It is true? Key duplicate.

[aruek]

Hi guys,
you know our Sport Trac came with just one key, it is a 2004, so I need two keys to program another one. The dealer says, that I need to buy one of their keys (85 usd), pay for the cut (45usd) and let them program it (110usd)... that makes a 240 usd total (crazy)... and one more thing, they said that I need to take the car to the shop because they need to connect their computer with the car's ECU in order to program the keys.

My Q:
Do they really need the car to program another key, I understand that to test it, well, yes, but to program also? I mean, aren't they able to extract the code from the working key?? The car is 300kms away, and not highway distance from the dealer, aside, they "need" more or less 4 hours to get the job done. What do you think? Any advice??
Of course, I'm NOT buying the key, neither get it cut by the dealer, I am afraid I'm force to let them charge 110 to program it. There is no one around that can program it, aside from the dealer?

Thanks

 

[jad2411]

Yes it is true, but you can also go to a local locksmith, they can do it for less than that, you might even want to buy from ebay the keys (better to get 2 now) and have the locksmith just cut it and program it.

Read around here there are already threads about this, just search for PATS system

 

[ramren16]

i agree dont go through a dealership to get new keys they are way to expensive i remember getting a key made by the dealership once it didnt cost near as much a what your saying but it was $35. you will have to look around for a locksmith that has a programmer to program a second key the dealer is really expensive but sometimes they are the onyl ones that can do it then once you have that secont key programmed you can program more key yourself

 

[baritoneblaster]

The dealer cut and programed my key all for the $85. I had to do it there, as they were the only ones who could do it around here. It took all of 10-15 minutes with the longest part being while their computer talked to my truck.

 

[aruek]

Thanks guys, I'm not sure what to think when you say "locksmith"... anyway, I found a place where they can program the key, (I need to get it from ebay first, around 15 shipped). The thing is that they will program it for "only" 70 usd. Right now is the best I can afford, at least is not as expensive as the dealer. The big problem we have here in Panamá, is that there is ONLY ONE dealer for each car brand. So there is no competition, so no good prices. Thank you guys, I didn't know that was so complicated.

(My last option was to disassemble the steering column plastics and glue the original key inside, so I can use any duplicated key no matter it has or not the chip, Of course I'm loosing the anti-theft part, but at least there is no way I can loose the key get to have a really big garden furniture LOL)

 

[Maniak]

A locksmith is just a store that pretty much only does locks/keys and sometimes sells safes. They usually are the people that will come out when you need the locks on your house re-keyed etc..

Since you only have 1 key now.. Buy 2 keys.. Have the company program one of the new ones for you so you will have 2. Now you can program the 3rd key yourself.

You want to always have 2 keys, even after you loose one. As long as you have 2, you can program another one yourself.

~Mark

 

[jad2411]

locksmith=cerrajero

 

[aruek]

ooo. ooo. LOL ok ok... ready then, there are not to much locksmith that deals with Factory Inmobilizer security system, thanks god I found one pretty fast. Thanks guys, I'm buying 2 more keys.
Do you think I should order a FOB?

 

[Maniak]

I would.. We now have 5 fobs and 5 keys for the mustang. If we loose one I don't have to right away go buy another one.. I can wait until we lose another one.

~Mark

 

[jad2411]

If you can get the vendor to combine shipping on both keys and the FOB go for it, it'll be cheaper to get it now

 

[jamoffroad]

the cheap way is get key copied twice then take your origal key and cut off head and glue under steering colum cover then any key that is cute for the car will work... thats what the lock smith that made my key told me after i payed for copied key

 

[jad2411]

Well that's what he said in post #5....
Not sure about in Panama, but you know in the US your insurance won't pay if they find out that you disabled your pats

Edit: I they find out that you left the key in the truck, my BIL had that idea when he wanted to instal a remote starter, insurance co said no way