Greetings,

Can a new ignition key be programmed in the field when no working keys are present? My only remaining key will unlock the doors and crank the engine, but it will not start my truck.

My truck is a 2000 Expedition XLT 4x4 6-code.

My only key was damaged yesterday when it was picked up by a large mechanical street sweeper. I carelessly left my motorcycle's tailbag unzipped, and my keyring fell in the path of the sweeper as I passed it on the expressway. My keyring was nearly pulverized before it was ejected from the sweeper, but my truck key survived physically unscathed. Grateful for that.

My truck is my only tow vehicle and I need it to pull a 6K# trailer for work

Can this be fixed in the field, or do I need to tow it to a dealer ..... and beg for priority service?

Thanks!

 

You might try a local locksmith that has the equip and knowledge to reprogram your vehicle's PCM to a new set of keys. You always need 2 so consider getting 3 keys made.

 

Thanks, guys. As you can guess I was a little freaked out. The 2nd locksmith I called came over, made a nice sharp key from my 15-year old worn out thing, and reprogrammed the truck using two new PATS keys.

I had a SuperChips tune loaded into the ECM, do I need to reload it now?

 

Yes i think so.

 

Thanks. I reloaded my lightly customized SC tune last night. Seems to be running great.