I'm not sure about new trucks but I know for sure that the Keys that Ford used around the year 2003 had a huge plastic end on it with a little sticker of the Ford logo on them. I dont know about you guys but I find that big hunk of platic very annoying (my dad has newer ford's). In the newer F-series trucks the keys dont have as big a hunk of plastic on the end.

My question is, can you get a key for your '03 or so ranger made with a newer f-series blank?

I know it sounds wierd and a little bit funny that someone in the world is actually wirried about something this stupid, but what can I say, like I said, I find that huge hunk of plastic on the end of the key very annoying.

 

I think there is a chip in the end of the key, so you need to use the key that your vehicle came with....

 

the big plastic thing is the PATS device. its and electronic thing that only lets programmed keys start your vehicle. It is an anti-theft device for insurance reasons

 

You can get one made to open the doors, but that is it. You need the ranger key to start the truck.

 

How come the F-series trucks dont need that huge chunk of plastic on their newer keys then?

 

cause they dont have the PATS system....

 

Someone told me once that all you have to do is like, duct-tape the key with the chip in it under the dash or something, and you can start the truck with a copy. never tried it, so I dont know if that's true. someone will chime in and correct me, I'm sure.

 

It's possible, but have a locksmith who works with automotive do it. They'll know the best way to do it.

 

thats how they do remote start systems, the easy way. program a key, take the steering column trim off and secure the key next to the cylinder. that way the remote start can "bypass" the PATS system.

 

Its all done with proximity. But once you tape a key near the receiver than anyone can steal your truck. you don't need those fancy boxes you see in the movies to start the car. It can be taken the old fashioned way.

On the other hand I have a funny feeling my 07 dosen't have a chip in the key. Is the PATS standard or is it an option. My manual talks about the anti theft light and how it blinks for having and not having a PATS.

And don'y love how Ford put the PATS standard in a 10K Focus but not standard in in a 25-30K F150