This 2001 truck, I'm in middle of buying, had it ignition switch replaced and NOW ANTI-THIEF light flashes (fast) on dash, preventing truck from cranking.)
I have new ignition switch key but non-running truck. CAN A CAR LOCKSMITH program this new key to this new truck OR MUST THIS BE DONE AT DEALER.
(other than my new sellers title and my sellers BOS, do I need to "provide proof of ownership" to dealer before they will re-program new ign. key to truck?)

Any advice you guys have - you guys KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO FIX THIS - I'm all ears!

Larry
Gainesville, GA

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, most mobile locksmiths will have Ford software so they can add and make PATS(passive anti-theft system) keys

And you had the Key cylinder replaced, not the ignition switch, ignition switch is under steering column and can be replaced without effecting PATS

You can take a new key cylinder into a locksmith and have them re-key it for the old PATS keys, so you don't need them to come out, that also makes it so ignition key matches door locks

Not sure what Proof of ownership is needed, it varies by location I would imagine


PATS
Inside the PATS key handle is an RFID tag, it needs no batteries
When you turn the key on, an antenna(transceiver) around the key slot sends out an RF(radio frequency) burst, this gives the PATS key enough power to transmit its unique ID(its RFID)
The antenna picks up this unique number and sends it to the Computer
The computer was programmed at the factory with the 3 or 4 PATS keys that came with the New vehicle
Computer compares number from antenna to its list of numbers, if a match is found then fuel pump and fuel injectors are turned on, if no match then no fuel pump or injectors and THEFT light flashes rapidly
On some model there is also a Starter Motor Interrupt, so starter motor will not work if Match is not found, but fuel pump and fuel injectors for sure don't work.

A locksmith with Ford software on a laptop can add new numbers to the computers list, he would also need an RFID tag reader to get the new ID numbers from your keys to add them to computers memory.
Ford Dealer can as well but you must have it towed in to them.

PATS keys can only be added with computer in the vehicle, i.e. you can't take computer into any one and have keys added, a computer programmer can delete PATS from the computer, but can't add keys

 

Great information - Thank you.

RE: You can take a new key cylinder into a locksmith and have them re-key it for the old PATS keys.

So I like you suggestion RE: removing cylinder - How hard ("the steps needed to remove cylinder'?) would that be to (1) take door key & (2) remove & take also the new key cylinder (w/ its own 2nd key?) to a good car locksmith and have him re-key/re-program that new key cylinder to the key that already fits the front doors, allowing one key to both operate doors/ignition as originally designed, yes?

I don't have a manual yet & so that's why I'm asking this follow-up question.....

Larry

 

Yes, you can take the old key in with the new cylinder and ask locksmith to rekey the cylinder to match old key, so same key works for doors(assuming it did before, lol.)

Unhook one of the battery cables, key will be left in ON position so battery will drain if you don't unhook it

Turn key on, there should be a hole in the plastic cover under the key cylinder, put a small screwdriver in that hole and push it up, that should release the cylinder so you can pull it out with the key

Here is a picture of the underside with cover removed: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...23-jpg.150448/

You can see the small "button" between the blue and green connectors, if you push that in with key in RUN(on) position then cylinder will pull out



You would need to bring the truck in to have new keys cut and added to PATS system, to have a spare key, but..................................
A Locksmith can CLONE your working key

Blank PATS keys are available, these need to be cut, of course, but also have no RFID number, a Locksmith can Read RFID number from the working key, and then program Blank Key with the SAME NUMBER, so you have a cheaper spare key.