New keys?

[Wade Lippman]

My 99 has only one key. I would really like another.

The manual goes on about the security key, and how you need a second one to get new ones to work. Otherwise you have to go to the dealer.

It looks like an ordinary key. The security keys I have seen have had something in them to activate the system, but I don't see anything like that here. So, do I have a security key?

If so, is there anyway to get a duplicate other than a dealer (since I have only one now...)?

Thanks.

 

[Diddy74]

I think theres somthing in the manual also about progaming a new key..doesnt sound like its all the difficult to get a new one and program it....but you bring up a good point I only have one myself and god forbid....oh well

 

[Blee1099]

on a 98-01 with only one key, you will need to take it to Ford to get it programmed.

 

[IAmTodd]

It only cost me $30 to get the key programmed, plus the $8 key from Ebay cut free courtesy of Walmart.

 

[gjw02]

I was told that with only one key, that the dealer had to make and program the key. If you had 2 keys, you could do it yourself. I had the dealer make 2 keys ($40.00 each) plus an hour to do the programming. Make a long story short, 2 keys cost me $189.00. At least the next time, I'll have 2 keys and only cost $40.00 from the dealer and I can program it myself. Good luck......................

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

on my 96 i went to Ace harware and copied the key for a couple bucks and it works fine.

 

[Blee1099]

98-01 uses PATS. With one key, you can get it cut and then have Ford program it. Essentially they need to program the keys chips to accept both keys. There is nothing that requires programming in cutting the keys, any store that makes keys can cut them for you but you need to have them programmed by Ford since you only have one key.

 

[Wade Lippman]

Dealer quoted me $30 for the key, and $43 to program it. She did volunteer that after that I could do it myself.

Well, it is cheaper than one reply, and more expensive than another.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

on my 96 i went to Ace harware and copied the key for a couple bucks and it works fine.

You don't have a security key.

To answer your question Wade, you need to find a key cutting place that can program codes onto the key. Wal-Mart and many hardware stores have this capability, as well as locksmiths. Basically, the machine will read the code on your good key and duplicate that code onto the new key. Then you just cut the key like a regular one and it will work. Shouldn't cost you more than $30 TOTAL.

 

[Wade Lippman]

I will call around. Thanks

 

[wired_af]

To answer your question Wade, you need to find a key cutting place that can program codes onto the key. Wal-Mart and many hardware stores have this capability, as well as locksmiths. Basically, the machine will read the code on your good key and duplicate that code onto the new key. Then you just cut the key like a regular one and it will work. Shouldn't cost you more than $30 TOTAL.

Wal-mart couldn't do it for me. If I remember correctly it was because the keys have a Texas Instruments chip in it which is not compatable with the Wal-Mart machine.

 

[Wade Lippman]

My Walmart doesn't do any programmed keys. They say I have to go to a dealer. I'll try a locksmith on Monday.

 

[David in NC]

Some locksmiths have the equipment to program PATS keys. If you have two programmed keys, it's pretty easy to program a third, but be aware, your truck can only handle 8 keys. So if you've bought and programmed 7 keys, you can only do one more. Or the locksmith or dealer can erase the memory and start over with up to 8 more keys. He can still program your existing keys.

 

[streetsweeper]

since you must have 2 programmed keys to program a third key ,i purchased a third key when truck was new for $15.iwas going to program it myself.parts man gave me both keys,i asked him which one was programad,he said he didn't know but i would find out if i attempt to start truck with unprogrammed key.i put the key in ignition and it wouldn't start,unprogramed key.well the other key must be the one programmed so i tried it.no start.now neither key will work.i then discovered if you try to start truck with an unprogramed key,you must wait several minutes before starting truck with a programmed key.
bottom line,make sure you have three keys programmed,then if one is misplaced you will still have two keys to program the third.
you are correct that only eight keys can be programmed.
i heard the rental car companies take the chip out of the key and place it under the airbag to fool the truck into thinking a programmed key is in ignition.

 

['97 V8]

hmmm my mounty doesnt have a security key. i use my copied key all the time. 2.95 to get cut at true value. IS there a certian year that used the security key?

 

[gijoecam]

Please read.

98-01 uses PATS. With one key, you can get it cut and then have Ford program it.

Again, you need two working keys to program a third (or fourth or fifth etc). If you only have one, you must visit a shop that can program them into the PATS. SOME locksmiths have the capability, and ANY Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealer will as well.

I ran into this problem over the weekend.... I had two extra keys made years ago to supplement the two factory keys. In the intervening years, I lost one of my factory keys. I'm a single guy, so it's no big deal as I only use one key. The other day, I went to move it, but couldn't find yesterday's pants (long story) so I grabbed the spare.

No-go.

The other spare? Nope.

Apparently I NEVER PROGRAMMED THE SPARES!!!

Needless to say, I'm off to the dealership this week.

-Joe

 

[celly]

I buy PATS keys on eBay for a fraction of what a dealer charges. My local Walmart cuts them for nothing and I program them myself. It's always a good idea to have two working keys kicking around in addition to your regular ones, just in case.