2009 Ranger Erase/Relearn Original Keys but Refuses Any New Keys

[jcwhidby]

2009 Ranger PATS Mystery – Will Erase/Relearn Original Keys but Refuses Any New Keys

I'm stumped on a PATS issue with my 2009 Ranger and hoping someone has run into this before.

Truck:

• 2009 Ford Ranger XLT
• 4.0L SOHC
• Build date: 02/2009
• VIN: 1FTYR15E49PA33204

Equipment:

• FORScan (Extended License)
• OBDLink EX interface

Problem:

I have two original factory keys that work perfectly.

I can successfully:

• Erase all keys.
• Reprogram both original keys using FORScan.
• FORScan correctly reports two programmed keys afterward.

However, I cannot get the truck to accept any new spare key.

Here's what I've tried:

• Four different new 80-bit transponder keys.
• Keys came from two separate purchase lots.
• These are not cloned keys.
• They are the same style of keys I've successfully programmed on other Rangers.
• I've tried both the onboard spare-key programming procedure (using two working keys) and FORScan's "Add Ignition Key" procedure.
• Neither method works.

An odd symptom is that during the onboard programming attempt, the new key will crank the engine the first time after the programming sequence, but once the ignition is turned off it behaves like an unprogrammed key and will not start the truck again. FORScan still reports only the two original keys programmed.

Because I can erase and relearn the original keys successfully, I believe I've ruled out:

• PATS memory corruption.
• PCM/cluster synchronization issues.
• Security access problems.
• OBD interface problems (using OBDLink EX).
• Programming procedure/timing errors.

At this point I'm wondering if there's:

• A known issue with certain late-2009 Ranger instrument clusters.
• A PATS firmware/calibration difference.
• A configuration setting I'm missing.
• Something else unique to these trucks.

Has anyone seen a Ranger that will successfully erase and relearn existing keys but refuses to learn any previously unknown transponder IDs?

Any ideas for additional FORScan diagnostics, PATS live data, DTCs, or tests would be greatly appreciated.

 

[franklin2]

Ai says you need a H92-PT with a Texas ID 4D-63 chip, and a H75 keyway blade. It also says if you have two keys that work, that you can program them manually with the following procedure.


Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Before beginning, ensure your new 80-bit blank has been physically cut to match your locks by a hardware store or locksmith. Keep all three keys in your hand and perform the steps precisely within the listed time limits. [1, 2, 3]

1. Insert Key 1: Put your first original working key into the ignition.
2. Cycle Key 1: Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (the position right before the engine cranks). Leave it in RUN for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
3. Remove Key 1: Turn the ignition back to OFF and pull the first key out.
4. Insert Key 2: Within 10 seconds of removing the first key, insert your second original working key.
5. Cycle Key 2: Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN. Leave it there for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
6. Remove Key 2: Turn the ignition back to OFF and pull the second key out.
7. Insert New Key: Within 20 seconds of removing the second key, insert your newly cut unprogrammed transponder key

 

[jcwhidby]

I have tried that exact procedure several times and it doesn’t work on this truck. I have several other rangers that have done it successfully a number of times with the same keys from the same manufacturer.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I know that I have heard of aftermarket keys refusing to cooperate with the PATS system. Mostly for that reason I only buy the Strattec brand keys unless I’m experimenting with my own stuff. Strattec is the brand that supplied Ford with the keys originally and are the only company authorized to stamp the Ford logo in new blanks. I buy them only from a reputable locksmith supplier as well.

I have run into where the “add an ignition key” feature of Forscan didn’t want to work, but I was able to program the spares using the factory procedure.

Almost wonder if there could be some electrical fault where it doesn’t want to store more than two keys? Would that even be possible? I’d think it potentially could use a different circuit routing for the “spare” keys so maybe? Maybe a capacitor could have spilled its guts on something. I’ve seen a number of blown capacitors over the years and sometimes they really make a mess of things.

 

[SenorNoob]

Have you tried adding one of the new keys as the second one when you relearn? If so did anything different happen?

 

[jcwhidby]

No, I didn’t try that. I was concerned that I might lock up the PATS and not be able to start the truck.

 

[SenorNoob]

If you can do a full reset with ForScan you should be able to recover from that situation right?