Making a 3rd PATS key when 2 are available, what's the procedure???

[nofortunatesonII]

How do you program a 3rd key when you have 2 working keys? I need to know the procedure for a '99 Ranger. Thanks.

 

[chickenviii]

it should be, put in good key #1 turn to on poss till the theft light goes out, then put in good key #2 do the same as #1 then throw in #3 and do the same as the other 2, after the light goes out, turn key off then start with each key and let idle for 15 sec, to ensure programming

 

[nofortunatesonII]

chickenviii

Thanks for the info. Is there any other way besides using the vehicle to program another key? My ignition lock is a piece of junk, it will NOT turn backwards to the accessory position. The door locks don't work so well either. I bought used good condition locks from a salvage yard that had the key. I am trying to figure out a way to replace the ignition lock without having to go to the dealer and have them program a key for me. I was hoping that the procedure did not entail using the vehicle. Any suggestions on how to do this without paying big $$$ to the Ford dealer??? Thank-you.

 

[chickenviii]

nomatter what you will need the truck. im confussed by everything else in your post, you dont have to turn the key backwards, just to run......like when the eng is running, just dont start it.
do you meen that you have 2 keys that came with the ign cyl, and want to add another? if so you are gonna have to go to the dealer, it wont be to bad, just 1 hour ($75-$80)

 

[nofortunatesonII]

chickenviii

I am trying to replace my ignition lock because it is difficult to operate. It will turn forward to start the vehicle, but I can not turn it backwards to listen tio the radio when I am parked. I bought good condition used locks from a salvage yard to replace all my locks since the door locks don't work well either. I am trying to figure out how to replace the ignition lock without having to go to the Ford dealer to make me a new PATS key. I tried having a regular key cut for the new locks and have the PATS key near the ignition lock but that did not work and the vehicle went in to theft mode. I guess the chip key has to be in the ignition lock and not just nearby. Thank-you for the reply.

 

[aldive]

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68728&highlight=pats+key

 

[nofortunatesonII]

Al,

Thanks much for the link and info.

 

[nofortunatesonII]

Possible solution...

Since I am trying to change locks, that is the big problem. I am thinking if I remove the lock cylinder and use something else to turn the mechanism while the key is in the hole the lock cylinder fits in, maybe I will be able to program the 3rd key which is cut to fit a different lock then the other 2. We shall see... Thanks much to both of you for taking the time to help me out with this problem!!!

 

[demagent]

Answer

The way I understand your issue is this. You have a Ford that has a PATS computer, but you want to replace the door and ignition lock cylinders with lock cylinders from another vehicle.

Note that if you change the ignition lock, you will have to either change the door locks as well or have a key cut that will be compatible with the door and ignition keys. This is hard to do with Ford since their keys are only 10 cuts long and the three cuts in the middle of the key overlap. This means that the first six cuts from the tip of the key (the part going into the cylinder) are used for the ignition and the first six cuts from the head of the key (the handle that you hold) are used for the door. This creates an overlapping key system that is hard to match to a different set of locks unless you buy them altogether.

The new key system MUST use PATS keys. You can perform most of the work yourself, but you have to have the "new" keys programmed at a dealership or locksmith. To replace the ignition cylinder, you must turn the key to the run position and use a long punch type tool to insert into the hole at the bottom of the steering column just underneath the ignition switch. You should be able to push the pin in that is holding the cylinder in and pull the cylinder out by the key. Then you put the "new" ignition in the run position and slide it into the steering column. Turn the key to "off" to lock the cylinder in place.

To replace the door locks is slightly more complicated because you have to remove the door panel and then you have to remove the metal clip that holds the lock in place. This requires small hands and a lot of flexibility in some cases to be able to fit in the proper area.

Once you have the new cylinders in place and the keys are working mechanically, you have to have a locksmith (recommended) or Ford dealership program the keys to the vehicle. You will not be able to program it on your own unless you have the computer to do so. I would use a locksmith only because they normally have the ability to come to you in a van, whereas a dealership will require you to bring the vehicle to the shop. Since you can't drive the vehicle now (the new PATS key isn't programmed to the computer yet), you would have to have it towed to the dealership. Depending on the cost of towing and what the dealership would charge you to program the key, it will probably be cheaper to have a locksmith come to you and program the key with a lot less hassle and money.

 

[nofortunatesonII]

demagent...

Thank-you for the reply. I purchased all 3 locks from the same vehicle at a local salvage yard. I have changed the door locks and managed to do so without removing the door panels. I was able to raise the lock rod out of the door skin hole enough to change them. The clip that held them in was removable from the outside. I had no problem changing the ignition lock, just the PATS issue. I took the new ignition lock out and put the old one in so I could start it. I will just need to go to a locksmith or dealer as you stated and have a new PATS key made fot the replacemnet lock. I was just hoping I could do it myself and not have to pay someone to make me a new PATS key. Thanks for the help.