I have a 1997 Ford F150, my wife lost the only key that we had for it. I changed the ignition lock cylinder which came with 2 new keys, took it to the dealership to get the keys programmed, they said they couldn't do it because there were corroded wires under the dash and it wouldn't connect to their equipment, quoted $4000 to repair it because there was more wires under the dash than there is supposed to be. They could replace the wires but if they removed the extra wires there was no guarantee that the truck would run. Anybody have any ideas on that one. Can the PATS system be bypassed?

 

You don't have PATS. That wasn't put in the F-150 till 1999. Run as far away from that dealership as you can! Have you tried using the new key to start it?

 

I tried the keys and they don't start it, doesn't even turn over.

 

When you turn the key to the ON position, does everything that's supposed to come on come on?

 

Yes, everything comes on, but when I turn the key to start it nothing happens not even a click.

 

That could be the transmission range sensor (neutral safety switch) assuming you have an automatic. Hold your foot on the brake and try moving the shift lever slowly through all ranges while holding the key in the Start position. With a manual, it could be the clutch pedal switch. Have you tried jumping the relay on the firewall?

 

This is a picture of the only key that would start the truck, is this a chipped key? Because the guy at the auto parts store said that I needed a transponder key and it does not look like this one. We have two other keys that came with the truck but they don't work to start it, one is a plain metal key and the other has a larger plastic head on it. There was also a little black plastic bead on the keychain with the only key that started the truck, could that be something?

 

1997's did not have chipped keys. Not till 1999. However, you may have something aftermarket in there, and if so that's impossible to diagnose over the Internet.

 

You do not have a chipped key for your year.
Have you removed and cleaned the battery cable ends and battery terminals?
Are the cables corroded?
Is the start solenoid wiring tight?
The start lead through the TRS may be faulty.
The ignition switch may be broken.
Starter may be faulty.
You came to ask for help;here it is unless you want to listen to some one else.
Think from 1997 to now we don't know about this?

Good luck.

 

I thank everyone for all of your help. Through digging deeper through the forums I think I have pinpointed the problem. It is an aftermarket immobilizer that is installed because the keychain that had the only key that would start the truck had a little black bead on the keychain and someone else had this same issue. So I will need to find someone to disconnect this unit or figure it out myself.