to program it!!!

 

[celly]

The blanks are CHEAP on eBay. I think I paid 2 for $15 from a place and he only charged a buck or two to ship to me in Canada.

 

[Dave.jj]

Hi Guys,... Yes I got my blank from Ebay, But I only have one key so that option is out.. but when I get this one done I can at least now do another myself.
Looks like I will have to try some other locksmiths or the like, as Ford have quoted me £15 to cut it and then up to £100 to programe it..... Grrrrrrrrrr

 

[celly]

There is nothing unusual about getting it cut. The Walmart near me actually cuts keys for free if you provide your own blank. I got 4 done.

Yes, once you have two keys, you can program future keys on your own.

 

[Eneurb]

100 pounds to program?? I hope they make you breakfast in the morning. We charge 29.95 (cdn) for the key, and 19.95 (cdn) for programming or no charge if you have 2 working keys. Reading some of these posts makes me feel that I work for one of the few reasonable dealers on the planet.

 

[KLUTZ]

So, where in the Toronto area, besides Ford dealers, could I get a key done for our '98 Without being fleesed? Our new truck only came with one. I too have looked at the ones on Ebay. Sounds like they are fine.

Paul

 

[Dave.jj]

It seems everything for the Explorer is expensive parts wise over here in the uk. My dealer told me that to have the key programmed I would have to book the car in and pay normal workshop rates,(god knows how long they were thinking of taking to charge me £100) which of course means I WONT be having it done there as like most people I hate to be ripped off.
I may just get it cut so at least I have a spare to get me in the car as I have been locked out once already as the doors auto locked on me.
I am going to try some more locksmiths in the area.

 

[IAmTodd]

I do believe with the '98 models you only need one key. They operate off the PATS I system. Check your owners manual for the procedure.

 

[jnealg]

on 99's you have to have 2, I went down this road last year...grrrr I will never have less than 4 keys again. $100 at the dealer!! WTF?!?! And here in the states, finding any one to cut the darn things is an act of congress! Home Depot, Lowes, and a number of other places wouldnt touch it, afraid I would sue them if the ignition was damaged with an unprogrammed key!! Walmart was the only place that would do it for me.
I was lucky enough to have a friend of a friend at the dealership to burn the first one then bought some blanks off of ebay.

 

[celly]

That's hilarious that no one with cut a key for fear of damaging the ignition. The whole security element of the key is NOT the cut itself, but the chip inside the key. The cutting itself is no different than any other vehicle. You've got to program the key to start the car. I've seen people mention getting a generic Ford key cut to stash in a hide-a-key outside your vehicle. This gets you inside the Ex, but won't start it. Then you hide a PATS key inside the car to start it.

 

[jnealg]

I think the only reason walmart would do it was because the kid didnt know what I had. She just stuck it in that automatic cutter and charged me $2 labor. I think if someone who knew what PATS was or one of the mechanics was around they might not have done it.

 

[celly]

I explained clearly what I wanted to do with Walmart. Any locksmith with any knowledge of the Ford system would do it. Fact remains, the key cut is no different than any other key cut (including your house key!). The PATS chip is a completely different process independent of the cut. The way the process works is that once the key is inserted in your ignition, the anti-theft (PATS) system looks to see if there is a chip in your key, then verifies that it's legit and then allows you to start the car. PATS has nothing to do with the physical cutting of the key. Without the chip, it's like any other Ford ignition setup pre-PATS. That's why you can use a generic non-PATS key to open your doors. PATS only works with the ignition.

 

[Howard]

As another UK owner I can tell you that our book states that you need two keys to programme a third and if you only have one then it has to be done by the dealer. I had the same situation when I got mine (only one key). The dealer ,after 4 visits, was able to cut and programme two additional keys (so that even if I broke one I would still have two) and they charged me about £120 all in. Good luck with a locksmith.