BadAngler;

You can get keys cut from the code or duplicated from a key you already have. But you'll still have to program the vehicle's computer to your new key. There is almost an infinite number of transponder code possibilities. The chance of getting two alike is as close to zero as you can get.

To program the new key into the computer, insert the first original into the ignition, turn it to the "on" position, turn it off and remove. Within five seconds insert the second original and repeat the procedure. Within five seconds insert the new key and repeat the procedure again.

As a footnote, I've programed a few where the vehicle would not start immediately. I believe this is a delay in the computer and not in the key. If this happens wait a minute or two then try the new key again. I haven't been able to come up with an explanation from the authorities on the subject as to why this occures. This only happens occasionally. I assume the computer is in the process of storing the info from the transponder and until it finishes the vehicle won't start. Sounds good anyway!

There are more posts at Safety & Maintenance under Security Keys I think. These are a few months old so do a search to locate them quickly.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

slapshot;

The answer to your question is basically, you're hosed.

Not only do you have to fork out the dough to have this key programmed into the vehicle's computer, but every key from here on. You see, you need the two "original" keys to do the programming without the use of the special diagnostic tool. Of course you can buy the diagnostic tool yourself to the tune of between two and three G's, depending on who you buy it from. Not an option for most.

Isn't technology glorious!!!!

Man, I would hate to be your wife after you read this! After you're done, please send my condolences. LOL

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

My wife has my 2nd key on her chain - I better make sure it's still there and take it back before she does anything silly.

When I bought my truck, the salesman told me when they put the PATS in the mustang, it reduced thefts by like two thirds, so at least there is an upside to this new technology.

 

I need some help here.....after shelling out $22.50 for a new key today, I brought it home and read the directions for programming the key. They are easy to do, but I only have 1 key, my *$#@&*% wife lost hers, and it says that 2 are required. I tried it 3 times with the one that I have and it did not work. Am I screwed into paying my local dealer ANOTHER $54 (1 hr labor)to get this done????
How do they program the system with only 1 key???

Thanks in advance!!!

 

dirt bike dave;

Better yet, go ahead and have two duplicates made, program them in and put the two originals in your trusty safe! Use and loose the dup's. It'll cost you less in the long run.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

Luckily, I got out of it a little cheaper....I found another local dealer who could do it today, and they ONLY charged me $30 to reprogram the entire system. While I was there I got a 3rd key, JUST IN CASE!!!!
So, $74 later, I know have 3 operational keys!!!

 

Thanks to this thread I just saved myself $150. My local dealership (Sound Ford, Seattle) was quoting $100 for EACH extra key, programmed and cut. Another dealership, Millenium Ford, directed me to a local locksmith and he provided two keys, cut, for $25 each. I went home and programmed the keys exactly as the instructions in my girlfriends Explorer manual said.

Before I programmed them though, I tried starting the truck with one of the unprogrammed keys. The engine turned over, but would not start. The manual said to wait a minute and then do the program sequence. I did so and everything worked fine on the first try.

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White '98 XL,Reg Cab, 4x2, Long Bed, V6, Auto, Lund Interceptor Deflector, Extang Saber Tonneau, F150online.com SuperWhite Bulbs, Airaid FIPK with K&N Filter.

 

One other thing - the locksmith said there are more than two versions of P.A.T.S. at Ford. He claims there are about five different versions. He also said when getting the extra keys to stay with the "Strattec" aftermarket brand. Other aftermarket brands such as ILCO have been having problems like the chip falling out. He claimed that Strattec invented the system and to stay with them.

Another note - he also said the new system on the Ford Focus is way different. The P.A.T.S. system on this car has some European gimmicks to it and is much harder to program yourself. In fact, he was going to be taking a class on how to program the keys in the next several weeks.

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White '98 XL,Reg Cab, 4x2, Long Bed, V6, Auto, Lund Interceptor Deflector, Extang Saber Tonneau, F150online.com SuperWhite Bulbs, Airaid FIPK with K&N Filter.

 

98fword, are you *****tin' me?

If you loose one original key then you will NEVER be able to program a key yourself??

What if you get lucky and find the original?

Also, isn't there a way where they can go in and clear all the codes? If so, then could you not get two keys w/ the same code, program those into the 'puter and trick the vehicle into thinking that the new keys are the originals?

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• 1999 Super Cab XLT
• Windsor 5.4 complete w/ Piston Slap at no extra charge (Thank you very much)
• 3.55 Ratio L/S
• White/ Grey interior
  MODS
• Intake Silencer Removed
• LoJack Anti-Theft System
• Bug Deflector
• Aluminum Tool Box
• 2 Bull Ring Retractable Tie Down's
• Bed Mat
• Class III Receiver Hitch
• CCA Redfish Decal
• TTMB Sheepshead Decal

madams@ev1.net

 

You can use any 2 programmed keys to program an additional key. You do not need the original. All the Pats module knows is what key codes to recognize to let the vehicle start. It does not recognize any "original" keys. As long as you have two keys, you can program I think up to 16 others. If the keys are lost, you may want to have their codes erased from the Pats module. For this you have to have the dealership enter security access with either SBDS, WDS, or NGS, and erase all key codes. Then they will individually program in all they keys you have. If you ever do find the lost keys all you have to do is perform the 2 key trick, and you'll reprogram it.

Oh, and 99 and 00 trucks,the Pats module is located in the hec. They have a "new" hybrid electronic cluster, which contains the pats system.

Hope this helps.

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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Ford hvy dty rubber floor mats, Kenwood 10-disk cd changer, Kenwood am/fm cassette head unit, Ford bugshield, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar with 2 KC 100w Daylighters, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, Lund Premier tonneau cover, cab and bed professionally undercoated, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)




[This message has been edited by Sycoholic (edited 04-27-2000).]

 

I stand corrected. When the second generation P.A.T.S. systems came out in 1998, I was told you had to have both "original" keys to do the programming without special equipment, by a less knowledgable source than I deal with now. I haven't had any reason to question that statement until now. Well, due to discussion in this thread I decided to verify that information before I stuffed any more of my foot in my mouth! For the record, my sources informed me that you *do not* need both *original* keys to do the programming without the special equipment. You do need two keys that have already been programmed into the vehicle. I have not personally verified this. But I will at the very first opportunity.

I apologize for any confusion my earlier statement may have caused.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes!!!!!

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, Airaid, 80/100w German head lamps. Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount. Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries. Torsion bars cranked up 2 turns. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

You can buy a blank key on ebay for like $12 and it is a ford key, then get it cut. IF, you have the 2 original keys you can program more, if not, then to a dealer it is. I only got 1 key with my truck and had a guy at my Mom's work (Hertz rental car) use their PATS programmer to make it program the key. Also, way to dig up an over 9 year old thread, lol.

 

ok, what do you guys think about this.
I have one good key. I want a duplicate but the dealer wants $30 for the key and $99 for the programming. what if I go to the hardware store and make copies of my transponder key on regular non-transponder keys. then I take my key and hide it somewhere inside my truck and use the regular keys to turn the truck on and off. my transponder key would be remain hidden inside the truck at all times. anyone know what is the max distance that transponder key can be from the steering colowm?

 

You can get your own key and have it cut for cheaper than $30 but the dealership will have to program it to the truck. So you basically want to disable the PATS by keeping a key near it to disarm the system right? I see a couple of problems with this: 1) the distance is a few inches and if it is that close it makes it very easy for a thief to steal the vehicle while popping the ignition cover off to work on the truck, then poof the find a perfectly working key and drive off. 2) The insurance company in this case will not be too happy to find out your only working key was tied to the ignition, they may not pay off on the claim. I only warn of this because I know a girl who's lifted Titan was stolen and she had 3 working keys, but lost one a few weeks before in the ocean while swimming. The insurance made her mom, boyfriend, herself etc all sign affidavits and basically testify they did not have the key and the truck was stolen without assistance. It supposedly took much longer to get the money because the insurance company assumed she was trying to scam them.


Moral of the story, pay for a new key yourself and have the dealership program it. Any other near-by dealers willing to program it for free or cheaper?

 

I would agree.

Check prices, and take the hit now. Also while you are at it, have 2 additional keys made, vs just the 1.

This way when they erase the HEC, and perform the procedure for no keys programmed,
1. The missing key will no longer work
2. You will have 3 keys, so if you loose another one, you can get one cut and programmed yourself.

The only other option is to have a locksmith that can programm keys make a copy of your key.
This will be the same RFID as the one you have, so no ability to program a new key, but you won't be out of luck if you loose that one.

The procedure you are describing in your post is what the cheaper remote starts do. You can pull the ign switch, remove the PATS antenna, and tape the 2 together, and use normal keys.
Keep in mind, this is voiding the PATS, so your immobilizer credit ( if any ) on your insurance needs to be thought about.