Today, in the most absent minded way possible, "lost" my 2004 F-150 key and entry remote while running an errand. (I swear for the life of me, if my head wasn't attached...) I've read enough on these boards to know what this will cost me to replace the key and remote. Because I never had a third key made, I need to get a new key from the dealership. So...

I take my only key to the dealer and have them "erase" the current programming and reprogram it, along with the new key they will be providing me. Because I also "lost" the entry remote, I need to replace it. I have the information on how to program a remote. But my concern is this: if someone has my "lost" keys, where does that leave me security wise?

With newly programmed keys, will this render the "lost" key useless? I don't see any reason as to why the "lost" key couldn't open the car doors and the tailgate.

Outside of replacing ALL of the key-related components (ignition, manual door locks, and tailgate), what other options do I have?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I wouldn't worry.
What are the odds that the person who found your key fob is a crook and will run across your truck and open it up?? That person would have to try every Ford product in the parking lot before they found the right vehicle. They would be obvious to security guards.
Actually, I just looked at mine (97 F250) and my wifes (2002 Mustang) remotes and niether say they belong to a Ford product.

I'd bet it was run over by another vehicle and crushed.
Or, maybe a good citizen picked them up and turned them in where ever they was lost.

I haven't lost any keys but I know the remote for my '97 F250 cost me 30.00 to replace and 75.00 to reprogram.


Now, if you were driving an early 90's Nissan Maxima with the touch pad entry system I could open it up in 15 seconds. Trunk and windows too. I know the factory override code.
But I'm no thief.

 

The key will cost about $20 and the programming will cost about $30. Follow these proceeders for the remote and it will make the remote you lost useless for your truck.


How to reprogram your keyless entry remote controls (97-up)

It is necessary to have ALL (maximum of four-original and/or new) of your remote transmitters available prior to beginning this procedure

To program the transmitters yourself:

Insert a key in the ignition and turn from 3(Off) to 4(On) eight times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds) with the eighth turn ending in the 4(On) position.
The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that programming mode has been entered.
Within 20 seconds, program a remote transmitter by pressing any button on a transmitter. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that the remote transmitter has been programmed. (If more than 20 seconds pass before pressing a remote transmitter button, the programming mode will exit and the procedure will have to be repeated.)
Repeat the previous step to program additional remote transmitters. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that each remote transmitter has been programmed.
When you have completed programming the remote transmitters, turn th ignition to 3(Off) or wait 20 seconds. Again the doors will lock/unlock to confirm programming has been completed.
That's it!

 

when they reprogram your keys it will erase all old key codes. so only your new keys will start the engine. but your old key would still open doors and tailgate.
when you or they reprogram your transmitters it will erase the old transmitter codes so they wont be able to find your truck by pushing the panic button.

and maybe you will find them then you can program the 3rd key and transmitters for spares.

 

Thanks lees99f150 for thr procedure.

You mean I paid 75.00 for that????

 

i bought a 2nd remote on ebay for $10. you can get most for between $10 - $20 shipped. programming is FREE if you do it yourself.

 

Pardon the intrusion, I recently purchased a used 97 F150 XLT. It came with no keyless remotes.

Did this year have this option ?

Would the cycling of the ignition to enter programming mode work, that was explained earlier, if this option where not available ?

What year(s) remotes are cross compatible ?

Thank you for your time...
Clark

 

Toban
Try the procedure for programing. If the locks cycle, then you have the remote feature and can get the remotes and program them.

 

i have a similar problem to toban. my truck came with a single non ford key, and a non ford keyless entry remote. the remote is junk, i pulled it apart and a part of the chip kinda fell off and rolled around on the counter but i have no clue where it came from and it dont work.
what i wanna know is where can i buy a ford keyless entry remote for a reasonable price. ford wants $60 and i told the guy the hell with that, thats more than a tank of gas!

where should i look for one? i called aspen sound, they dont have a remote that would work with my stock system, and i called spalding autowrecking and they told me id have to come dig thru a box full of them lol.

 

Well, last 4 remotes, i got from eBay after double checking what type and the proper numbers for them, took about 2 weeks of searching but I found them, paid roughly the price of 1 from the stealership for all 4 off of ebay w/instructions.

As to testing the cycle key thing, i was unsuccessful, either i performed the key on off incorrectly or i just don't have the option. Nutz...

 

Just my two cents here, but I picked up two remotes from a used car dealership for $5.00. They had a bowl full of them, and I just picked out two that I knew would work on my Expedition.

 

AS a retired locksmith, the old key will still work, but will not start your vehicle. If you are still worried, take it to a Locksmith. and they can rekey the old locks without you having to buy new ones. I personally would not worry about it. Hope this helps. Jimmy