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Keyless entry help

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Old Aug 6, 2017
  #1  
Quartermill's Avatar
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Keyless entry help

Hey folks, is there a way to decipher by vin# if my truck has keyless entry? I just bought it, only came with one key and no fob. Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2017
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Welcome to the forum

No, VIN doesn't list that kind of option

depending on the year you could take VIN to ford dealer and see if they have it listed and what options it was ordered with when sold new

You used to be able to get a Window Sticker reprint from Ford, I think it was $25, it lists all the options and the selling price
 
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Old Aug 7, 2017
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Well I went to the dealership today and we determined it in fact does have keyless entry so I ordered a fob. I was going to have them cut me a new key but have decided that since the passenger door lock cylinder won't unlock with the key, and the ignition lock is so sloppy, (won't roll back into the accessory side unless you hold it there, and sometimes is hard to unlock to start) my smartest move would be to just have them order me new door locks and
ignition lock cylinder so everything will be keyed alike.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2017
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Sounds like a good plan

Thanks for posting the update
 
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Old Aug 12, 2017
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Originally Posted by RonD
Sounds like a good plan

Thanks for posting the update
So I ultimately ended up going to a local locksmith, as per the dealership's recommendation. They used the vin to access Ford's database and cut me two new keys, peeled the chip out of my original key and molded it into one of the new keys to save a few dollars. The key was the entire problem, all locks work well now and I have a new fob. One more item off the punch list.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2017
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Good work
 
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Old Aug 30, 2017
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I am in the same boat. I have had this truck for about 8 years and only received one key. The truck sat for the most part for about 6 years and 2 years ago it became my daily driver. I would really like to have a remote fob for it. Thanks for direction on where to go for this.

I have had a spare key cut in case I locked my keys inside - I have used it a few times...
 

Last edited by Tsquare; Aug 31, 2017 at 10:30 AM.
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Old Aug 30, 2017
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Originally Posted by Tsquare
I am in the same boat. I have had this truck for about 8 years and only received one key. The truck sat for the most part for about 6 years and 2 years ago it became my daily driver. I would really like to have a remote fob for it. Thanks for direction on where to go for this.

I have had a spare key cut in case I locked my keys inside - I have used it a few times...
You can have a spare key "cloned" so it will also start the engine
Most locksmiths can do that
They use a new and Blank PATS key, cut it for your lock and then READ your current working key's PATS ID code, then "clone" that same ID to Blank PATS key, and you have two keys for less than having more PATS keys added
 
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Old Aug 31, 2017
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I haven't gone down this road yet, but apparently Forscan will allow you to program your own PATS keys using the OBD-II interface rather than going to the dealer. Getting a second key for my '99 is on my list, but it's far enough down that it will probably be a few weeks before I get to it. Will try to remember to post a follow up when I've tried it.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2017
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Pretty much any locksmith can add PATS keys, no longer a Dealer only item
 
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Old Sep 1, 2017
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They can clone keys, or actually program new ones properly as additional keys?
 
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Old Sep 1, 2017
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Either one
For "cloning" they only need your working key to make a copy, and usually proof of ownership, lol.

To add new keys they need to hook a laptop, with Ford software, to the OBD2 port, like with Forscan

With 2 different working keys you can add your own new keys
2 Clone keys are just ONE key as far as computer/PATS is concerned, so won't work to add new keys
And a clone key is a "proper key", it's nothing bad, it's the same as you had a proper key cut before PATS, only drawback is you can't use it to add new keys.


From Ford:

Here's How You Program a PATS Key Yourself

1. Start with your two original keys. If you only have one, you can't program the keys yourself.

2. Next, you'll need a new PATS key that has been cut to match your original keys.

3. Start by putting one of your original keys in the ignition.

4. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) for three seconds, then turn it back to OFF.

5. Within ten seconds, remove the first original key and insert the second original key, and then turn to ON (RUN) for three seconds, and then back to OFF.

6. Within ten more seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON for three seconds, then turn back to OFF.

7. If you did it right, the “security” light on the dash will illuminate for three seconds. Congrats!

8. Repeat this process for any additional keys.

_________________

So if you have 3 different and working PATS keys and lose one you can add 3rd again yourself, because you still have 2 different working keys, if you only have two and lose one you are in the same position you are in now
 

Last edited by RonD; Sep 1, 2017 at 10:30 AM.
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Old Sep 1, 2017
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Thanks. I was clear on everything except the part that they had the equipment to program new keys. Good to know.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2017
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I wish I had read all this before I took my truck to the dealer for extra keys. Truck only came with one so I wanted to hurry before we loose it and have tow it to dealer.
I bought two extra keys for about 160. Ouch. and it is just an old ford nothing fancy.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2017
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Originally Posted by fastpakr
I haven't gone down this road yet, but apparently Forscan will allow you to program your own PATS keys using the OBD-II interface rather than going to the dealer. Getting a second key for my '99 is on my list, but it's far enough down that it will probably be a few weeks before I get to it. Will try to remember to post a follow up when I've tried it.
Here's a summary of the process that I wrote for another forum:
You can now program your own PATS keys without a trip to the dealer even if you don't have two working keys. Here's what you need:
1) An ELM327 interface for the OBD2 port. Not one of the $10 generic ones, but a real one (expect to spend about $30 or so). Click HERE for the unit I used successfully.
2) A Windows laptop with Forscan installed. Go HERE to download.
3) At least two PATS keys that are cut to physically work in your ignition cylinder. I used a STRATTEC key that was about $10 on eBay. Locksmiths seem to be a little finicky on cutting third party keys, but I eventually found one that did the job for $2.


You'll need to register Forscan with an extended license. You can get a 2 month license for free by following the instructions HERE.

Detailed instructions for PATS programming are HERE. I'll condense them to what I did below.

1) Insert a key and turn it to the Run position. Put the ELM327 unit in the OBD2 port, and connect it to the laptop either by Bluetooth (pair it first, then check Forscan settings to select the device) or USB cable.
2) Launch Forscan and connect it to the vehicle. If everything's working, you'll see a list of PCM modules that it has connected to through the engine computer.
3) Click the wrench icon, then look for the PATS programming option in the Service procedures. Forscan may either tell you to wait 10-12 minutes while it gets timed access to the function, or go through the incode/outcode procedure to gain access. For incode info, click the detailed instructions link above. On my '99, I just had to wait 10 minutes to proceed to the next step.
4) Once you're in, follow the menu to erase all existing keys, then when prompted program each of your PATS keys to the system. Basically, you'll take the current key out, wait 10 seconds, then insert a key to the Run position and count to three, and do the same with any remaining keys. Once you're done programming keys, press OK and you can close out Forscan.

This should dramatically simplify V8 swaps, because you can just swap the PATS module that's paired to the new ECM into your truck, then program your current keys to the new ECM/module. No trip to the dealer required.

Post here if you have basic questions and I'll try to point you in the right direction. For more involved issues, register at the Forscan forum linked above and ask away there.
Good luck!​​​​​​​
 
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Old Sep 8, 2017
  #16  
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Fastpakr is 100% correct in his instructions. I did this for mine using an $8.00 ELM and ForScan Extended. Performed the same basic steps he outlined above and now I have 5 keys for my truck. I cannot stress enough though, to purchase genuine Strattec keys. DO NOT CHEAP-OUT AND BUY THE NO-NAME KEYS AS THESE WON'T ALWAYS WORK.

As for knowing if you have keyless entry, do the following:

1. Close all doors, then open your driver side door and press the Unlock button on the drivers door while it is open

2. Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, with the 8th time ending in RUN. The door locks will lock and unlock to confirm that you have entered programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle you should try it again but faster. If they still do not cycle, your vehicle may not have keyless entry)

3. Within 8 seconds press any button on the first keyless remote to be programmed. Door locks will cycle to confirm programming. If you only have one remote then skip to step 5

4. Within 8 seconds, press any button on the second keyless remote. Door locks will cycle again to confirm programming. Repeat step 4 for any remaining remotes (up to 4 remote FOBs total)

5. Turn ignition to OFF. Locks will again cycle to indicate end of programming mode

NOTE: If the FOB does not respond, it is possible it is using the wrong frequency (433MHz vs. 315MHz). Most FOBs can be set to use either frequency by entering the programming mode as outlined above, then:

Press and hold both the Lock and Unlock buttons
Press and hold the Panic button
The frequency will change and program the FOB to the vehicle
The door locks will cycle, indicating the frequency change and the FOB programming was successful

Hope this helps!
 
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Old Oct 29, 2017
  #17  
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Keyless entry

I have a 95 Ranger with keyless entry I have tried the reset sequence and repairing the fob to the truck and have also unhooked the battery. But nothing happens when you hit any of the buttons on the remote.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2017
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Sounds like the Central Security Module (CSM) might be bad.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2017
  #19  
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Have you replaced the battery in the key fob? You can also test the fob at most auto parts stores to confirm that it's emitting RF when you press the buttons.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2017
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Originally Posted by fastpakr
Have you replaced the battery in the key fob? You can also test the fob at most auto parts stores to confirm that it's emitting RF when you press the buttons.
Yes battery is new but will go and have the fob tested as I have never used it since just recently buying the truck. Thanks
 
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Old Oct 29, 2017
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Originally Posted by mhoward
Sounds like the Central Security Module (CSM) might be bad.
I hope not how much do they typically run price wise and are they hard to replace.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2017
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I apologize. On the 1995 Ranger, it isn't a CSM... it is called a RAPS module, but they do basically the same thing. Not sure what they cost, but are typically easy to replace. 1995-1999 RAPS module is mounted at the rear of cab behind trim panels near floor.

I noticed that you say you haven't used the remote entry. Are you 100% sure the truck has this feature? I am assuming the truck has the power door lock buttons on the inside of the door and that you can actuate the locks with these buttons?
 
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