Replacement Keys...

[Bera's Explorer]

Hello everyone.

Was stumbling online and found this forum. I've recently acquired a 199 Explorer XLT V8 with 80K miles. It's been well taken care of by my sister, and now it's been passed onto me.

The only known problem I have with it now is the EGR Valve needs replacing, which i intend on doing this weekend. I only receieved 1 key with the car, so when I wanted to make a replacement key at Home Depot, they told me I would need a special chipped key. Does anyone know where I can get one for cheap, rather than going to the STEALER and getting stiffed?


Also, what problems should I be made aware of with this car? Anything special I should know about? TIA

 

[gijoecam]

The short answer to the key issue is you're screwed. You can pick up a PATS-equipped key on Ebay fairly cheap, and WalMart will cut them for free. Programming it, on the other hand, is going to be difficult. You MUST have two working keys to program a third. Otherwise, you must take it to either a dealer or a locksmith with the equipment to program the PATS system to the new keys.

As a general rule of thumb, always have three keys programmed. That way, if you lose one, you can program in additional keys as necessary.

-Joe

 

[xFatcatx]

Just wanted to stress on the fact that you need a chipped key. When I first got my truck I just went and had some normal keys made to save some money.....bad idea. It caused a bunch of problems. Just fork out the $70 or whatever to the dealer and save yourself some headache.

 

[steveatthebeach]

Just wanted to stress on the fact that you need a chipped key. When I first got my truck I just went and had some normal keys made to save some money.....bad idea. It caused a bunch of problems. Just fork out the $70 or whatever to the dealer and save yourself some headache.

I went and had a "basic" key made, and I hide it under the vehicle should I ever lock my keys in there by mistake. Since I only use it to open the door, there is never any problems with the electronic system.

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto, buy the keys from eBay for $10 or so, then you need two which work to program others. Without two, a machine is required to remove all key programming, and to add them back anew. Good luck,

 

[xFatcatx]

I went and had a "basic" key made, and I hide it under the vehicle should I ever lock my keys in there by mistake. Since I only use it to open the door, there is never any problems with the electronic system.

Yah I have the keypad on my drivers door, it screwed that up to. It didnt work for about 2 months, I had to hold my chipped key in there for about 5 seconds before the door would open after using the reg. key.