'99 key duplication

May 03, 2004 3 Replies

I just bought a 1999 Explorer Sport. Unfortunately, it only came with one key. I was flipping through the manual, and found out that the keys are electronically coded and that you need a special key from the dealership. Any trip to the dealer is likely to cost a lot of $$$. How much should I expect to pay for a spare key? Is there anywhere else I can go to get a duplicate key?



On a different note, is there anything special I should know about the '99 Explorer Sports? My mom has had a 95 Explorer (four doors) for a couple of years (which I've driven extensively), so I don't think there should be too many surprises.


If you've got two and need another, I'd say $25-ish. The key blanks occasionally show up on eBay for $10-15-ish and can be programmed yourself if you find someone to cut the key.

If you've just got one as you say, figure $50-100 at the dealer or a large key shop.

Since you need another, have two made. That'll give you three so if one's lost, you still can do the less expensive replacement mode.

Craig

I just got a couple of keys from my Ford dealer. They were $27.95 including cutting the key. That's the good news. The bad news is that you need 2 keys to be able to program any additional keys. If you don't have a second key you have to go to the dealer and let him collect a little blood - get into the on-board computer and program the second key. Then you can do up to 8 keys yourself.

dealership.

I called around my local dealers: The closest, which I pass everyday on my way to school: $90 Some 15 minutes away, in the center of town: $75 Next town, 2 hours away: $55

I also called two locksmiths, and they both would do it for $50. Looks like I'll be dropping by th locksmith tomorrow...

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