Ok..so I go to turn my truck off yesterday, and when I went to pull the key out, it came out of the black plastic part surroundng it. I thought that these keys were suposed to have some sort of security chip in them or something. It starts without the plastic part on it. I tried getting a key made a few weeks ago, and was told that they couldn't because of the chip. What chip??? Any ideas?

 

Your truck might be too old for the PATS system.

 

It's a '99. So I wonder why they would tell me that they couldn't make a key? How can i tell if has the PATS thingy on it?

 

^^ pats key...




^^^non-pats key

 

Redneckstone is right. Your PATS system is basically a radio chip in the key with a receiver in the column. If you keep the head of the key with a programmed chip close enough to it, any key with or without a chip will work.

 

i dont know about that i had a nonpats key in ignition and a pats key really close and it wouldnt start

 

Some of the PATS systems require the key to be in the actual receiver ring i.e. column to be read. The 05s didn't come with PATS either oddly enough. You can add it to the 05's but it is costly as the wiring isn't there and the pcm must be flashed "PATS ON".

 

You need to define close though. Most cases it is in direct contact with the receiver or less than an inch away. 03FX4 is right too, some require it to be in the ignition proper, but not all.

 

The key needs to touch the metal, specifically the chip. I have a broken key with a non pats key for a back up.

 

It'll start even if the plastic part is a mile away. BUT...no one will make me another key, cause they all say that it has a chip in it.

 

ALOT of places around my house make the keys with the chips in them. Search around at MAJOR places. I think Wal-Mart even does it.

 

you should be able to get the key made and get someone to program the key for you, the pop-a-loc guy did it for our 03 ranger that needed extras with the pats system.

 

not all 99's had PATs

mine did, when my buddy's didn't

 

IF you can have a key made, you can program it yourself...the procedure is in the owner's manual.....

 

But you need more than one key to program it yourself unless you have a WDS 2000 or equivalent. Some locksmiths have the provisions to program you a new key if you only have one. Dealers make you pay big money.

 

I dont think he has PATS.

 

Well, went over to Lowe's. They made me a key. Guess I have that PATS thingy afterall. Key let me turn on the accessories,but wouldn't turn on the motor. The "theft" light just blinked really fast. I'm wondering if I can glue the key back into the plastic cover, or will this mess up something?

 

Super glue will work i guess.

If you have two keys now just add more. You can have upto 4. The instructions are here somewhere.

 

Fix the key, and if it's an original, use it to program a new key then just use it as a spare. The PATS system allows up to 8 keys total to be programmed. You can get keys for cheap off of ebay, get them cut, and program them yourself, if you have two originals.

 

OK..so how do you program a key? the one they made me looks like the original. Will this one work? Or do I need some sort of special key?

 

You should need a key that looks like the top one in Redneckstone's post. My programs show that is what '99 rangers use, same as my 2000. It will have to have a chip in it. I believe that the owner's manual tells you how to program keys in there, not sure though, some say it does. I got two keys uncut off ebay for $25.00 shipped. This was nice because the locksmith's in the area wanted $18.00 for one uncut. I bought them, had a friend cut them, and they even came with programming instructions. The one you had cut at Lowe's, will be a good emergency door key. You could even take the new keys in there and have them cut them if it was inexpensive. Or go to a local locksmith and have him do it all for you, taking it to him will get you out of paying for a service call, generally. Shop around and get prices.

 

I do have the instructions on how to add more keys if you have both original keys. Just let me know and I can get them to you by posting or PM.

 

You Have Elctric Start

 

If So U Have A Chip Behind The Igntion