Hi everyone,i have a 99 ranger i purchased recently with a lot of miles on- it the door locks were worn out as is the ignition switch, it has a chip key. heres my question i have a good tilt column from a 99 exploder with the chip key also.[i already swapped in the matching door key cylinders from the exploder]is the component/sensor that picks up/ reads the signal[?] from the key in the column or in the dash.So if i swap in the column and use the key and ignition switch thats in the new column will it work or will it still want to see the signal from the trucks original key.
If the latter is the case could i get possibly around it by attaching the key to the dash or column somewhere out of sight but close to the sensor . i did try a search for this but didnt find what i was looking for. thank you in advance for any help. Mark

 

you'll have to get your PCM programmed at Ford

 

What is the best way to do this - take the PCM ,the column and the key to the dealer or take the whole truck with the new column installed. Any idea how much they might charge for this?

 

The cheapest way would have a copy of your chip key be made (I think walmart can do these for 50 bucks now) but only the chip code part. Next have them cut the key to the profile of the new ignition cylinder. So you would have a hybrid of both keys: code is old, key cut is new. Your PATS module is in your dash and the transponder "ring" is mounted in the steering column (black ring around ignition cylinder). I've been told the transponders are interchangeable.

 

[QUOTE=sheltonfilms;2046591]The cheapest way would have a copy of your chip key be made (I think walmart can do these for 50 bucks now) but only the chip code part. Next have them cut the key to the profile of the new ignition cylinder. So you would have a hybrid of both keys: code is old, key cut is new. Your PATS module is in your dash and the transponder "ring" is mounted in the steering column (black ring around ignition cylinder). I've been told the transponders are interchangeable.[/QUOTE
Thanks, so if I get the key made as you describe I can swap the transponder ring from the old column to new and I'm good? Is there any thing special about taking the ring out- I have never done that before.

 

I don't think you have to exchange the transponder rings, since they are essentially just an antenna.

You wouldn't happen to have 2 original keys would you? This could save you more money.

 

No unfortunately I only have one

 

Sheltonfilms, I found my other key for the new colmn. How will that save me any money? I'm thinking I will go to lowes tomorrow afternoon and have the key made as you described and try it.

 

WIth two keys you can program a new 3rd key without the dealer. Please see below:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...ats-keys-4829/

The only problem is that you will have a different key cylinder to use between keys 2 and 3.

The way I would do this is to get a plain Jane key cut using the new lock cylinder.

Put the new cylinder in the car and then hold each of the old keys against the ignition cylinder as you turn the plain Jane key. This would simulate each of the old keys in the ignition cylinder. Then just pull out the plain Jane key and use the new chip key.

Make sense?


You may want to get a fourth new chipped key made so that you have 2 chipped new keys made for programming a new key later on.

 

I understand but I think what I have is the reverse of what you describe, there is only one key original to the ranger. I have two keys for the explorer column I just put in. So if I'm correct I have to get the hybrid key made as you suggested before. Thank you again for your guidance

 

I went and got the hybrid key made as sheltonfilms described and its works great, thanks again. I did it at lowes and it was about $80. With tax