Hello,
My question is: Is it possible to duplicate the ignition key in a ford f-150 any place but at a dealership? (I have a duplicate for unlocking doors but it will not start the truck). And second, is it possible to disable the need for the computer chip in the key? If so, are there likely to be other complications in doing so?

Thanks,
John

 

You can have a door key cut at most locksmiths ect. for the doors, no real need to have it done at Ford, and/or Ford can 'punch' them by VIN in later models, or by measurement, and most times is cheaper than an outside vendor.. The PATS encoded keys for ignition however need to be programmed at Ford.. Or a shop with WDS/NGS or later equipment..

This is how the PATS system works, and explains how any missing components will result in a no start... If a 'part' removal would be all that was needed to bypass the security of PATS, it wouldn't be much of a theft deterrent..

Anti-Theft—PATS
The passive anti-theft system (PATS) contains the following components:

theft indicator
encoded ignition key
transceiver module
instrument cluster
powertrain control module (PCM)
standard corporate protocol (SCP) communication network
The PATS uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. This system is known as SecuriLock® in North America, Safeguard® in the U.K. and PATS in continental Europe. This information can be found in owners literature.

The PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code, with over 72 million billion combinations.

Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into the vehicle's instrument cluster (the instrument cluster is also known as a hybrid electronic cluster [HEC]), before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic procedures outlined in the workshop manual that must be carried out if new encoded ignition keys are to be installed.

The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require batteries and should last the life of the vehicle.

The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is located behind the steering column shroud and contains an antenna connected to a small electronics module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to the instrument cluster.

The control functions are contained in the instrument cluster. This module carries out all of the PATS functions such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling engine enable. The instrument cluster initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or START.

The PATS uses the PCM to enable or disable the engine. The instrument cluster communicates with the PCM over the SCP network in order to enable engine operation. The instrument cluster and the PCM use sophisticated messages in order to prevent a theft. The instrument cluster and the PCM share security data (when first installed together) that makes them a matched pair. After this security data sharing, these modules will not function in other vehicles. The shared PCM ID is remembered even if the battery is disconnected. The instrument cluster also stores the vehicle's key identification code even if the battery is disconnected. There are special diagnostic procedures outlined in this workshop manual that may be carried out if either a new instrument cluster or PCM needs to be installed.

All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working correctly, the vehicle will not start.

PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indicator will either flash rapidly or glow steadily (for more than three seconds) when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.

The PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related no-start issues.



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I just a note to the key workings. If you have both original keys, go to Ford dealer, buy a new key and have it cut. This is about $30 bucks. Now take your old keys and one at a time put them into the ignition turn it to accessory. Do the same with the second original key. Now insert your new key. The chip is now programmed and will start your truck.
If you wait until you loose one of the original keys it will cost you anywhere from $80 to $100 at the dealer to replace and program (programming fee $60/h minimum one hour labor per job).

 

look for this guy on E-BAY for cheap ford keys. yes they have the chips in them. and yes they work.

joefriday2(15055) 1 $14.50 $21.56Nov-28 eBay
2 FORD F-150 KEY 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 KEYS


Ipayed 22.00 bucks for 2 keys, get them at the dealer and they are 40 bucks each.
to have them programed it cost me like 60 bucks.

but if you have two working keys you dont need the dealer.
if you want instructions on how to program with two woking keys let me know.

 

I've got a 1998 Mustang, which hasn't been starting. It cranks but doesn't actually start. Noticed the theft light flashes quickly. It may or may not turn on after a few tries. I've already gotten a new programmed key from the dealer, which they said may or may not fix the problem, it didn't. Anyone know what my options are? Do I need to replace the entire system & how much I should expect to spend? Can anyone help?

 

This is all very helpful.........I've got a 1998 Mustang, which hasn't been starting. It cranks but doesn't actually start. Noticed the theft light flashes quickly. It may or may not turn on after a few tries. I've already gotten a new programmed key from the dealer, which they said may or may not fix the problem, it didn't. Anyone know what my options are? Do I need to replace the entire system & how much I should expect to spend? Can anyone help?

 

You can purchase your spare car key on-line at www.carkeyexperts.com
It is cheaper than going to a dealership and in most cases also more affordable than a local locksmith. If you provide the key code you get the best deal, but you can also give the VIN#.
I looked for a while for transponder keys on-line, and this was the best service I found