Lost key

Tiny
RRRICH
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
We have lost our keys, also the steering column is wobbly. I have a parts vehicle same as vehicle listed above that runs and drives. I was going to swap out steering column anyway, but now that I have no key for original to swap in. Can I swap a computer also that matches the key in parts car? Which one is it and where is it at? Thanks for any help.
Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 11:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,464 POSTS
Ford can be a pain with things like this. Your easiest solution would be to have either a dealer or automotive locksmith cut you new keys based on the VIN number of the current vehicle. Then swap the column out and use the ignition as you planned on. That is because Ford runs the key information through a couple modules to verify it is a valid key. They use the dash, BCM and ECM during the verification. So you would need to change those parts, but then because those will not match the other modules you need to deal with those as well. (Most makes now do the same)
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
RRRICH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks Steve. I have a non chipped key for lock out situations. But I dare not use it and trip the securities. Some of my problem is that we are way out of town. The nearest ford is around seventy five miles and they sounded wishy washy about their ability to program. Suggested I try a bigger dealer. I am good with the column, ECM, and BCM swap, but unclear on what else. Something in the dash?
Thanks again, Rich
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,464 POSTS
You should be able to use the non chipped key to pull the ignition cylinder. You will be disconnecting the battery to remove/replace the column. The security system will not trip if it is unhooked. While you have it out you can get the new keys made then just have a locksmith match them to the truck.
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 7:38 PM

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