Unusual Transponder Key Problem

[Osito]

I did a quick search, but didn't find anything on this. If I'm repeating something, I apologize.

I have a 2001 Ranger 4.0L auto 4x4. When I bought it, it came with only one key and one fob. I got another fob online and programmed it myself. I went to dealer for new transponder key, cutting and programming. Just to be safe, I bought another transponder key, had dealer cut it, and programmed it myself. Everything worked fine for several years. Recently, my wife lost her keys.

I bought two fobs and one transponder key online. I programmed the fobs - they work fine. I had the dealer cut the key, and I programmed it while sitting in his parking lot, all keys and fobs I had with me worked fine. Several days later, wife said that her fob didn't work and key wouldn't open driver's door. She opened passenger door and drove the truck with the key.

I went out with all keys and fobs. Indeed, her fob didn't work. I reprogrammed fob, and it worked fine again, but key still wouldn't open driver's door. I reprogrammed key and everything worked fine...for that key. Now other keys that worked fine minutes ago won't open driver's door. Again, passenger door and ignition work fine.

FYI, when the keys work in the driver's door, they are smooth as butter. When they don't work, they don't turn at all. Can't be a bad cut. Must be a programming problem.

Before I start over and try to reprogram everything...and probably ruin something...I thought I'd ask for suggestions here. Anyone have similar problem? Any ideas as to what went wrong? TIA!

---Osito---

 

[feellnfroggy]

Sounds to me like you shouldnt have programmed them yourself. with that said, its possible there is a problem with the keys themselves retaining coding(specifically the second one you bought) As far as the one key not turning the lock, I dont know unless the cut was sloppy, they cut a new key from a worn one, who knows what happened. I might give them the vin and have them cut a completely new key and program that one with the old one and see if it works. Otherwise your Pats system might be going haywire.



The only surefire way to deal with it is have aford tech look it over. (a friend not the dealer) I have a friend who is a service writer for lance cunningham, Ill ask him.

 

[adsm08]

Sounds screwy.

The PATS transponder in the key should have absolutely zero effect on the key's ability to unlock the door, so I'm really not sure why the unprogrammed key wouldn't open the door.

You aren't going to ruin anything by programming the keys again, but at this point, I would take it in, have all the keys wiped and programmed from scratch.

It wouldn't be the key losing encoding. It's a hard-burnt chip that the car remembers, it doesn't remember the car. Sometimes aftermarket keys are good, sometimes they are problematic. You may just have bad keys.

 

[Osito]

Sorry if I weren't clear, and thanks for the replies, but logically your suggestions are impossible.

The key currently working is a new one that worked,then didn't work earlier. One of the keys that don't work is one that has worked flawlessly for years. (This key was programmed by dealer using their computerized system, not the truck, so why isn't it working now?) It CANNOT be a badly cut key. For one thing, all the keys work the ignition flawlessly.

Any other ideas?

 

[adsm08]

Driver's door lock cylinder is wearing out. The driver's side stuff always wears out faster because it gets used more.

As for why they aren't working. I'm thinking PATS module. Sounds like it's time for some real hands on diag.

 

[naford]

If you are having problems with the ignition. One thing I do know is that if you have multiple PAT keys on the same ring they can confuse the PAT system. I should include that all the keys were programmed for the same car.

 

[heptofite]

Just replace your door lock cylinder, you're reading too far into this, it has nothing to do with the PATS system.

 

[snake]

I agree. Sometimes when they start wearing out, pieces of the cylinder and pins get in the wrong place and it changes the "height" across the pins. Once the door is slammed a few times, the pieces can get shook loose and it will start working again.

 

[Osito]

Thanks again guys!

First, I don't think it could be PATS, as the locks are "dumb." They can be operated by a non-chipped key. They can be operated from a circuit from the computer using the fob...either circuit energized or not...only! Whether the transponder key is programmed yet or not doesn't matter.

It's probably true that the lock is defective mechanically. At this point in time, all three fobs will operate the lock, and none of the keys will operate the lock.

Anybody got a driver's side lock cheap?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I am betting your new key was just a little different and your lock didn't like it.

I had the same thing happen to one of my car's ignition switch. I polished on the new key with a wire brush and it got over it though.

 

[cowboykilroy]

When my door locks start acting up I take my wd40 and put the red tube in the lock and squirt then put the key in turn and repeat, always works so far. Remember only two things you need, wd40 and duct tape, If it don't move and it should wd40 it. If it moves and it shouldn't duct tape it...