lost ignition key

On Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:03:45 -0800, vanbusboy rearranged some electrons to say:

You're not really programming the keys, you're programming your truck to accept the specific key.

If you have two keys, you can program it yourself. Otherwise, I think you're going to have to pay.

They're all over e-bay for less than $20

Some, yes. You may also find an independent repair shop that can do it.

Thanks David for your reply, I find discussion groups like this very helpful because people don't have a financial interest in what they tell you. Ed

If you have only one key, you can't program a new one yourself. However, you can program the remote. Since you have only one working key, I think you'll need to go to the dealer for the key, but the remotes are available on Ebay or elsewhere on the internet for a lot less than $100 (more like $10). After you get your second working key, I'd suggest you buy a blank off Ebay (or elsewhere on the internet), have it cut at a local hardware store, and then program it yourself (the instructions are in the owner's manual).

See

for an example of a store that sell these items for less (there are many others). Ed

I work for a hardware store here in Minnesota, and we have two types of keys for the fords. One is 40 bucks and yes you need both keys to program it. But we also have one that is 80 bucks that is made just for your problem, you only need one key to program it. Check some local hardware stores or locksmiths, the key is made by ILCO. For the life of me I can't think of the actual name of the key. But its something like their "smart chip" key. Apparently when you read the original key and then program the new key it mimics the original key, or something like that, don't know exactly how it works but I've done it before for customers.

John

See

Using a special machine you can "clone" the signal of your working key. This will give you a second working key. Unfortunately this cloned key cannot be used to program another new key using the Ford procedure since as far as the car's computer is concerned it is the same key as the one it was cloned from. Also this only works for some Fords. Some newer Fords have a different system.

See also

It appears a cloned key would work for a 2004 F150.

Ed

I'm lost..... What is all this key programming, and a remote ????? Huh? When I need a key, I go to any hardware store and for about $2 they cut me a new key, and I'm on my way home.

What kind of nonsense did Ford do to make keys cost $40 or $80? That's rediculous. And what's the remote for? Or should I say remote what?

I've never owned any vehicle newer than a 1990, and after reading this, I'm glad I dont have anything newer. This sounds like another way to take people's money. If it was my truck, I'd yank out whatever they have, and install a standard key from an older truck, and that would probably cost less than their costly key.

Please explain this overpriced key. Is it made of gold, or what?

F.D.

I am assuming you are not as clueless as your post suggests.

In order to cut down on vehicle thefts most manufacturers, including Ford, are using some sort of security key on many of their vehicles. While high end thieves are still able to steal cars, lower end thieves are likely completely frustrated by the security keys used by Ford, Toyota, and others. As for the remotes, if you don't want to use them, sell them on EBay. Fords still have key locks (at least on the drivers door).

As for yanking out the ignition keylocks and replacing them with standard keylocks - this is not going to work. The Ford security keys have RFID chips that communicate directly with the PAM through an antenna in the steering column. Ripping out the keylock will not affect this feature. If you really object to the RFID Security Key, the "fix" is to break-off the "key" portion of the key, and tape the remaining head of the key inside the steering column next to the security system antenna. You can then use a hardware store cut key to operate the vehicle. Of course any teenager with a screwdriver can steal the car, but I guess that is not a problem for you.

As for being over-priced - if you don't lose your key, you can buy a security key off EBay for less than $10, have a hardware store cut it, and program the key yourself following the instructions in the Ford Owner's Guide. The $40 or $80 cost (or more) is for people who have lost one of their two original keys and no longer have the ability to program another key themselves. The remote Fobs are cheap on EBay and are easily programmed by an individual, so this should not be a big deal.

Ed