Two months ago in a rash of break-ins all around where I work, someone broke into my '03 L by prying up the door handles. They damaged both door handles (bad scraped, chips and scratches) and slightly dented both doors. Only got my pda out of the truck (did not get my radar detector or sunglasses??), but it was enough just that they damaged my truck!! Had to get two new handles and the dents removed. Police eventually caught some kids in the act nearby, but I (or insurance) will never get anything from them.

Chris

 

A little info on the keys and locks may help out here....

The Lightning has a PATS system. That system reads a chip which is imbedded in the key to enable the ignition. If the key is cut correctly, but has the wrong PATS chip, the truck will crank, but will not start. The security light will also iluminate. The PATS module is re-programmable, but you have to have both of the old keys to program it to new ones. If you lose a key or only got one with the truck, your local dealer will get about $80.00 to program a new key.

The truck also has a remote keyless entry system. Your key transmits a signal that the truck hears and opens or lock the doors accordignly. That is separate from the PATS system and programming it for a new remote (buy 'em on eBay for cheap) is easy.

Then there are the door locks. They are a simple key lock with tumblers. No electronics, no nothing. You put the key in and if its pattern matches the tumblers, the lock cylinder will rotate to either the lock or unlock position as you wish. I don't recall the last time I put the key in the door to open it. If your battery dies, you may need to do it, so as long as one door opens with the key, I would not worry about the other one. The door cylinders don't care if the key is metal, plastic or PATS encoded.

Now, lets talk about fixing your truck as easily as possible. You say the "lock was popped out". Exactly wat happened to the lock and was there any damage to the door handle? How about damage to the door itself?

 

i will call them tomorrow morning so i can get the key as soon as possible. Heres a stupid question but does getting a new lock for my key in any way affect the unlock lock buttons on my remote. I never use the locks, i always use the remote, but i have to get the lock replaced cause it looks like sh*t. So all i have to do is call and give my vin? I was hoping it will be that easy. Thanks foir your help.

 

no damage except the lock i found inside the bottom panel inside the truck. The door handle is fine except for the screw driver marks an 1/8 of and inch above and below where the lock was. I basically just need a new lock.

 

Kerno

The information you provided is correct but 90% doesnt apply - He didnt lose any keys or remote so PATS and the remote are not involved. As I have said 3 times now - from expereince JUST like Track123's just buy a lock that is keyed like your existing locks and spend 30 min max to install it -

Also as far as reprogramming keys there are folks out there like me with NGS scanners that will do it cheaper than $80 ...

Edward Tell Ford parts Online you heard about them from us.. Maybe they will be interested in becoming a Supporting Vendor.

Doug

 

Thanks for your help silver 200, i just ordered the lock and a window switch. I think it came to 150 shpiied Same Day Air to me. So i payed alot more for that but atleast i won't have a hole in my door anymore. LOL

 

Sorry to hear about it. You go into a friggin' store and some low life decides to try to take your stuff. Nice. Street justice should be legal for that kind of thing.

Which store was it if you don't mind.

Thanks,

Dan

 

it was pep boys in east brunswick. I was looking for some engine paint cause i was board so i was going to paint the intake and supercharger. They didn't have the red i was looking for so i left. As i went up to the door i saw it was open. Not wide open but open as if you didn't close the door all the way, and i saw that the lock was popped off. Your rigth dan, some low life that needed money for drugs or maybe he wanted to steal the truck but something scared him off. From now on i am going to get an alarm system in the truck, but until then im going to switch my dial on the chip to wear it cuts off the computet, basically a kill switch.

 

You need to carry a big F---ing dog or gun.

 

Edward,


Sorry, to hear about the break in. Down right sucks. If your shopping for an alarm Clifford makes an excellent car alarm system. Very sensitive. But can be adjusted to your likings.
I had one on my '87 Grand National and it saved the car from being stolen. If you have rims you might want to consider a tilt sensor so they dont jack your rims/wheels.

 

Gray One, is it possible that you can send me some information about this alarm system. i don't want a shi*y alarm system that hooks up to the batterity, cause any person with a half common sense will pop the hood and cut the wire leading to the battery.

 

Dear Mr. Moderator:

I posted my reply with the information so that both the individual involved and any other interested people could have a better understanding of the various components of the locking system.

Having read Mr. Goodell's posts, I, for whatever foolish reason, felt that an understanding of why he needed only the lock cylinder might be appropriate. There was much discussion of re-programming and lock changing prior to my response. I apologize for needlessly and wantonly wasting 90 % of my post and the time of those who read it.

I get the hint. NLOC got $ 30.00 of my membership dollars in response.

 

On my sct chip.. I have a setting where the truck will NOT start.

you have to pull the chip to get it to work.


its a 8 position SCT chip

 

 

I'm surprised anyone would even try something in that parking lot. It's right out in the open with Rt18 right there.