My Issue:
I just bought 2002 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4, 4.0 SOHC with only one key. Based on prior experience...I am wanting to find another member who is local that is well versed with FORScan with the knowledge to program two more OEM Ford PATS keys. I understand you have to erase all keys then program the new ones into PATS. If there is someone out there that has a little bit of time and willing to help, I will offer to pay to help recoup the cost of the ELM327 and your time. I bought two Ford OEM PATS keys and had ACE Hardware cut them. Now I just have to get them programmed into PATS.

Wanting to find a FORScan user around: Tacoma Washington or Bonney Lake Washington.

This thread can also help other members locate FORScan members in their area as well.

 

I don't know if there is a difference in PATS keys from my '99 to your '02. But I too had only one key.
I needed a spare so I went to a local lock smith. He took my working key, put in some sort of reader to get the ID from
it, then programmed another key with the same ID number. Works like a charm. He didn't have to do any resetting
or programming in the truck. But as I said, I don't know if that's possible with a 2002 but may be worth a try.

 

Its called "Cloning" a transponder key, any year key can be cloned

Thats how original keys are made, a unique number is "written" to the RFID Tag in the handle of the key
When inserted into the cylinder and key is turned on, the PATS "reads" the number, if that number is in its memory then engine can be started

Locksmith "reads" key just like PATS does, then "writes" that number to New Key, then cuts the key to match the lock cylinder
So as far as PATS is concerned, its the same key, a clone of the original
Same as, as far as the lock cylinder is concerned its the same key

 

Cloning is definitely not what I want to do. I would like to add another number to PATS by programming a new key into the system. After I am done with the process it would allow me to program keys without any software, ELM, etc. should I loose another key. I will have a total of 3 keys (different IDs for PATS) when I am done.

 

What's the difference between have 3 keys with 3 ID/PATS and cloning 3 keys all with the same ID/PATS? The truck wont know the difference.
And cloning keys doesn't require any programming in the truck.

 

How would you delete a cloned key from the system ?
An example, you get divorced and the ex has a cloned key that they claim is lost, how will you stop them from stealing and wrecking your truck ?

 

I'm not to keen on cloning keys to only have one key ID in PATS. I would like two IDs in PATS so I have the ability to program a 3rd or 4th. After you have two different key IDs in PATS, you can follow the easy programming steps in the owners manual and I shouldn't have to worry about contacting a locksmith in the future. My hopes are to use a plug and play ELM327 with FORScan (extended license), then maintain 3 keys at all times. Cloning is definitely the cheaper way to go.

2011Supercab makes a valid point. If you delete the clone key ID, you would not be able to use any cloned keys since you literally only have one ID in PATS (and maybe other lost key IDs too). Although this example would be a rare situation, I think my best course of action for me to feel good is to use FORScan, delete all IDs in PATS, then program my new Ford OEM keys using FORScan, and finally self program using the owners manual technique for the 3rd key.

So my next step since no one apparently uses FORScan in the Tacoma WA area that would be willing to help, is to buy the ELM327. FORScan has already been downloaded with the extended license.

 

If your goal is to have 2 PATS keys with unique IDs then you need at least 3 PATS keys with unique IDs to start with
Because you wouldn't need to add a 3rd until you lost 1 of the 3 PATS key, if you only had 2 then your down to 1, so no benefit having just 2

If you are deleting keys then you can add keys at the same time, same software/process, so not seeing down side to cloned key in that situation, same as non-cloned key if its lost or an "ex" has it and you want to delete it
Yes, you are out the cost of the cloned key but you are out the cost of the lost or stolen key in any case

To use Forscan is best because its a learning experience, not because its practical or cheaper, more knowledge is always the better path, IMO

 

Ron....I really like your signature quote from MJ.

 

Update... (2002 Ford Range Edge 4.0 with one master key) Lots of headache with FORScan, and ELM327...stuck with it and eventually programmed two master keys through FORScan and one spare through the owners manual technique.

Mission Accomplished.
I never found another FORScan user in my area. I also thought this thread would allow others to post their location should anyone need help. So this thread seems useless since it is not going to be used for its intended purpose. MODERATORs or ADMIN, you can delete this thread if you would like.

 

Good work