So about a year ago I got a Ford $50 Gift Card. Didn't know what to do with it but after reading threads on here about the PATS keys I decided that I should get a 3rd key. Ford tech goes cut the key, brings it back with a supervisor telling me how I need to pay them $90 bucks to program it. I told them I can do it myself. Then they start yapping about I need the programing tool, etc.

The second part "Fancy Keys" are at the bottom.

Also reading how the keys ID is stored in the cars computer vs the car writing a ID to the key.

So that would make me think that Ford keys are read only???

But wait at my work we have a 'Transponder Key Cloner'.



However we don't use factory OEM keys. We use mainly Ilco. The cloning machine just copy's and pastes the key info on to a new key.

So here comes my theory;

The ranger PATS can have up to eight (8) stored keys. Depending if the OEM Ford PATS keys are read/writable. You could just clone the working key instead of adding more to the system. Since there is no way for us to remove / reset keys (is there?).

So my question is this: Is OEM Ford keys writable via a key cloner?

I know we can do it with the Ilco blanks.

---------------------------------------------------
Fancy Keys
---------------------------------------------------

So when I was browsing Ebay I came across some 'Fancy / Modern' style keys for our rangers with factory alarm/key-less entry.

Stock keys


Then here are the fancy ones, like Audi, Toyota, etc where the key fob and key are one unit.

Toyota Style



Audi / VW Switchblade Style



With these you take out your keyfob internals and put them in one of these updated one.

I thought it was interesting, something new modern. Now I need to figure out how to get my Commando Alarm internals to fit in one of those.

***Click On A Picture for Ebay Sale***

 

If you sort this out let me know I've been through 3 viper fobs for my remote start and they are crappy but my 11 year old factory fob still works great id love to swap it over to that cause and save myself another new $40 fob from viper! The key i believe is read only though. It cause pre-programmed with an identifier code that gets programmed to the car but if you have two originals there is a how-to in the owners manual to add others no fancy tool required!

 

I know I can program them with 2 working keys. But I'm curious is if OEM keys can be written to.

The point on doing this is so I don't have to add more keys to the system.

What alarm system you wanting to use? Factory or Viper?

The factory keyfob guts go in to the above keys.

 

If you have 2 working PATS keys (each with a unique ID) - you can create keys 3-8 sitting in your driveway yourself - for only the cost of a PATS blank (+/- $10 on Ebay) & a standard 'dumb' key cutting (+/- $5).

The problem comes into play with you only have a single working PATS key. In order to program more yourself - you need 2 keys, each with a unique ID number.

Around here 'big box' type stores can create you a 'clone' of a PATS if you only have one working key (I assume it's similar to your machine posted above). The downfall of this clone is that it will have the exact same ID # as the original - Meaning, they cannot be used to create a new third key on your own because the PATS system doesn't see it as a unique key at all, but will still start your truck just fine.

You need two unique key id's in order to make additional ones on your own (up to 8 total keys). Once you have two keys, each with a unique ID - the instructions to 'program' key #3-#8 is listed here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...ats-keys-4829/

Recap:
2nd Key from the Dealer = $130ish charge = One time. Programming additional keys = Free yourself from then on.
2nd Key from the Store = $50ish charge = Every time. Programming additional keys = Can't yourself.

People think the keys from the 'big box stores' are a better deal (since they are initially cheaper) - but in the long run, they really aren't at all. It's apples to oranges.

I guess I don't understand why you don't want to add keys to the system. Are you planning on needing more than 8 usable keys at any one time? Seems like a lot of keys! lol

I'm fairly certain when you enter the programming mode (described in the manual or the link I provided) - it clears any other key ID numbers not present/available at the time of programming (aka - resets the 'workable key count' back to zero) - so you have all 8 'slots' available to use again.

 

No, the RFID "tag" in the PATS key is un-writable, it's ID number is set, pretty much "in stone" as they say, lol

You add it's ID to the PATS system computer, which as said can be done if you have 2 working PATS keys.

Yes you can buy writable RFID tags and then read a PATS key tag then transfer that ID to the writable tag, so clone the RFID from a PATS key.

You could also just put a working PATS key in the steering column and then use any type of key you want.
Kind of defeats the purpose of PATS though, lol, and your insurance company probably wouldn't like it :)
Or just have a PATS key on your key ring and use the multifunction key, it should be close enough.

When you turn on the key the PATS transmitter/receiver in the steering column sends out a radio wave(RF), this signal is received by the "tag" and it gives it just enough power to respond with its unique ID number.
That's why RFID tags don't need batteries, they get the power to send out their ID from the Radio Wave.
It's also why they have to be close to the receiver, lol, it is a weak response.

 

I tried that with a $5 cut key and a working PATS held against the column...no go. Tried it several times in several places along the column. The PATS key had to be in the switch.

The key blank is ILCO H84-PT. A real locksmith will cut these for you. The blanks can be found on eBay, or the locksmith might have them. Follow the directions in your owner's manual. Works like a charm. BUT...depending on how many other keys have been programmed (I think Ford used dealers cut and program new keys every time the truck is resold) your original keys might get pushed out. Don't panic, just program them and it will push out the dealer's keys. It acts like a FIFO storage system (first in, first out). I programmed two new ones, then my old ones didn't work. Programmed them (using the new ones as the "working" keys) and then all 4 worked.

BTW, the plain "dead" blank is an ILCO H75 if you want a key for cab access only.

 

Walmart current price on a programmed (from one key) PATS key (no swtich blade ot key fob) is $69.