Ford Transponder Keys

[CJB]

Just a public service announcement.

Recently, I "lost" my keys, and was down to only ONE working key. Got a 99 Ranger, and Ford has used transponder keys in vehicles since before that time, but in 98 upgraded to Type-C transponders/ECMs.

Well... I found my keys. And, I had resolve to get a few spares. When I got the truck in 2001 (used), it had only one key and the dealer charged me $180 for two spares. It was $135 for the first one... then $45 for the second one. They needed to reprogram the ECM.

Today the price is $180 per key and $240 to reprogram if you only have one key. Yikes!

Local locksmith wanted $80 per key, and those were clones (not good, as you can't make your own spares).

Well, with two working keys that were not clones.... I wanted to program my own into the ECM (a simple user function).

Got two blanks off AMAZON. Brought 'em to LOWE's, and they cut the keys for free. Programmed up two spares in about 3 minutes time.

Got four non-cloned keys. Life is good, and....a whole lot cheaper than $80+tax for locksmith keys. Thieving bastards!

Just an FYI with chipped transponder keys. You can get real ones, that your ECM learns (if you got two working ones) or you can get clones, which your ECM cannot used to make your own dupes. Go for the real ones. They are like factory keys.

[Scarywoody]

Great information for a Ford owner. I have an old Explorer. As an aside, have you tried an ELM327 interface and Forscan.org software. For about $14 (OBDII) and the free software you get a mechanic level scanning tool.

[CJB]

I've got an OBDII scanner that works ok for scan codes, which are either in a book (in my glove box) or I look 'em up online.

Never really needed the OBDII except.... early on I had the EGR sensor (DPFE sensor) go out. The originals were metal and corroded. Replacement are polycarbonate and it has lasted nearly 200,000 miles. Other than that... nothing needed the OBDII reader. I mean I had an alternator go (easy), radiator (easy) that sort of stuff. All was straight forward, nothing needing OBDII smarts, except as noted.

FWIW, I just put $3200 into this truck with 235,000 miles on it. Complete front end, four tires, front brakes (did myself) and complete clutch with new master/slave... everything. Front end had upper lower balls (upper with control arms), all the bushings up front. Crazy maybe for the money but its still goin strong and running well, so I guess its a keeper for a while longer.

[jeepster09]

Mercedes keys I've heard are over $500 each

[marshal kane]

Is there a U Tube DIY video on how to reprogram for spare keys? Congrats! You just avoided getting ripped by your dealer.

[sharpetop]

Mercedes keys I've heard are over $500 each

Say it aint so! I just purchased a 2011 Mercedes.

[O'Dell]

Mercedes keys I've heard are over $500 each

Not so. Although Mercedes and BMW transponder fobs have to be reprogrammed to the SN by the factory, they are not that expensive. I only got one with my AMG and M-Sport [I think people keep them for souvenirs], but the second Mercedes fob was $245 and the BMW was $238 including tax.

BTW, they both work perfectly.

[b4uqzme]

I only had one key for my VW. A second key and re-programming both keys came to about $225 IIRC. Not sure if I could have found a way to do it myself. Didn't try.

[jeepster09]

Not so. Although Mercedes and BMW transponder fobs have to be reprogrammed to the SN by the factory, they are not that expensive. I only got one with my AMG and M-Sport [I think people keep them for souvenirs], but the second Mercedes fob was $245 and the BMW was $238 including tax.

BTW, they both work perfectly.

A Mercedes is programmed for only 2 keys in the computer, if you lose one and have a new one made [was told this by Mercedes] the computer then see's 3 keys and car will not run until computer is re programmed to delete missing key memory. Supposedly it is part of system security so some one don't copy your key to steal your car. For the copy shuts down system due to being 3rd key.

[O'Dell]

A Mercedes is programmed for only 2 keys in the computer, if you lose one and have a new one made [was told this by Mercedes] the computer then see's 3 keys and car will not run until computer is re programmed to delete missing key memory. Supposedly it is part of system security so some one don't copy your key to steal your car. For the copy shuts down system due to being 3rd key.

No re-programing was done to my car, although the new fob would have been a third one issued. I paid a MB dealer and a week later the new fob arrived from Germany already programmed. I had to present my title to prove ownership, but I never had the car at the dealership. The factory said the new fob was programmed to the serial number shown on the title on the invoice they included. The exact same was true for the BMW. I don't really know any more except that they both work.

[Baklash]

One of my wife's Lexus key fobs broke, so I ordered one off Amazon. The blank key is molded into the fob and you just remove the transponder from the old fob an put it in the new one. THEN......you have to find someone to cut the key. Several local locksmiths wanted about $60-70 to cut it. Others were not even interested. The Lexus dealer refused, saying the metal was not the same. I'm glad to hear I may be able to get it cut at Lowes. Thanks for the info.