Sorry if this has been asked and answered, I just can't find any discussion on it.
I have a 2011 XLT 2.3L
I want to start by saying I do not want to remove or disable the PATS system. I just want to know if I can safely remove or Dremel off the vagina looking thing that the OEM key goes into to start the truck. I want to upgrade from fob and key to an all-in-one key (either the key that has the fob built in or the fob that has the key as a switchblade). Neither of which will fit into the vagina looking thing.

 

Yes, you can cut it off

Its there so you don't twist off the key inside the cylinder, so as long as the key seems to turn easily, then there shouldn't be an issue
After doing this remember DO NOT Force Turn the key as it WILL break off inside the cylinder, the key's shaft can't take that twisting force

When Locking Steering was added, keys needed to be twisted harder to unlock steering wheel, so be careful, try to move steering wheel left or right a little when unlocking, to take stress off the "locking shaft" holding steering wheel

Rangers did use this type of cylinders: https://contentinfo.autozone.com/zne...14180/image/2/

But not sure they will work/fit in the later models

If you can Dremel out the center part of yours and leave the ends to take some of the stress of the key shaft, that would be best

Or get the cylinder from another Ford that used the combo key/fob units, may fit the Ranger, don't know, key cylinders were pretty standard, but you will need to have it re-pinned to match current PATS keys, any locksmith will have the parts to do that, and it would match doors as well

PATS just uses the ring antenna around the outside of the key cylinder, so the cylinder used or modification of cylinder won't matter to PATS
But new PATS keys will need to be added to PATS memory, which you can do yourself if you currently have 2 working PATS keys

 

Thanks so much Ron. That was exactly what I needed.