Key and remote

[Jeff00000168]

I lost my key and remote somewhere in Seattle and I went to the Ford dealership and they were asking $125 for a new Ford key and $35 for a new remote. Is this how much they really cost?

 

[gijoecam]

For the key, $20 on Ebay, free to cut it at WalMart, and free to program the key if you have two other working keys.

If it's your only key, you'll need either a dealer or a locksmith to program the key into the PATS system. Figure 1/2 hour to an hour of labor for it.

Remote programming, again, you'll need two working keys to do it yourself. They're all OVER Ebay and prices vary. Roughly $20+ for 'em.

If you need a key in a hurry, the dealer's going to be your best option.

 

[Jeff00000168]

Thanks for the tip gijoecam! I'll probably buy the PATS keys off Ebay. By the way, I found out that 97's and earlier 98's only require one key to program another. Later 98's and up require 2 working keys to program another. I found this thread on Ford Trucks Forum.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-342153-'78-low-boy/t-9292-Programming%20a%20new%20PATS%20key

How would I know if my Explorer is an early or late 98 model?

Thanks again!

 

[gijoecam]

IIRC, the pre-98s weren't equipped with the PATS system, that's why. They introduced the PATS system for the 98 model year. AFAIK, even the early 98s should have the PATS system and, therefore, the chip in the key.

-Joe

 

[Jeff00000168]

Oh ok, Thanks Joe!