Key for '01 Mustang

The PATs transponder key is only needed for the ignition..... What you're thinking may sound like a good, "cheap" idea but what happens if it's the programmed key that is lost or misplaced? I always recommend that my customers have a minimum of 3 programmed keys available. This keeps the dealer tech and the scan tool out of the loop should a key be lost or damaged (there-by keeping the costs about as low as they'll get).

From my side of the fence, $140 doesn't sound terrible (takes about a half hour or so if a guy doesn't miss a programming cue, the scan tool we use is a tad spendy to be using for free and, of course, there is the price of the key blank) but you can probably shop around and find it a bit cheaper. Some locksmiths have capabilities but check their credentials.

HTH

Check with your local locksmiths, I found one in my area who has a Ford diag computer and he re-programs the PATS for $25 plus the cost of the key blanks.

As Jim says the programming is just for the ignition, you can have non-programmed keys cut for just the doors, but it won't start the car. My wife lost one of my keys and I had another pair cut and programmed; later she found it the lost key and now it's only good to unlock the doors as re-programming cleared all the prior PATS keys from the car computer.