I don't exactly know where to post this so I'll just do it here. I have lost the one and only key to my 2000 F-150. I can't find it anywhere. I can get into the truck without a key (it looks a little wierd to see me in the bed of my truck trying to get in through the back window), but I obviously can't start it. What should I do? My guess is changing the ignition cylinder... am I right? Then I'd have to program the key to work with my truck. If I'm right, how do I do this? If I'm wrong what do I need to do? Please help!

 

Check with the dealer....I think they can make a key from the VIN

 

I once had my Mustang completely rekeyed by a locksmith for the same reason. I called locksmiths till one of them told me he could do it. Some kind of code reader?? cost a pretty penny though
Good Luck.

 

About how much did it cost you? I'm short on cash, but I need the truck so I have no choice but to pay. That is unless I find my keys. I am doing an exhaustive search tomorrow... but I doubt I'll come up with anything

 

I believe it was around 285 dollars yeah ouchhhh I was going out to sea the next day though and no time to mess with dealers and tow trucks and the like that afternoon.

 

what he said!

 

Go to the dealer with proof or ownership, like the title, registration, and a photo I.D. They will check the V.I.N number with the owner of the vehicle and cut you another key.

 

Go to the dealer. Theyll get you a new set of keys made up (because you should be getting at least two more keys

 

If your truck has PATS, it will have to be towed to the dealer so that the truck's computer can be programmed to the new keys.

No PATS, you only need to have the keys cut.

Steve

 

The truck is a PATSII so that means that it would most likely have to be towed because of the computer. At least, that's as much as I can gather.

 

Isn't modern technology great!

 

If you bought the truck new, you should have been given the key code. If you can find that go to the dealer and they can cut you a new key or if you don't write down your VIN as mentioned before and take you vehicle registration with you. I would try that first before spending the $$$ to have it rekeyed. You got to think about your door cylinder locks, even though no one uses these anymore with the clickers. Dealer charged me about $10 to cut a replacement key a year ago. They first tried the truck key I had to cut it, but it would not work in the ignition. Luckily I had the key code attached to the spare set of keys and they used the code to cut the key and it worked.

 

I didn't buy the truck new. I know what you mean about all the locks though. I took that into consideration. That suggestion (changing the cylinder) was thought up before I did any research. My mom called a dealership and from what she told me, they can cut the keys from the VIN, but they can't program them. You mentioned I would have gotten the codes if I bought it new... is it possible the codes could be with some of the paperwork that is with the owners manual? I found a bunch of things in there from when the truck was bought new. Anyway... the dealership can cut the keys and all I have to do is get a locksmith with a programmer to come out and program the keys. Hopefully I'll get this all resolved this weekend.

 

All thats a bunch of crap. Not only can they cut it, then can program it too. I just bought a 99 taurus from a salvage auction with no keys, had it twoed to ford who, for $196, cut and programmed to transponder keys. And they worked perfectly. Some dealerships are half full of idiots. The first dealer I called, said the car didn't have transponder key. The second had it done in less than one day. Have it towed up there and they'll do it

 

Oh, I don't deny that they can program it as well as cut it... the problem is that the closest ford dealership to my location is about 40 miles away. The tow bill would be a little steep. What I meant by they can't program them is they can't program them without the truck being there.