New Ignition Key

[professor229]

Thought I would take a chance and ordered a key blank for my 2004 Ranger.... supposedly, you take this key to a good old fashioned hardware store to have it manually cut/duplicated..... and we have a fantastic old fashioned store near us.... So this afternoon I took one of the two original keys and the new blank over and as I thought, the gal said "no problem" and cut the key... Got home, inserted the original key in the door lock and locked the Ranger and then inserted the newly cut key and it opened it as it should... so the key was cut correctly... a relief.... So tomorrow I will try to program the newly cut key using the method shown in the link below.. My question... has anybody ever used this method to "program" the key? And yes, I do have two original keys.... and as the hardware store said, how does the Ranger know if you have two separate keys and why can't you just just use one key to insert, twice? Splitting hairs and since I have two keys, I will comply with the directions in the link... Just want to know if anybody has tried this method???? Thanks...

2004 Ford Ranger Ignition Transponder Chip Key Programming Instructions

How to Program a 2004 Ford Ranger Ignition Transponder Chip KeyStep by Step How to Programming Instructions: Can I program a new key myself if I

www.programautokeys.com

 

[tinman_72]

how does the Ranger know if you have two separate keys and why can't you just just use one key to insert, twice?

If there is only one key code stored in PATS, it will know there is only one key....

 

[19Walt93]

That will work as long as you have 2 programmed keys. If not a dealer can program the second one, some hardware stores will clone your current key but I'd avoid that. With a cloned key the system thinks you only have one key.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So, the on board programming works almost all the time, if you do it right. It does require two individual programmed keys. Each key has a specific chip ID that is stored in the computer, if you try to use the same key twice, or an original and a clone, the computer sees them both as the same key since the chips read the same, which is why I avoid cloned keys. The other thing is, I think the computer only holds like 8 keys max, so if the memory is full up, you can’t add any more.

I have heard that Ace and some other ones can connect to the vehicle and add keys. Most locksmiths can too, and of course Ford. Forscan and some of the professional scan tools can too. I’ve used Forscan and the on-board to do keys before.

 

[professor229]

I got the key cut at the local old school hardware store.... very reputable.... very knowledgable... and the gal that cut the key knew what she was doing.... $3... got home, and tried the key in the door lock first and it worked to lock/unlock the doors so if all else fails, I can hide this key in the bed area, and at least open the doors if I lock the keys inside... Then I proceeded on the procedure.... inserted the first original key and run, then off... inserted the second key and to run, and off.... and then inserted the newly cut key... turned to run, waited one second, and then to off.... Then tried to start the Ranger... it all lit up on the dash but no starter was engaged.... so I did what anybody would do... and tried again... If you insert the new key one way, nothing happens... no dash lights etc... so turn it upside down and you get lights, but no starter... and the same results.... should I try again? What's the definition of insanity?

Did make progress on the U Joints.... Rock Auto..... two different numbers.... and found an old application for GMB u joints that Rock Auto is selling..... PDF catalog and the two numbers in the catalog are the same as Rock Auto... one is more/less OEM and the other is for high performance ..... both would work... I went with the OEM and ordered two, delivered next Monday for $21.... as far as install... my vise is not big enough... but I inherited a super sized C clamp from an estate sale that will press the old joints out and the new ones in.... so I will be doing this myself.... just like the brakes and shift lever adjustment.... My mechanic gets $100 per hour... if I do it myself... I get nothing.... but satisfaction....

Guess I should just be happy that I can still do this work!!!!

Next up... should I believe the forum/website/explanation that says to turn on and off the Ranger ignition bunch of times and then insert the new key blank? or are we back to the insanity defense on this?

Take care....

 

[RonD]

Did you order a PATS key uncut or just a "blank" Ford key?
PATS key has a chip embedded in the handle with a unique number programmed on to it, you just need to have this kind cut to match lock and can then add it as you described, IF....... you already have 2 working keys with different numbers

"Blank" Key has no number, its made that way so it can be used as a "clone", the number from one of your other working PATS keys is read and then that number is "written" on the Blank key's chip, this is done with RFID reader/writer
No programming needed because the number is already in PATS memory

Most locksmiths have RFID reader/writers so they can tell you if your new key has a number or is a "blank"
If blank they can write a number to it, different than your other 2, so it would be a unique PATS key



If you insert a non "registered" key in ignition and turn it on, you should see a THEFT light on the dash flash rapidly, this means key did NOT pass the PATS test, and engine can not be started
If you do this 3 or 4 times then PATS will LOCKDOWN the computer, and you have to wait 90min or so, before even an original key will start engine
PATS is assuming a Theft attempt is in progress

If you insert a "registered" key into ignition and turn it on, the THEFT light should come on and then go OFF, that means Key passed the test and engine can be started
If you don't see the THEFT light then bulb is burned out, in 2004 its an LED so unlikely to burn out

Flipping the new key over and having it work better means it should be recut(fine tuned), reversing key in the mill

Door lock cylinders need one or two less cuts than ignition switch cylinders, so a key can work in a door lock fine but has trouble in ignition cylinder, just FYI