computer chip car keys

[RichZ]

I bought a used 2000 Explorer at a farm auction a few years ago, and it's been one of my best auction buys. Great car, I'm very happy with it. But it only came with one key, and I like to have spare keys. Plus, it's electronic locks sometimes lock the doors by themselves. It's the only vehicle I have where I can't leave the keys in the ignition on my farm. Shortly after I bought it, I went to our local hardware store to have duplicate keys made, and they told me the key was a computer chip key, that you can only buy from Ford, and they're very expensive (something like $100/key). I hate having to be so careful with that one key, and really want at least one duplicate (perferably several duplicates).

Are the duplicate keys really that expensive? Is there any other place to buy them?

Thanks!!!

 

[k0ua]

Look here. ( to the right margin of your post)

https://www.ikeyless.com/vehicles/Ford/Explorer/2000/1000377/

 

[Clint S]

A good locksmith set up for it can make those keys for significantly less. There is one in our area, that was over half of the dealer cost.

 

[TedLaRue]

You can make duplicate transponder keys as others have posted, and you can have plain (and cheap) non-transponder copies made that will only open the doors. If you hide one of the transponder keys somewhere inside the car, then any family member who has one of the cheap keys can open the door, get the other key, and start the car.

That's a good way to give someone who rarely drives the car access for the occasional need to get something out of the car, or maybe move it out of the way in the driveway. Beware, however, that if you don't hide the transponder key, then anyone who breaks into the car could start it and steal the car. Most thieves probably wouldn't expect to find a key in the car, so they probably wouldn't search for one.

One other thing, WalMart won't make a copy (a non-transponder copy) of a transponder key. I've heard that policy was a result of some lawsuit. Other places will still make them (Lowe's, for example).

 

[aczlan]

One other thing, WalMart won't make a copy (a non-transponder copy) of a transponder key. I've heard that policy was a result of some lawsuit.

I was told that it was because there "is a risk that your original key may be damaged by the vibrations from the key cutter"

Other places will still make them (Lowe's, for example)

Depends on the person, I tried to get them to copy a key for my mother-in-law's Caravan and they refused (partly because they wanted to sell me a key and I was bringing in a blank). From the way they talked, you would think I was trying to steal the car. I ended taking it into a local supply house who cut it after I promised to not hold them responsible if they messed it up. I told them that even if they messed it up and I had to buy another on ebay, 2 $14 keys and 2 $5 cut charges are cheaper than one $100 key from the dealer.

Aaron Z

 

[mrmikey]

Like aczlan said, get the blanks off E-bay and have them cut locally. I think that year Explorer uses the Ford PATS2 (Passive Anti Theft System)system. There is no practical way to bypass the system that I've found as it's integrated into the ignition not an 'add on'.
If you only have one key you will have to go to the dealer to get a spare programmed as you need two programmed keys to be able to do it yourself. When you get the second key done you can program up to 8 keys (I think it's 8) yourself with a combination of insertions of the keys and ignition turns.....Mike

 

[JDgreen227]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I think the CCCK's are a huge PIB for many vehicles and are used only to make a profit for dealerships. When my 45 grand Yulon XL (2000) was new, it used conventional keys. Our 2004 Saturn 4 door and 2004 Buick 4 door both use CCCK's. The two cars are some of the least stolen vehicles in the US, and I don't think it's because of the keys they require.

 

[bigtiller]

You can make duplicate transponder keys as others have posted, and you can have plain (and cheap) non-transponder copies made that will only open the doors. If you hide one of the transponder keys somewhere inside the car, then any family member who has one of the cheap keys can open the door, get the other key, and start the car.

That's a good way to give someone who rarely drives the car access for the occasional need to get something out of the car, or maybe move it out of the way in the driveway. Beware, however, that if you don't hide the transponder key, then anyone who breaks into the car could start it and steal the car. Most thieves probably wouldn't expect to find a key in the car, so they probably wouldn't search for one.

One other thing, WalMart won't make a copy (a non-transponder copy) of a transponder key. I've heard that policy was a result of some lawsuit. Other places will still make them (Lowe's, for example).

How far away will the transponder key work?

I had a cheap copy made but now I don't remember which one it is.

 

[Car Doc]

You may be able to zip tie the existing transponder key under the dash onto the harness close to the receiver and then use a plain key to start it.

Some times that works sometimes it doesn't depends on the range of chip/receiver. On GM's a bypass is available from Jegs or Summit dont know on Ford.

Now keep in mind that will keep the transponder computer awake and will add to parasitic drain on battery so if its sitting at the farm a long time w/o being started it may drain the battery just a heads up.

 

[kenmac]

I asked a locksmith if he could make me a spare for my dodge. He said he could only make it to unlock the door .I would have to get 1 from dodge dealer for ignition .Dodge dealer wanted $100.00 for key $100.00 to program. I have 2 just wanted xtra. At that price .I still only have 2