Have enjoyed and benefited from this site. /thanks everyone.
I took my 99 F-150 in for the first 5K service today. Due to the discussions here, I had two extra computer keys made. They had told me on the phone that new keys were $19.95 each. When I got there, I was told that that was only for the key. It also had to be programmed at a labor rate of $50.00/hour and that would take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. They said there was no way of predicting how long it would take. What a way to do business! Anyway I got the keys and while I was waiting I talked to their expert. He told me that putting the key next to some of the new gas station pay-at-the-pump cards could zap the programming in the key. If a key is used without the propper programming, the system is automatically locked out and the truck must be towed to the dealer to be reworked.
No one mentioned this "feature" to me when I bought the truck. They say that this can not be defeated without extensive modifications behind the dash. Has anyone else had any experience with this? The more I think about it the less I like it.
Thanks for any info.
GWS

 

Depending on a couple of things, you are either the victim of an unfortunate circumstance, or you've been screwed.

If you only had 1 existing key, then the dealer does have to get involved in reprogramming your keys. However, if you had 2 functional keys, you can buy the keys and program them yourself. There are instructions in the manual, or search back through the message board - I believe the instructions were posted not too long ago...

As for the "zapping", the manual says that the Mobil "Speedpass" can affect the keys, but the effect is supposed to be temporary. But my mother-in-law has securikey in her explorer, and she has had "zapping" problems even without a speedpass...
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99 F-150 4x2 S/C, 5.4L, Lariat, Black / Gold, 3.55 l/s, Tonneau...more to come!!




[This message has been edited by KM_F150Guy (edited 07-15-1999).]

 

I was told i had the "security" key (i have a 97 F-150). After calling Ford Parts dept, and getting the quote for the $20 key, he mentioned i would have to talk to "service dept" to get a quote for programming the damn key to the vehicle. $60 per key. what a rip.

But luckily I do NOT have this "feature". $1.50 for my keys.

I just got an alarm today (w/ remote start), and looking through the manual you can rig up something to bypass this "feature". Its just a resistor or two it seems. Any decent car stereo/alarm shop could do it easily, and you would need it done if you had a remote start system with the "security" key feature.

 

What's up with the secure key? I have a '97 and I don't think I have a secure key. Does it have something noticeable on the key? Was it an option? When I buy my next one I will be sure and have some extra keys made immediately.

gwsiv: Sounds like your service department is clueless! How can they not know how long that will take. What, are they training someone new on this procedure? If they keep pullin that "I dunna know" stuff I would look for another service department. You don't want those guys working on your ride!

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars, fog light mod and Big Bird mirror toy.

 

kkirt,
The key head is over-sized. The end of the key head (the part you hold) has a 1/4 by 1/4 indentation.
Someone else may have a better description.


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99 XLT SC, 4.6 L,MacNeil Window Deflectors, Ford-Duraliner Bedliner, K&N Filter, Westin Nerfs.
Family Hauler

 

It's just a key with a big head. Some kind of chip inside. I was just in for my 5k service and had one made for $25.00. That price was quoted to me before any work was done. They did need both of my keys though. I guess one of the originals is a master.
I really feel better with an extra key hidden on the truck, especially with the way these power locks go down.

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99 Lariat R/C 2WD 120"WB 5.4 3.55LS Tow Dark Toreador/Gold Line-X
The Bubbamobile
raoul_oba@hotmail.com

 

I too have a key hidden on the truck. I have seen to many shovies with one pane of the rear slider broken out not to have a spare. I sure wouldn't want to have to resort to that to get into my truck

Oh, and for all the would be car thiefs, the truck is garaged every night. Even if it was caught unattended, someone sure would have to spend a long time under the truck to find my extra set - good luck and keep and eye out for any sharp instruments. he!he!he!

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars, fog light mod and Big Bird mirror toy.

 

Well my solution to the lock-out problem is to have a plastic key made and kept in your wallet. After all how often do you leave your wallet in your truck, never for me. Now obviously the plastic key won't start the truck, but it will open the doors. So if you have AAA, just swing by your local office and they'll make you a plastic key for free. If you don't have AAA, well look around someone is bound to offer this service.


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1999 Lariat SuperCab Flareside, Amazon green with Silver trim, 5.4L, 4x2, 4 wheel disc/ABS, 3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, captains chairs, keyless entry with alarm, spray-on bed liner, and K&N. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html

 

Why not just haul around an extra key in your "other" pocket?

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Ben Mc.----'99 XLT 5.4 SC SB ORP Dk. Red/Dk. Grey----Fact. Cab Steps/Tonneau/Slider----Straight Duals, Superchip, Airaid/KN (non-sag), Ungo Autostart/Keyless Remote, Prime Designs Air/Bug Deflector, Weathertech Wind/Rain Deflecters----PPI 4240 Amp,McIntosh 6x9's w/crossovers front, Polk DB 5.25's rear---Tuessssdayyyy Affffternoooooon----gotta love it!

 

Dirlton,
I thought about that but, then there are those times I get out of the truck without my pants on.

 

Raoul,

I think appropriate dressing habits should be clarified for those new here....

Ladies wear pants and men wear trousers , unless on an evening when you are cross-dressing, then wearing "pants" is acceptable.

Many Dodge drivers wear pants too......

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK. Man, I got it all!

 

When they shine a light in my eyes and a voice yells "Allright, oughta the car longhair!", I try to grab whatever is on top of the pile. Thus, the problem of my cross dressing.

...and it's all because my mama don't dance and my daddy don't rock-n-roll.

 

O.K. Here's the scoop on the "computer" or "security" keys. First, let me qualify myself by saying that I am a locksmith specializing in automotive key generation. I make keys for most of the dealers in my area as well as a couple of repo agents. The keys you are refering to are transponder keys. They are part of an anti-theft system that Ford and many other manufacturers are incorporating into their vehicles. This system has proven to be a very good anti-theft system, up to the point where someone backs up to your vehicle with a tow truck. The down side is that key duplication is costly. And if you think that's bad, loose all of your keys! This system goes by several names but in my trade we usually call it P.A.T.S. or Passive Anti-Theft System. The system, for the most part, works like this. Your key has a transponder about the size of a medicine capsule imbedded in the head or plastic part. You can tell if you have one of these by looking to see if the hole where the key ring goes through is centered at the top or is offset to one side. If it's offset, that's a P.A.T.S. key. When you put your key in the ignition and turn it to the start position the vehicle's computer sends out a signal via a wire antenna routed up the steering column and wrapped around the ignition cylender housing. That signal "wakes up" the transponder in the key and it sends it's personal incoded signal back to the computer. If the computer recognizes this as a code that has been previously stored, it will tell the vehicle it's o.k. to start, i.e. enable the starter, ignition and fuel systems. If the computer doesn't recognize the code it will do nothing. These transponder codes are about three miles long and there are almost an infinate number of combinations. There are actually two different P.A.T.S. systems. The first is P.A.T.S. 1 which Ford first installed in some '96-'98 models. P.A.T.S. 2 came out in some '98 models. '99 models use only P.A.T.S. 2. The biggest difference is P.A.T.S. 1 does not require special equipment to generate keys. P.A.T.S. 2 does require special (dealer) equipment to make keys unless you have two working keys present. Even though the P.A.T.S. 2 requires special equipment when you don't have both keys it only takes about *ten* minutes to program in the new key. That's not including making the cuts on the key. If you have two working keys, you *can* program a new key yourself. Just have one made on a P.A.T.S. blank and consult your owner's manual. It will take you step by step through the process. In the case of a P.A.T.S. 1 system you only need one working key present to program in a duplicate. If I'm not mistaken the P.A.T.S. 1 system will accept up to 16 keys total and will ignore any attempt to program in the 17th. P.A.T.S. 2 will accept up to 8 keys and ignore any attempt to program in the 9th. If for some reason all available space for keys has been taken in the computer you can still program in a new key but you'll have to erase all other codes and start over. I won't go into that, but it can be done. So you'll know, only '99 and up F-150's have P.A.T.S. keys. Among the other members of the Ford truck family P.A.T.S. 1 is installed on: '97-'98 Expeditions. P.A.T.S. 2 is installed on: '99 Expeditions,'98-'99 Explorers, '99 F-series pick-ups and '99 Rangers. I hope this helps to answer some questions and not stir up a bee's nest. My advise to all with P.A.T.S. keys is to bite the bullet and make a duplicate and program it in, or better yet, two. It's a little pricey but if you ever loose your keys you'll be glad you did. Or I should say, if you don't and loose your keys, you'll be hating life!

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, K&N air filt. 80/100w German head lamps. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

98fword -

Thanks for the teriffic post - nothing like going to the source for good information. I purchased 2 PATS keys from my dealer and programmed them myself in about 3 minutes. Total cost, $33.90+tax. Last time I called a locksmith to break into my car, $120.00. Not trying to ruin your business, but extra keys are cheap insurance.

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99 F-150 4x2 S/C, 5.4L, Lariat, Black / Gold, 3.55 l/s, Tonneau, Ford Duraliner...more to come!!

 

I had the truck delivered with two extra keys (about $50.--). Then I had an auto-start system installed which, I believe, bypasses and negates the security system. So now I have expensive "plain old ordinary" keys. Love the auto-start though.

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Ben Mc.----'99 XLT 5.4 SC SB ORP Dk. Red/Dk. Grey----Fact. Cab Steps/Tonneau/Slider----Straight Duals, Superchip, Airaid/KN (non-sag), Ungo Autostart/Keyless Remote, Prime Designs Air/Bug Deflector, Weathertech Wind/Rain Deflecters----PPI 4240 Amp,McIntosh 6x9's w/crossovers front, Polk DB 5.25's rear---Tuessssdayyyy Affffternoooooon----gotta love it!