Anti-theft bypass

[RonD]

Yes, if the digital cluster is damaged or unplugged in those years you will have a dead vehicle

And I think only Ford can replace it
From what I have read if a digital cluster fails then Ford needs to request a new cluster with pre-set odometer matching computer's odometer and VIN
Then when they have it they swap it in and re-marry it to computer and reprogram PATS keys

But some say Forscan can remarry cluster and computer in those years, Forscan can for sure add new PATS keys in those years


You could get the Cluster and Computer with PATS key from a wrecked vehicle of similar years and drivetrain to swap in

You are no worse off if you lose your last PATS key with these years than any other PATS year vehicle, or lose your last key on any vehicle, you are going to have to get a locksmith to make a new key in any case
So, as said, best to have a spare key for ANY vehicle

 

[superj]

my son paid for the full forscan access so i guess i am safe that way, being able to do the key stuff

 

[RonD]

Yes, but heads up, you need to have minimum of two PATS keys, with different numbers, so no clones, to add keys, can't add just 1 key on its own

Forscan(or Ford dealer) erases all previous keys to add keys, its a safety thing in case a key is lost(stolen), so you won't have that key's number to remove it, and a non-issue because if you still have 1 key it can be added back, you just need to buy a 2nd key to add with it, which is the whole point of "adding a key", lol

Fobs are the same way
If you want to add a Fob the procedure does the same thing, the key on/off 8 times ERASES ALL Fobs in memory
Then you add back the ones you have
So a lost fob can't be used to open doors

And yes if you have 2, or more, Ford vehicles the same Fob can be added to all, so it will work to lock and unlock doors, but.....................
While it sounds like a good idea, if they are parked near each other it can be a pain in the but, lol

And you could do the same with PATS keys if you had all the doors and ignitions keyed the same, might be convenient for some but propably not the safest thing

 

[mruysch]

I have only one key hence the question in the first place.

 

[RonD]

Yes, so Cloning that 1 key would get you a spare key for the least amount of money

 

[JoshT]

What RonD said, or if you don't mind spending just a little more read on and I've provide links to some of the hints we've been dropping. This ain't bypassing the anti-theft, but properly fixing the root issue... a shortage of keys.

TRS Tech Library: PATS Programming With Forscan

FORScan - $Free <- If you need extended license, you can get a free 1 month trial

I am not recommending or promoting these products, just showing options. There are others with better/worse reviews and better/worse prices.

eBay Keys
1 key: https://www.ebay.com/itm/283731523362?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=5mNb3UY2Thy&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=SM9Y14l8TN-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY - $9 (+$5 s&h)
2 keys: https://www.ebay.com/itm/283731523921?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=5mNb3UY2Thy&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=SM9Y14l8TN-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY - $17 (+$5 s&h)

Amazon Keys
1 key: https://a.co/d/gNIsjhB - $10
2 keys: https://a.co/d/4I90vgd - $14

OBD adapter <- I recommend wired for something like this
One from article above: https://a.co/d/33ewedu - $24
One I personally own: https://a.co/d/bU3eYpF - $60

I can personally vouch for the second working with FORScan and a 2000 F-250. I haven't used it for PATS or my Ranger yet. The first one has good reviews, is half the price, and appears to be the one referenced in the how-to article. It's Amazon, so you;ve got a month to try it out and return hassle free for free, at least you do as a Prime member if you have that.

Low side, you're looking at $10 for a key, $25 for the adapter, and a few bucks for programming. $40 bucks for a key that isn't a clone, and removing all lost keys from the trucks computer. Assuming If you swing the little extra for two keys it drops to maybe $25/key. Plus you'll be set for doing other FORScan related trickery with the truck and might be able to make a few bucks helping out buddies that need a spare key made.

Disclaimer: Don't ask me what other trickery FORScan can pull on your truck, I haven't started playing around with it that much yet. I primarily got into it for diagnosing and dataloging my F-250.

 

[mruysch]

Will have to look into this

 

[sandra zubek]

We installed a new ignition with a key as the key was lost. How do we stop the alarm from going off. We use to own a pathfinder that would alarm blink but no noise so we would have to use the key on passenger side and lock than unlock 3 times.
Is the 1998 Ford Ranger XLT have the same thing?

 

[JoshT]

We installed a new ignition with a key as the key was lost. How do we stop the alarm from going off. We use to own a pathfinder that would alarm blink but no noise so we would have to use the key on passenger side and lock than unlock 3 times.
Is the 1998 Ford Ranger XLT have the same thing?

Probably, unless it has an aftermarket alarm system.

You need to get the new keys programmed to the truck. Basically the same procedures mentioned above, or call a locksmith and have them do it for you. As mentioned up there, you have to have two keys with unique transponders, so I hope you bought an ignition switch with two keys.