Anyone purchased and successfully self-programmed a PATS key? I've heard some folks bought their keys for $20-25 from the dealer and then programmed them using the two keys already in their possession. I'd like to have a 3rd key just in case ... just trying to get it as cheaply as possible.

 

I bought one off ebay for 14 bucks had it cut for two at local ace hardware store and programed it in about 30 seconds. Works great and I don't see paying the price the local dealer is charging for the work (70 bucks here around town).

 

how do you program the key?

 

Isn't it funny, some people will spend $600 to replace an exhaust in perfect working order with another one, but if they can save $5 on a key....

 

It's in your owner's manual

Programming spare keys
A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. Only
SecuriLock keys can be used. To program a coded key yourself, you
will need two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already
operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily
accessible for timely implementation of each step in the procedure.
If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must
bring your vehicle to your dealership to have the spare coded key(s)
programmed.
Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.
1. Insert the first previously
programmed coded key into the
ignition and turn the ignition from
the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3
(ON) position (maintain ignition in
the 3 (ON) position for at least one
second, but no more than ten
seconds).
2. Turn ignition from the 3 (ON)
position back to the 1 (OFF/LOCK)
position in order to remove the first coded key from the ignition.
3. Within ten seconds of removing the first coded key, insert the second
previously programmed coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition
from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON) position (maintain
ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second but no more than
ten seconds).
4. Turn the ignition from the 3 (ON) position back to the 1 (OFF/LOCK)
position in order to remove the second coded key from the ignition.
5. Within 10 seconds of removing the second coded key, insert the new
unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition and turn the
ignition from the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position to the 3 (ON) position
(maintain ignition in the 3 (ON) position for at least one second, but no
more than ten seconds). This step will program your new key to a coded
key.
6. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat this
procedure from Step 1.
If successful, the new coded key(s) will start the vehicle’s engine and the
theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out.
If not successful, the new coded key(s) will not start the vehicle’s engine
and the theft indicator will flash on and off and you may repeat Steps 1
through 5. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your dealership to
have the new spare key(s) programmed.

 

Dusty1, we bought the exhaust off e-bay also and save a couple hundred bucks. the e-bay key saves us 10-40 bucks. I know what you are saying but every little bit helps. I too bought one of the keys and works just like new.

 

Just curious...why the extra keys?

 

Why not. I thin kit is always a good idea to have a spare to almost everything. Maybe I'm strange.

 

I've never lost a vehicle key, so I guess my mindset is on locking keys in the vehicle...a $1.50 non-PATS spare key in your wallet or hidden somewhere will address that issue.

 

RMills8,

Gordo knows I'm only poking fun. To be totally honest, I bought a third key the day I picked up the truck. Made sense to buy a key for $20 that would cost over $100 if I didn't have two to reprogram a new key.

However, saving a couple hundred bucks when you're replacing an exhaust IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER... Are you really 'saving' any $$$?



I just can't help it! This forum is fun!!!

 

Touche! Yeah, I figured Dusty1's comment was aimed at me. And, yes, it made me laugh (outloud)! It's all good!!! I'll just drown out his comments with my Borla R-U-M-B-L-E. How do you think I'm able to throw money at an aftermarket exhaust system!? I scrap and save (for years) ... $5 here, $5 there. Then, I blow it on what I really want. If Dusty1 were here, I'd buy him a beer.

Now, regarding the PATS key, I appreciate all of the comments. I do need to get a 3rd key for those potential, random emergencies. Plus, I like to keep one at my folks' house just in case they ever need to come pick up my vehicle, etc. We've always done this. Of course, it helps having my parents live in the same city. Better safe than sorry, you know!? That's why I still have a key to their house, and the garage codes to get in the homes of my siblings. You just never know when that sort of thing might come in handy.