Reprogram Key

[Drcdc]

1998 Explorer Sport. Diag computer says need to reprogram the key so can start the car. How is the key reprogramed? Thanks

 

[koda2000]

it must be done at Ford or by a locksmith with the right equipment. what happened prior to this happening?

the key has an RF chip in it and the steering column has a transceiver that reads the key. the PCM is programmed to recognize the key's code. if it is not recognized, the truck will crank but not start. this is handled by PATS (passive anti theft system) which began in '98.

 

[Drcdc]

Thanks. It was a real surprise. Just wouldn't start. Don't know what happened!
Probably will have to get the locksmith if my mechanic can't do it. Thanks again.

 

[koda2000]

Thanks. It was a real surprise. Just wouldn't start. Don't know what happened!
Probably will have to get the locksmith if my mechanic can't do it. Thanks again.

it doesn't make sense that it just happened out of the blue. it could actually be a bad transceiver or even a PCM problem and have nothing to do with the key itself. when this happens the THEFT light should be flashing faster than it's usual roughly every 2 seconds.

 

[rb142]

It depends. There could be a problem with the key itself in addition to the receiver and other things (like wiring problems). Is this the only key or do you have another one that works? (If you have one working key, you can reprogram them yourself.)

 

[2000StreetRod]

need 2 good keys

You need two functional PATS keys in order to program additional ones. That's why is always best to have three good keys.

 

[koda2000]

It depends. There could be a problem with the key itself in addition to the receiver and other things (like wiring problems). Is this the only key or do you have another one that works? (If you have one working key, you can reprogram them yourself.)

you need 2 working keys to program another key. it sounds like the OP only has 1 non-working key. if you have 1 working key you can get it cloned, but that's not really any cheaper to do. my Ford dealer has made/programmed several keys for me for $45. i bought the keys off ebay for much less than what Ford gets for them ($25). i think i paid $17 for an RF key and 2 new remotes with free shipping.

 

[rb142]

Yeah, you guys are right -- Two keys, not one. Must have been thinking about something else.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

See if the non-working key has writing that says
"Battery Inside". If so, then it's a cloned key and
the battery may have discharged...