Ignition cylinder trouble for a 2000 Ranger.

[LonesomeSTX]

For the past several weeks we have had trouble with the ignition cylinder in our Ranger. I have been down this road before so it was no trouble swapping in the new cylinder. However, this is the first time I could not get the truck to start. Now this is my first 2000 Ford anything. All my Rangers and previous Ford trucks were older. What should I be looking for and how do I get this truck to start? The ignition cylinder seated nicely and turns like it should. The accessories come one and everything appears normal.

 

[rtg143]

If the original key was the PATS system, it won't start. There'd be a ring around the opening where the cylinder goes in, You could take it down below somewhere, put the original key in the opening and then use the new key.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Is that the chip in the key? I do not think my old key has one.

 

[rtg143]

Is the old key a small one like the new one? Here's the difference. http://home.comcast.net/~rwenzing/nonPATS_key.jpg

 

[LonesomeSTX]

It is the big key.

 

[rtg143]

That means it's the PATS key and needs the key in that loop to work. You can also hold the big part next to the new key when you crank it, and sometimes it'll be close enough to work. I'd pull the ring from around the cylinder and mount the old (big) key in there and it'll work.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

So i can just remove that ring and the truck will start and run normally?

 

[rtg143]

You have to put the original key inside the ring and it should be okay. I tie wrapped one inside to make it work. As long as the original key is close, (very close) to the ring, it will start. Hold that part of the key next to the new key when you try to crank it and if it's close enough, it'll start.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Thanks, I will give that a shot.

 

[rtg143]

Did you get it working?

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Nope. None of the tricks I have learned about have worked.

 

[rtg143]

Did you remove the ring and put the original key in the ring and tried to crank it with the other key?

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I forgot to remove the ring. I will try then tomoorrow.

 

[Milton]

If I understand this correctly, you replaced your lock cylinder. The key that came with the new cylinder is a non-PATS key and your Ranger has PATS. A legit locksmith can cut your non-PATS key pattern onto a new OEM PATS blank and pair it to your Ranger's computer. Locally this would cost around $35.00. You can find rip-offs that want >$100.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I am not sure if the new key has the PATS stuff in it or not. I have called around and the dealership is by far the most costly. The want $100 and a local locksmith wants $35 per key.