Whats with the ignition keys

[mitchevans]

Hi i just bought a 98 XLT 5.0 three days ago and i only have one key. I read the manual and it said that theres something special about the key and any regular copy wont turn the truck on. i was wondering 1. if this is true or not and 2. how much does a new key cost and would i have to go to a dealership for it.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Welcome to the site. The special keys have a computer chip in them so the car can't be hotwired conventionally. You will have to go to a dealer and have them scan the computer to program a new key. Get 2 keys. They should cost around 15. If you have 2 working keys you can program them yourself, so you should always start with three. Call a few of the local locksmiths, they can sometimes do it cheaper than a stealership.

 

[mitchevans]

Thanks ill do that. ive always had chevys so im new to the ford company all together.

 

[Sheriff]

I just went through this entire routine myself. Since I only received 1 key when I recently purchased a 1999 Explorer Limited AWD, I had to have a second key programmed at the dealership. They had to hook the Explorer up to the computer to program it.

After that, and since I now had 2 working keys, I bought a 3rd and 4th key off eBay. With two working keys now in my posession, I could program the 3rd and 4th key myself, which I did.

As long as I keep and maintain at least 2 working keys now, I will never have to have it hooked up the computer at the dealership again and pay their fees to program any keys.

The best source to buy replacement keys, in my opinion, is this guy on eBaY... his keys are quality keys. And they program extremely well. Just take a look at his 100% good feedback with over 10,000+ sales.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-98...ryZ40016QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Sheriff]

ps - I also bought 2 extra key fobs to attach to my 3rd and 4th key. So I now have 4 complete sets of programmed keys and programmed fobs.

I would recommend this to anybody with a Ford product. Get extra keys and fobs before you lose keys and get down down to one key in your posession. Once you are down to one key, you're screwed.

 

[mitchevans]

thanks for the advice. ill probably end up doing what you did. is it pretty easy to program the keys yourself?

 

[btexpress]

This feature is not exclusive to Ford, many makes have had chipped keys for a long time. It is ia security feature. The procedure for programming your own keys should be in the owners manual.

 

[Sheriff]

thanks for the advice. ill probably end up doing what you did. is it pretty easy to program the keys yourself?

Very easy.

Insert programmed #1 key in ignition and turn to ON position for one second. Remove.

Insert programmed #2 key in ignition and turn to ON position for one second. Remove.

Inset 3rd unprogrammed key in ignition and turn to ON position for one second. Turn ignition off and wait 10 or 15 seconds. The key should now start the Explorer.

Repeat above procedure for key #4, key #5 or as many as you like.

 

[Sheriff]

And here is the official instructions from my Owner's Manual:

1. Place first already programmed key in the keyway. Turn the ignition from OFF to ON(RUN) for at least 1 second and then switch to OFF.

2. Within 5 seconds, insert the second already programmed key in the keyway. Turn the ignition from OFF to ON(RUN) for at least 1 second and then switch to OFF.

3. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition lock cylinder to OFF, insert the new key into the keyway. Turn the ignition from OFF to ON(RUN) for at least 1 second and then switch to OFF.

The theft indicator light should go on for three seconds, after which the key will start the vehicle. Repeat this process, from the beginning, for each new key to be programmed.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, you must have two working keys to program a third. Get the replacement blanks off Ebay, have them cut at WalMart (They usually do it for free) and call around. Most locksmiths can program them (if they do automotive keys) and the charges will vary. All the local locksmiths wanted an hour's labor at $85 to do mine. The local dealer wanted 1/2 hour at $35. Guess where I went?

 

[Green68]

I only got one key when I bought the Mountaineer. Today I went to a local locksmith. He cut a new key and programmed it for $55.00 and he supplied the blank. I bought another blank and had him cut it for $20.00. I will try the procedure to program that one myself now that I have two working keys.