Is this a chip key?

[frankjc]

Is this a chip key? Ace hardware says it is. I really don't know.

 

[waskly]

it is.

 

[techieman33]

You can get them on ebay for a few bucks, and if still have at least 2 keys you can program them yourself. You can also use a fusion key/fob all in one. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196414&highlight=fusion+key

 

[frankjc]

Thanks! I may call the Ford dealer soon. Are there instructions somewhere? I work at a Toyota dealer, we have a key machine that can cut it if I get the blanks. We charge an hour to code keys.

 

[imp]

Thanks! I may call the Ford dealer soon. Are there instructions somewhere? I work at a Toyota dealer, we have a key machine that can cut it if I get the blanks. We charge an hour to code keys.

Since you know about key-cutting, a "tip-off" I've noticed (at least on Ford keys) is that the "Chip keys" use less tumblers in the lock cylinder. Note by your pic, the key appears to have 5 tumbler spaces. All my Chip keys had 5, whereas the non-chip type always had 6 (or even more). imp

 

[BigRondo]

Thanks! I may call the Ford dealer soon. Are there instructions somewhere? I work at a Toyota dealer, we have a key machine that can cut it if I get the blanks. We charge an hour to code keys.

I assume you are looking for instructions for programming a third key. As previously stated, you must have 2 working keys in order to program another key yourself. If you need an Owner's Manual Dead Link Removed.

Here are the instructions from my owner's manual for programming a key. Sorry about the size but I wanted to make sure you could read it:

 

[Judochop]

I just bought one of those switchblade style 4 button fobs and I got it cut at a locksmith and programmed it myself in under 5 minutes. It's pretty sweet, I have been playing with the switchblade trigger thing all day.

Only problem I had with it was the blank blade is really long and it took the locksmith guy a bit to figure out that you can cut the key while the fob is bent. That helped it out some.