Replacement Keys

[cpurick]

My used 2000 Sport (deluxe w/ keyless remote and keypad on door) only came with one key/remote pair.

If I reprogram the keypad I can do without the second remote fob, but I need at least one extra ignition key for peace-of-mind.

Is this as simple as having a copy made, or is there an immobilizer system in the ignition switch that requires electronically-coded keys? Do I need the dealer's assistance to create new keys?

 

[TheJackal]

A 2000 will have the PATS specially-coded key. You'll need to have a new key made, and since you only have one key you will need to go to the dealer to have this done. It was possible to program an additional key to the car but you had to have had the 2 original keys.

 

[cpurick]

Thanks. Any idea what sort of cost is involved?

 

[Gatorblazer]

I paid $125 at a dealer for our Taurus. Its not cheap, and needless to say, I am very careful about not losing my keys.

 

[garye]

you don't have to go to a dealer. a good locksmith can program the keys. don;t remember the price but it was cheaper than $125

 

[m4dc0w]

I know locksmiths up here in Canada can duplicate the keys for about $50

-mc

 

[Trebor]

my local Walmart is able to copy and program the keys for about 35 bucks last time i checked. i had to get one for my eclipse and it was so much cheaper than going to the stealership

 

[TheJackal]

you don't have to go to a dealer. a good locksmith can program the keys. don;t remember the price but it was cheaper than $125

There are some places that have a machine that can copy your existing key's security code over to the new key, but good luck finding someone with that machine.

 

[gijoecam]

Make some phone calls before having it done. You can purchase the keys on Ebay for under $20 all day long, have them cut for free at WalMart, then take said keys to a locksmith or any Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealer for programming. Call the local locksmiths and dealers in your area before taking them there. Some places will charge an hour's labor, some will only charge 1/2 hour. All my local locksmiths had the tools for programming my keys, but they all wanted an hour's labor. My dealership only charged 1/2 hour. For $36, you can guess where I took it.

As already mentioned, you must have two working keys to program a third. I had two spares, but I had apparently failed to program the extras before I lost one of the two originals.

-Joe