Just called a dealer and was told they can't make me a key for my 2000 ranger xlt HELP

 

Why not?!

I assume you have a PATS key (The one on the left)?



I would call a different one. They are the only place that can actually get you an additional PATS key with a unique code to start your truck. They 'wipe' all the existing PATS information out & provide a new setup.

In addition 'big box' type stores can create you a 'clone' if you only have one working PATS key.

This clone will start your truck just fine...but:

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.

You need two unique key id's in order to make additional ones on your own (up to 8 total keys).

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.

 

Your username intrigues me. What does that name come from.

My last name is Quade is why I ask

 

I was under the impression you could program your own spares. You had to put it in and turn it then take it out, put the original in and wait for lights to flash then put spare in or something.

 

You can - but you need two working & unique PATS keys in addition to the ones you want programmed.

You can have up to 8 (I believe).

Here is the specific process if you have two working & unique (aka - 'non-cloned') PATS keys: https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...ats-keys-4829/

 

I do, the second one also has the barcodes the dealer needs

 

Perhaps I'm not understanding you correctly, but if you have two PATS keys (each with a unique electronic ID) you can make as many additional as you want (up to 8 total) sitting in your driveway for the cost of a basic key cutting like $5.

Any single working PATS key would be able to be used by the dealer to make a 2nd one - for like $120 (They wipe all the currently working keys out of the 'system'). Then use those two to make additional ones yourself.

Its getting that 2nd unique key ID that's the expensive one.

 

...or you could have a std key(s) cut, and put the original inside the plastic of the coulmn somehow and not need more expensive chipped keys....i ever get something new enough with this setup, i'll do that or find a way to bypass it.

 

Right.

 

Let make this simple: A 2000 4 cylinder ranger never came with PATS. No lima engine ever had PATS only the V6 had Pats for those years.

Just get a copy made at wally world.

 

I got my keys on ebay, like $20 or less for 2. Took to a dealer to program for like $60ish.
I bought it used, only got 1 key, no remotes, so I wanted peace of mind any existing keys won't start it!

Good info on the 'cloning', I almost went this route thinking I could program extra keys (& eventually a keyless pad) glad I didn't!

 

Quick question, I have a 00/01 ranger with no keys, it's a 4.0, what can I do to drive it?

 

You will need to get a Mobile Locksmith with Ford software, to come out and make/cut new PATS keys for the lock and then use his laptop computer(with Ford software) to add the new keys to the PATS system

There is a software called Forscan, that you can be use to add new PATS keys, but you have to have the PATS keys first

There is no by-pass or work around for PATS(passive anti-theft system), it disables the engine computer so no fuel injection, wouldn't be much of an anti-theft system if it could be by-passed, lol.

Unfortunately these types of anti-theft systems have made car-jacking more common

 

I always only had one key with my truck. The spare key that came with it was just a duplicate of the original PATS key... so it never started the vehicle.

I bought a OEM key off eBay for $20, went to a locksmith who cut the key for $2, then I downloaded Forscan and went through the steps. I was able to completely remove all keys and then program all 3 keys to the truck. Now I have 3 fully functional keys that turn the truck on. Definitely look at ForScan! It's a nice diagnostic program and can do a lot albeit not that much for our rangers but it did save me time and money from going to a dealer just to program a new key.

-Nigel

 

SinceI have a 2000 model Ranger and these are pics of the key and RFID.
You can pull the tube out and tape or glue it as close as possible to the ignition switch and any plain/passive key (that does not have the RFID unit) will work.
I did that for a while but was concerned about knocking the RFID off and losing it... so since I am putting it on the road for the first time since 2017, I have a email out checking on prices.
Feel free to use the pictures in other threads since they seem kinda hard to find.


Above: A needle or fingernail or knife edge can be used to get it started and it just slides out. You can see I have done it a number of times
Below: You can see some adhesive on the RFID, sorry about that. The copper wire coil is the antenna and is a coil so that it can get induced electromagnetic energy to run the RFID circuit.
There is a coil in the ignition switch that transmits, to the RFID.
The circuit board is to the right of the coil and you can see two capacitors (the brownish bars with silver/soldered ends) but not much else in the pic.
Realize how much smaller they can make them today, 21 years later... yes they can be inserted into your body with a needle.


Love,

theant

 

Call a mobile locksmith with Ford software and they will make a new key and program it with your ford.

 

The only way I can get this to work on my truck is to take the original key and lay it side-by-side with the 'service' key when I put the latter into the ignition. Strapping the original to the column does nothing. It has to be 'in line' with the antenna on the ignition.

 

l'll try to get a picture showing where it worked for me. I used velcro

 

Locksmith won't have ford software at all and i don't think they can program that key.

 

This post is full of poor info, and conspiracy theories. Do not take advice from this individual. -Moderation

Rt I'm so fu#%&#$%& mad at this truck I'm about to push it of of a cliff fuc that pats and fuc that chipped key this is all bullshit control crap this is all a bunch of bullshit I refuse to get a chipped key there is a way around it and all you superficial ******* that won't release the info on it can **** off I don't know what makes you guys think your more special than the hard working men like myself maybe I can use something off off my 95 explorer to replace the pats system I don't know maybe the computer will plug in if so that should get rid of pats I ******* hate pats I just want to drive my truck I don't want someone telling me I have to by a chipped key reply ony if you have a solution I bought this truck without keys but I did not know about pats I would like to beat that ******* that came up with pats because apparently there is no way around it which is potentially dangerous to any adventurous American it's possible that a person could die because there supposedly is no way around the pats that tells me that pats is a killer who has killed people all over the world because they couldn't leave the situation they were in pats wouldn't let them so they died so pats really isn't much of a lifesaver if you really think about it

This post is full of poor info, and conspiracy theories. Do not take advice from this individual. -Moderation

 

Sell the truck and buy a 1998 or older Ranger

2005 Rangers don't have PATS, Ford skipped that year, argument with the company that makes it

And people who had a flat tire or broken starter also couldn't leave a bad situation, not sure what that has to do with PATS being a killer any more than any other part of a vehicle that breaks at a bad time

Its fine to vent, and no one is holding back a PATS delete, its a very simple system but hard to defeat

Most locksmiths can make a PATS key matching the current door and ignition locks, and then add it to the PATS system, mobile locksmith can come to vehicles location
The VIN number can often be used to get the Key Code to cut a new key, but key still needs to be added to PATS system to work
Get 2 PATS keys done

Buying any vehicle without keys seems a little odd to me, even older non-PATS vehicles, are you sure it was the persons vehicle to sell?
"PSSST, hey buddy want to buy a Ranger", lol

Just sounds odd, I would check registration and title with local DMV to see status of the vehicle before investing any money in it

 

I walked into my local hardware store and ordered chipped keys for hundreds less than the local Ford dealer. Yes, they have a battery, but at my age they'll last longer than I will.

 

4 days ago you were bragging on how you bypassed it, so now what's the problem
https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...3/#post2202461

 

Home Depot can cut/program the PATS with just a single key. The girl told me it costs $75.

Question, I am having an XTools D8BT delivered soon to fix my other vehicle. Can I use that to program a 2nd PATS? I don't have the 2nd key required for the job.

 

Home depot can cut and CLONE another key from current WORKING PATS key, so you have a "spare key", but not technically a "2nd key"

Transponder keys use RFID tags, used in many industries to track packages or inventory
Its a micro-chip and antenna
They look like this: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/it...20100914063122
The chip can be blank so a "number" can be written on it with an RFID reader/writer
OR
Chip can be pre-programmed with a "number"

Smaller RFID tags that can fit in a keys handle have a very short range which is why the Transceiver needs to be close to the keys handle

RFID tags are "powered" by an RF(radio frequency) burst, the antenna around the chip absorbs the energy which gives the chip just enough internal power to broadcast its "number"
Transceiver transmits an RF burst, the receives the "number" which is why its called a trans/ceiver, this is just a powered antenna used by PATS but not a part that needs to be programmed, i.e. it can be swapped out

Pretty simple setup, and been around for 40+ years

Blank tag's chip can be programmed with any number, so its called a CLONE tag if "number" was taken from another tag

PATS has a two key minimum but was usually programmed with 3 or 4 different numbered keys at the factory, the keys that came with the new vehicle
You can add another PATS key to the system if you still have TWO different numbered PATS keys that match 2 of the stored numbers
A CLONE key has the SAME number as another key, so its is NOT a different key(a 2nd key) as far as PATS is concerned its the same key it was CLONED from

Never used XTOOL D8BT
It says it can add keys
Forscan software can but you need a laptop/tablet and the OBD2 to USB cable
The software needs to put the PATS into programming mode and there will need to be a code generated after waiting 15 to 30min, the wait time is to prevent thieves from quickly adding their own PATS tag to memory, so make sure battery is in good condition
After the wait PATS will Learn new key tags
You insert key into ignition and turn it on
PATS will read the key and save its number
Then repeat for each key when instructed to