I posted the following in the V8 section, but have had no response, which makes me think this might be the more appropriate venue (apologies in advance for the duplication)
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I have an '01 Lightning that has an autologic 4-way chip.

I have only one key and wonder if I go to the dealer's (they've quoted me $48 to reprogram for a second key)
whether there's going to be any programming problems.

Anyone know for sure (from experience):

Will the PATS-programming process operate without problem(s) with the chip still in? I don't want to have to remove the chip unnecessarily.

TIA,

Jeff

 

I just asked Bill, and he says that the PCM isn't affected by any PATS programming operations -- only the PATS module and/or instrument cluster are affected.

Hope it helps!

 

Very groovy, Chick!! Thanks!

Jeff

 

Jeff, if you're getting a "true" second PATS key for $48, and not just a copy of the one you have, I think you are getting a DEAL!

With two (non-copy) keys, you can create several more on your own, as long as you have the "blanks". But, if you're just getting a copy, you still won't be able to program your own.

One of the first things I did when I got my truck was to create a third unique key so that I'd always have two in case of a loss.

- Jack

 

Yep, it's a pretty good deal. I called around to local dealerships. First was $65, second was $52, and third was $48. Each was based on my supplying the second key, cut.

Local Ace H/W, when I asked them how much they'd charge to cut a key that I provided (I explained it was a transponder key which they don't carry), said, "We'll do it for free."

When I bought the truck (used) several years ago, it came with only one key. Naively, I went to the dealership here and said I'd like a second key. At that time the process, with their supplying the key, was $150!! I decided I'd take real good care of the single key 'til either I sold the truck or the price came down; the price came down.

I picked up a couple keys on Ebay for $20 (and $3 shipping). After the low-cost dealership reprograms the first two, I'll try out the user procedure on the third.

Jeff

 

Update:

I took the one newly cut key to the dealership. Gave the service guy the original key and the newly cut key. He directed me to the customer waiting room, indicating the laptop hookup, reprogramming, etc. would take less than 30 minutes.

About 10 minutes later he came into the waiting room and asked me if I'd modified the truck. Told him it had been chipped. "Ah,
that explains it," he said.

I asked him what he meant. He said the tech told him the software is telling him the truck is a Mazda Courier!!!!!!!!

We went out to the service bay, pulled the piggyback chip, and in 30 seconds the tech said, "I'm in!"

I asked, "So does the 30-minute clock start restart from zero?" He said, "I'll be done in 10 minutes."

He was. I was charged $45. I've since programmed the third key, so all is good.

Just wanted to let folks know that if you're chipped, you may have to do like I did (pull the chip) before the dealer's software can communicate with the PCM. In deference to Groovy Chick, while the dealer's PATs process doesn't touch the tune, it does require communication with the PCM.

Jeff

 

After I injured my PCM while extracting the chip during a tuning session it would not start. I went home and picked up my replacement PCM. Needless to say it was not programmed to work with my instrument cluster so the tuner had to disable the PATS through the chip programming. Some of the more modern Locksmiths now have the hardware/software to reprogam keys and PATS.


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