I need advice. We have only one key and one remote for a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport. I went to Ford because the locksmith said the key is chipped. They quoted me $30 for the key and $102 for the programming of the key to the car. They suggested I buy two keys because the programming doesnʼt cost any extra to do additional keys. Is there a cheaper way of doing this?

 

With PATS your kind of stuck in that you need to have the replacement key programmed with a diagnostic tool if you lose one.. If you lose both, the vehicle needs to be towed (or pay for a home visit) to the shop/dealer to have the replacement keys programmed to the PATS system.. If you have two working keys, you can program your own keys off of the vehicle.. The price of the keys is about right give or take a few bucks at the dealer or locksmith level, but, you can find them new/aftermarket for about half of that on eBay and such as long as the shipping is included, or as part of the total price.. Always check shipping cost/feedback.. Most of the higher end locksmiths can program for PATS and tend to be more flexable than the dealer and may give you a better break on the key blanks as well.. Had a relative out of my area lose the keys to his 2000 Cougar,, there wasn't any Ford 'as built' data available for the Cougar (I checked) to be able to cut replacement keys off of the vehicle 'VIN' number,, so he took it to a local locksmith.. They probed/gauged the key lockset to measure for the key cut, supplied the two PATS keys, and programmed both... 175.00....

 

Did a quick search and found these..


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-98-...Q5fAccessories

 

Heres a site ran by the same guy. Better prices then Ebay. http://saveonkeys.net

 

If it's done here at the dealership, two keys and program--95.00