I don't know exactly where to post this, so I'm sure it will be moved at some point. Sorry...

I have done a search, and to no avail for myself did I really get a direct answer through the threads I read. At least, the information wasn't very clear to me.

My question is, My father drove my truck to haul some trash away. When he got home he "misplaced" my only working key. He is older, 65, and a bad memory. I have searched the whole house top to bottom and cannot find it.

I understand the ford dealer can fix this situation. My insurance company USAA will gladly tow it to the dealer for free.

However, I am under the understanding that some lock smiths have the ability to recode and make a new set of keys. I was wondering does anybody here have any situation they been through that can guide me to a reasonable route or know if there is any truth to this? This would be easier then towing my truck 40 miles to the ford dealer.

Thanks guys...

 

Well, you can recode a key yourself. The problem here is having it cut to fit your ignition. Good news is on average 1 in 10k vehicles have same key so they might can tie it in with you VIN#.

 

So I can take my VIN to Ford dealer, get them to cut or order a key? Then follow the reprogram instructions from owners manual?

I could try, if it works, I owe you a six pack.

 

No, you can not reprogram it. You need to already have 2 keys to program another. Only place I know that can help you is the dealer.

 

What he said. . .once you have the two, get a third cut and program it so you don't get in this situation again.

 

I'm sorry, I didnt catch the fact it was your only key. My bad I gave you some bad info. SO I did a search and found this to answer your question...
KEYS

It seems they will have to reprogram the comp. put in a new ignition (Maybe, I know this had to be done on older cars and trucks) then program your two new keys. After that, you can buy a key and program your self. It is a series of turning key and pressing buttons. My suggestion is to try to find that key!

 

for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer equipment. There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).

If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**

1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.

3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.

4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.

5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.

6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5

 

Well we found ONE key.. it was in a one of my fathers shoes under his bed. Doesn't make sense to me either...

Still I only have one key, but at least I can drive it for now...

 

At least with one key, you don't have to get the truck towed or the ignition replaced.