ford keys

[kwikpik]

Howdy all
I'am just getting started in the locksmithing buisness and have a question, a fellow work with went to home depot to get a ford key duplicated and the person at home depot said if the key had an (E) stamped on the shank he couldn't duplicate it because it would mess up the lock and then he would have to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. any comments
I just started to venture into the automotive world of this profession, until know I've been working mainly residential (rekeying and installing deadbolts, padlocks mailboxs, filing cabinets etc etc)
Thx for the info
Kwikpik

[treboR]

You might try Clearstar.
The automotive section of this forum is restricted.
If you read the forum rules you will know what you need to gain access.

[digital_blue]

I'm no locksmith, and I don't do auto stuff anyway, but if I had to venture a guess I'd say that it's a transponder key, and thus can't just be duped on a regular duplicator.

Robert is right about automotive entry discussion in the public forums, but since this topic doesn't really refer to auto bypass or entry I'm gonna leave it open in the hopes that someone who knows more than I do might fill in some blanks. Forturnately, most of the people on the forum here who have enough knowledge about auto to be helpful also know what they should and shouldn't say in the open forums.

db

[Varjeal]

Duplicating a transponder key doesn't mess up the lock. What it does do is allow entry into the exterior doors, and although it will mechanically turn the ignition, it will not allow the car to start. Basically it shuts the fuel system, etc. off for a certain length of time as part of an anti-theft system.

Chances are this employee has been told that it will wreck the lock to keep them from even trying.

[kwikpik]

Thanks all for the info,
I'am almost certain it's not a transponder key, it just has the E stamped on the shank right next to the bow, I'am going to get the key form him and look at it, I've not seen the key just what he described to me. I'll let ya'll know
Thx for the info
kwikpik

[specialist]

Year and model would help. Do you need a key that just opens the doors, or actually starts the ignition? Sometimes, just because there are letters on the key, doesn't mean it has a transponder.

[davidgjr]

If you are just starting in the automotive end, go buy a 2005 Autosmart or Fastfacts book and it will tell you everything you need to know about making or duplicating a key for this or practically any other vehicle. It is WELL worth the 60 or so dollars for these books.

[RajunCajun]

I found this older topic using search and figured it would be best place to add my question/info since it relates to the same topic.


I recently sought out Home Depot, Lowes & Wal-Mart to try to get an entry only key made for my 2003 Ford F150. I was in need of a spare key that would allow entry since I store my spare PATS key in the glove box in case of I loose the one I keep with me. After trying all of those stores and basically being told to the same effect "we cannot cut this" without any info given. I knew Ford dealerships charge upwards of 75+$ to get one programmed and cut and wasn’t willing to spend that much for a spare that I only wanted for entry. So I decided to search out why exactly this is such a problem and figured this would be the best place to go with the wealth of knowledgeable individuals on this site I am sure someone can be of help.

Anyways my main question is can a local locksmith cut this key as a entry only key or will I be forced to go to the stealership and fork over lots of money for a fully functional key?

Here are some pictures I took:
Notice the S engraved and a very small circle near it that looks like it was a hole that was plugged.

A cap on the end of the key probably where they insert the PATS parts?


Thanks
Dave

[Shrub]

Well i would cut one so i guess others will, the plug is quite often red if it contains a chip and i guess the 's' could mean standard but im not sure, mine dont come with the 's' on.

Just go and ask your local lockie its the only sure fire way of finding out.

[Varjeal]

As mentioned previously, a "door only" key can be easily duplicated by anyone with a standard duplicator and the correct keyblank.

[pickin]

Just as a matter of security keeping a spare key in the glove box is not a good idea.

It only takes one friend of yours telling someone in passing that its there and then poof your ride is gone.

I don't believe in keeping any spare keys in or on or around a vehicle without my presence at all.

[stevelock]

it is a chip key and yes a locksmith can cut one to just open the door or cut a key to start also. we get 25.00 for the chip if you have 2 working keys and i don't have to reprogram the conputer with my conputer. if you only have one key we would get 125 for the 1st key and tan 25 after. oh and 3.00 for just a door key

[jgencinc]

Why is there a price difference if you have 2 keys?

[Pickermeapie]

Yes I am wondering the same. That key is cloneable, but if you dont have a Cloner, then you would have to program it anyway with somthing like an Ilco SDD or use OBP

[Shrub]

But if you do have a cloner then its easy to do, also you cant charge the customer for 2 first key prices, the money is made in the 1st key and the second cost is just to cover the key with a margin on that.