I purchsed a preowned 2004 F150 that only came with one key. No problem I said to myself and ran down to the local hardware store to have some keys made. I put the new key in the ignition and turned the key and all was well the radio came on and all the indicator lights came on. Then I tried to start the engine and nothing happened. I stuck my original key in and it fired right off. I checked my other new keys and they all did the same thing, they all turn but none of them start the truck. Do the 2004 F150's have some sort of a electronic chip in them?

 

Yes, and unfortunetly, you need two keys that could already start the truck (programmed already) to program more keys. As far as I know the only option now is the dealer.

 

Unfortunately, you spent some money already. The trucks have PATS keys. You'll need to already have two programmed keys if you want to program a spare on your own. To get the key, cut and programmed from the dealer is something like $80.

 

try searching Goggle before going to the dealer. I found a couple local locksmiths that would program a new key for a buddy's truck at work for $50.00, and one of those was even was going to drive to his house, since their shop was only around the corner.

 

The only person who can program the two "original" keys in the PCM is someone who has a Fod VCM tool to update the PATS program. This is normally the dealer. Yes, locksmiths can program additional keys (with the two that will already start the truck like I said above), but you can do that yourself for free.

- J

 

I know this, trust me, the OP may possibly save a few dollar by searching as I did. I found that some locksmiths have the programmer to do this as well as the dealer.

No offense in saying this, but I laugh everytime the guy at work say this to me when I question him, "This ain't my first rodeo". And yes, anyone can program a 3rd key with already having two originals. I understand this too.

 

You can TRUST ME too. This aint my first rodeo. I've been through the same exact scenario twice now. And there was NO local locksmith around me that had a $ 5000 Ford VCM tool to change the PATS program. I didn't say "none" in the world did. I was just pointing out that often times the only place to get this done is at the dealer.

Good luck to the OP to getting this done in a timely and affordable manner!

 

Maybe it's a little more common in my area that locksmiths have this tool, maybe because I'm near the city, who knows. I was just giving the OP a heads up on checking other options as it may or may not save some money on getting a new key outside of what the dealers charge.

 

Thanks to all of you who supplied such imformative replies. It has given me great information to work off!

 

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