99 F-150 ignition/anti-theft question

praetorian · #1 09-16-2009, 01:25 PM

Howdy all. I posted this on another forum and didn't get any answers so I came to the source of all F-150 knowledge...

I am new to the forums and hope someone can help me with a problem with my truck. I have a 99 F-150 that won't start. I had 2 keys for the truck, one worked perfectly fine, the other would unlock the doors and ignition, but the anti-theft system wouldn't let it start the truck. My wife has now lost the working key and my truck has been sitting in my driveway for a month or so. When I stick the key in the ignition and turn it, the wheel unlocks and the truck turns over but the anti-theft light flashes and the engine won't actually start.

I have been told my one mechanic that it is a 10 min job to just replace the ignition switch with one that I buy from the local auto parts store. I have had another one tell me that I just need to have the local dealership reset the computer so that it will recognize my key again. I had a 3rd person tell me that even if I replace the switch, I will still have to take it to the dealership for them to program anti-theft system to recognize the new key.

I don't know who to believe. Should I just spend the $80 for the switch and hope that is all it needs? The dealership says they can't even give me price quote till they look at the truck in their shop. I am quite a distance from the Ford dealership, so haveing it towed there is something I can't afford to do right now.

Anyone with knowledge of the ignition system on the 99 F-150 who can help me out with some info?

Thanks in advance.

Robert in NC

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SSCULLY · #2 09-16-2009, 01:54 PM

Your truck has the PATS ( Passive Anti Theft ) feature.

The 2nd key might have been cut for the ign tumblers, but never programmed ( due to a missing key, requires 2 keys ).

The truck as it sits needs to have the HEC erased, and 2 new keys programmed to it.

This can be done at the dealer, or at a lock smith that does PATS work ( he would need the PATS programmer, not just a RFID key cloner ).

Try the phone book for PATS lock smiths. I find less of them around, most went to the RFID key clone method of key duplication.

I would imagine a tow to a Ford garage is going to be in order. The dealer is going to need to use the WDS / IDS computer on the truck to erase the old keys, and start with 2 new keys.

While you are spending the money, have 3 keys made, in case this happens again. With 2 programmed keys, you can have a key cut, and program the new yourself ( if it is not a RFID clone, in that case, you are good to go ).

praetorian · #3 09-16-2009, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the info....

One more quick question. If I have the one "non-working" key, can I get just it reprogrammed to the truck, or will I still have to buy the 2 new keys and have them programmed? If the latter, can I use the "non-working" key as my 3rd key?

SSCULLY · #4 09-16-2009, 03:47 PM

The 'non-working' key can be 1 of the 2 ( or as I suggested 3 ) keys to be programmed by the Ford dealer.

You will be into the dealer for 1 hour of shop time ( HEC erase and key programming ) , and they are already cutting 1 key, the cost delta is going to seem minimal to get a 3rd key.

Since you have no idea where the keys went, make sure they follow the procedure for erasing all PATS keys ( else the 2 factory keys count as the 8 total that can be programmed, and those lost keys can still start your truck ).

When they erase the HEC of all PATS keys, the first 2 keys cycled through the ignition are the ones programmed to the truck.
At this point the 3rd will be programmed following the procedure in the manual, or with the WDS/IDS ( hard way at that point IMO ).

projectSHO89 · #5 09-16-2009, 10:52 PM

..deleted...redundant

jbreaux308 · #6 10-05-2009, 11:16 PM

my ignition housing or ignition lock cylinder broke the other day. I still have 2 keys that worked but there is no hope for the housing itself because the part that actually rotated snapped off in the steering column I fished out after a 20 minute fight but now I don't know what to do. I have looked around online and most places are asking more that $115 dollars for this thing. Is there any way I can by pass the security system and make it work with a simple key to turn the electronic parts on and a push button to the starter.

I realize it may seem like I tried to steal a car, but this is actually my truck and would realy appreciate any advice on what I should do. I just dont want to spend that much money and still probably have to pay for a reprogramming from the ford dealership.

projectSHO89 · #7 10-06-2009, 09:02 AM

Have you considered buying a new cylinder and getting it pinned to match your existing keys?

jbreaux308 · #8 10-12-2009, 04:59 AM

I actually went ahead and did that I was able to find some at a fair price. as opposed to the ones on major websites that run you over $115 I found a guy on ebay who's got a shop in Georgia that will get you a new cylinder re-keyed to your key for about $36. great deal.
Wolf Security Hardware just type in lock cylinder on ebay and it should bring it up and hopefully save yall some time and money