Couldn't see anywhere else to post this question.
Just bought an '02 F-150, only one ignition key. Talked to the Ford dealer, says it'll cost ~$115 and take half a day to program the chip. Does this sound about right? Any cheaper way of getting a new key? Thanks.

 

Not sure about price, but if your dealer is telling you it will take half a day to program your key then that means it would take them a week to change your oil, thus I would RUN LIKE A **** from that place.

It shouldn’t take more then 5 – 10 minutes tops to program a key. Again I am not sure about the price but $115 sure seems high to me…

 

I would try my damndest to find the prior owner and see if he has the spare key. If that doesn't work, they the dealer has to reprogram the computer with a new PATS code and give you two new keys. The old key won't work with the new PATS code. Get a spare key made if you have to have the reprogram done. The price sounds about right if you need a reprogram and 2 new keys.

 

The old key won't work with the new PATS code. Get a spare key made if you have to have the reprogram done.

End Quote.

Sorry, but that is not true. When you have only one key, the dealer plugs in to the computer, then erases all PATS codes, then programs whatever keys you give him, new one, old one.....ect.

Now once you have two programmed keys, you can program up to (seven I think) by yourself. Last time I had to do that, I purchased a key online for $10.00, had it cut for $1.29 and had Ford do the programming for $60.00. There is no other way to get around it with only having ONE key.

Hak

 

Hope the seller gave you a break on the price, and he is honest or your truck might go bye bye in the night!

 

- edit -

sorry, i guess i should read the WHOLE post before i open my big mouth... someone posted the same thing i did about buying a key on ebay.

 

OK. Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I'm pretty much $tuck. If I read it right, getting a new key made will reprogram the lock so it doesn't go bye bye in the night?? Maybe that's the way to go, it's only a truck, but I rather not have it stolen.

 

You are correct. The system works as follows..

Each key has its own specific "code", over a billion different codes.
Your PCM is programmed to accept codes. So, by having the dealer erase all codes, and program only the new keys (including the key you currently have), will render any other key for the truck useless. So even if the previous owner (keeping in mind that I do believe all people are good) came to your house with the old key. It would open the doors, and turn the ignition switch, but it would not start the truck. Depending on where you live, some locksmiths can program your truck, and are generally cheaper. I would call around to the locksmiths, and all the Ford dealers, and get the best price that you can. If you need the instructions for programming more keys (after you have two working keys), email me, I would be happy to email them to you.

Hak

 

Thanks Hak