You can tell by looking at the key, if the hole for the key ring is off center - you have the chip. I don't know how true this is, but that is what the local locksmith claims.


------------------
2000 F150 Lariat 4X2 Flareside, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, 5.4 - 3.55 LS,
Harvest Gold / Wedgewood Blue

 

1st look at the top of the key for a little door. If there's a door or cover its a PATS. I went to ford and bought a non-ford blank for $8. That included cutting key but not programming. They wanted 1/2 hour labor for programing. I told to just give to me and I'll follow the instructions in my manual. I did- It worked-took about 5 minutes which included the manual reading time.

Hope this helps---Bob

------------------
99 EB Expedition 5.4L with all the perks,3.73 LS,Heated Mirrors and Seats. Everything but sun-roof. Rhino Step Bar, Ford Bug Shield,More to come...

 

That's Right Expy! I forgot about that... there are destructions to program your own key in the manual, thanks for reminding me.

 

Some members have reported that an extra key plus programming from a FORD dealership was running about $60.00+ dollars. Right...that is almost highway robbery.

When I picked up my truck..I asked them for an extra key..they also programmed it for me..and the final bill was only $24.00. Not to bad I guess.

------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99



[This message has been edited by Dustoff (edited 02-17-2000).]

 

See the posts at Safety & Maintenance under Security Keys.

Black 98, I assume you have a '98 F-150. If so, you don't have P.A.T.S.

------------------
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.

 

I got an extra key for $13, but couldn't program it using directions(I did it right ) I brought it to Ford and one of the managers tried it himself an couldn't do it,he said he had an expedition that took 13 tries before it worked,but I misplaced the key so I just make sure I don't lose my other two.

------------------
Gino Tedesco, '99 XLT 5.4l, SUPERCHIPPED, 3" Gibson catback exhaust,4x4 S/C Flareside D.wedge bl/Dk.graph, factory sidesteps & Tonneau cover, Manik grlgaurd w/Piaa lights, 305/70-16 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S tires

 

That's correct 98fword...P.A.T.S. was introduced starting with the 1999 model year.

------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

I have read about people paying god awful amounts for a stinkin key. What is this and do they all have. How can you tell if you do?

Black 98

 

P.A.T.S. - Passive Anti Theft Security... There is a small chip in the key 'handle' that reads a signal sent from your computer and allows the engine to start when inserted in the ignition. Yeah, you can't scoot over to your local Ace Hardware and get a duplicate, gotta go to Ford with ALL your existing keys and codes and they'll cut and program a new/spare key for you. I priced it at my local dealer and his quote was around $30... for one key! I Yi Yi! Although I've seen prices quoted around here in the $20 range

------------------
2000 F-150 Lariat SB Supercab 4x4 Off-Road Pkg, Tow Pkg. 5.4L, 3.55 LS rear, Bright Red over Silver, Med. Graphite Guts, Rear Slider, K&N Filter, Cabin Filtration System, Superchip, Mobil 1.

 

Lucky me I dont have it thanks for all you help guy! Nor do I want it either. I dont live in high risk area for theft. after all I leave my keys in the damn thing all day every day.

 

Dustoff,
Actually, P.A.T.S. was introduced in '96 on some other Ford models. It was first used in "F-series" trucks in '99.

Black 98,
I don't feel I'm missing out, not having P.A.T.S. on my truck either. I've heard accounts of the little doors popping off the key head, the transponder falling out and getting lost. Or just plain ol' not working.

Anyone having questions about P.A.T.S. or transponders, I have rather lengthy posts explaining all about them listed at Safety & Maintenance under Security Keys.

------------------
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.

 

98fword--
That's correct..I only referred to our trucks (97-00 F-150s). Although I like the extra security..I am concerned that it might one day leave me stranded. After reading a few other posts and talking to others that have had this type of system..I carry an extra key...just incase.

------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

My 96 Mustang GT had it and now my 2000 F150 has it the keys are alot bigger than a normal key I think its a good thing to have. I always have both of my keys with me just in case I lock a set inside.

------------------
2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

hmustang,
Try this little trick. Have a duplicate made on a standard Ford 8 cut (H75) metal head key blank. It has the same keyway as your P.A.T.S. key. Take a small rat tail file and enlarge the key ring hole enough that your license plate screw will pass through it. Put the key behind the plate and put the screw through the plate and the hole in the key. If you have a vanity plate on the front, put it there. You'll need to have screws with the large slotted head. Turn the screw in with a quarter. That way if you have some change on you when you need the key you can always get it out. If you use a screw driver you tend to put a little too much torque on it to get it out with a quarter. If anyone happens to find your key they won't be able to drive off with your truck. You can also put it in your wallet if you're sure you'll have your wallet on you when you lock your keys in the truck. I advise my customers not to rely on those magnetic key boxes. I've opened many a vehicle that *used to have one* on it.
For those of you that don't have transponder keys you can accomplish the same thing by having a duplicate made with all but the last two cuts near the tip of the key. That way it will open the doors but won't turn the ignition.It's best to get this done by a knowledgeable locksmith. Explain what you are trying to do. He or she should have no problem doing it properly. If they give you that 1000 yard stare, walk out immediately! You don't want to do business there.

------------------
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.

 

Is it not possible to cut a key using the codes from the little tags you get that are attached to the keys??

Here's what happened, or at least the way I remember it.

A couple daze after I bought my '99 I returned to the dealer to pick up the missing floor mats (that's another story) while I was in the parts dept. I decided to get a spare key. I gave the guy either an original key or one of the key code tags and I watched him cut the key. He gave it to me, I gave him $25 (give or take) and I walked out and the new key started the truck neat as you please. Is this possible??

Did I program it and don't remember?

Can someone jog my memory and describe the steps involved w/ programming these PATS Keys?

------------------

• 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