What happens if the PATS key is lost?

[MAXX RS4]

So I was thinking today..
What happens if the key with the PATS chip in it is lost? I only have one key that has the chip and my spare key is just a copy from home depot..

Would the whole ignition have to be replaced? Or is ford intelligent enough to program new ones using the vin or something..?

 

[CanadaStang]

Go to your Ford dealer and get a spare key made incase you lose your only one.

 

[DisposableHero]

yeah you need to go to the dealer and have them program a key

 

[MAXX RS4]

yeah you need to go to the dealer and have them program a key

How much does that cost? Also, if the key gets lost and there's no copy, what do they do then?

 

[Seraphitia102]

I heard a chip key is around $120 at the dealer. Not sure if it's the exact price.

 

[ToplessStang]

How much does that cost? Also, if the key gets lost and there's no copy, what do they do then?

Ideally, having a third key made while you still have the two originals, is best. If you have two programmed keys, you don't need the dealer to progam an extra key. Seeing as now you only have one, the dealer will have to program it.

The tech at the dealer has a choice when programming the new key for you. He can simply program the new key code into the PCM and leave the other two, including the lost key, programmed OR he can CLEAR all keys and program just the two keys that you will keep. The second option is better for the simple reason that if for example your neighbour is the one that has your lost key, he won't be able to start your car. If you would happen to find your lost key at a later time, you can program it yourself with your two keys.

Just let the dealer know that you want the lost key code cleared.

 

[MAXX RS4]

Ideally, having a third key made while you still have the two originals, is best. If you have two programmed keys, you don't need the dealer to progam an extra key. Seeing as now you only have one, the dealer will have to program it.

The tech at the dealer has a choice when programming the new key for you. He can simply program the new key code into the PCM and leave the other two, including the lost key, programmed OR he can CLEAR all keys and program just the two keys that you will keep. The second option is better for the simple reason that if for example your neighbour is the one that has your lost key, he won't be able to start your car. If you would happen to find your lost key at a later time, you can program it yourself with your two keys.

Just let the dealer know that you want the lost key code cleared.

I dont have the little remote thing. All I got with my car was the one key with the chip in it.. What do I do in that case?

 

[stangGT97]

I called a locksmith who programmed two spare keys for $140. If you lose your single key, the whole system needs to be reprogrammed

 

[ToplessStang]

I dont have the little remote thing. All I got with my car was the one key with the chip in it.. What do I do in that case?

The remotes have nothing to do with PATS. If you got your car with only one key, you'll have to have the dealer cut another key and program it. Make sure you tell them to clear all the old keys first.

 

[Mel96GT]

If you lose your PATS key, you will have to have your car towed to a dealer and they will have to re-program the car for a new key. I called them years ago out of curiosity and that is what they told me. They also quoted $150+cost of key. You will be looking at over $200.00 if you lose that PATS key. My advice is go to a local locksmith or dealer ASAP and have him cut you a spare PATS key for $60.00.

 

[MAXX RS4]

If you lose your PATS key, you will have to have your car towed to a dealer and they will have to re-program the car for a new key. I called them years ago out of curiosity and that is what they told me. They also quoted $150+cost of key. You will be looking at over $200.00 if you lose that PATS key. My advice is go to a local locksmith or dealer ASAP and have him cut you a spare PATS key for $60.00.

How would a locksmith cut me a pats key? Doesnt the pats key have that little chip inside of it?

 

[lewbud]

There is no need to go to a dealer. Any locksmith can make you a duplicate of your key. Yes the PATS key has a chip in it and as long as the locksmith has the machine to program it you're good to go. A locksmith can also make you a key from a bare blank if you lose yours. The locksmith company I work for in DFW charges 175.00 to come out and make a key if you lose one or if you bring your key and your car to the shop 50.00 If you go to the locksmith shop make sure you bring your car so the key can be programmed into the cars memory.

 

[loosescrew79]

You need to buy a spare before you lose the only one you have. I spoke to a guy at the dealer and it was going to cost 36 bucks for the new key and 75 for the reprogram.

My wife lost her only key to her focus about 3 years ago and we had to tow her car to the dealer and pay a little over 200 for 2 new keys

 

[laxdman20]

If you loose your PATS keys. Then you can get the car towed to the dealership, and they take your vin # and get the code to cut a key. Now when they erase your old keys from the computer, you need AT LEAST 2 new keys to program.

 

[loosescrew79]

If you lose your keys I'm pretty sure the dealer reprograms the computer so that those old keys can't be used to steal your car. If you don't have the old keys how can they erase them.

 

[laxdman20]

Well they SHOULD erase the old codes from the computer. But you need to tell them just to make sure. It takes about 2 seconds to erase the old codes.