Transponder key coding

DANETTE77

MEMBER
2000 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
V8
2WD
MANUAL
225,000 MILES

I lost my key so I had to replace the ignition lock cylinder I ended up drilling it out. The new one I bought has to transponder keys. I was wondering if there is any way to program them with out the PATS machine? I tried to turn the car to the on position and wait 15 minutes then to the off position back to the on position for another 15 minutes back to the off repeat 1 more time total of 3 times than the key should start but it didn't work my friend says it's because I had the door open? I have a brand new battery but when my friend came to try to do it the battery died.
Please help, Thank you.
Danette

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,471 POSTS

There is no way to enter new keys into the system without an OEM level scan tool or a locksmiths programming tool. Both require an ID code to access the security system and then erase the old keys and add the new ones. The process you tried isn't anything from Ford. It looks like a GM method. The Ford process without a scan tool is only usable to add a key if you already have 2 working keys and it requires that the option to add those keys be turned on in the security system. In your case it isn't usable because you have no working keys. Usually a locksmith is cheaper than the dealer but you might want to call around first. For both they will want to see the title and registration as well as your ID just to verify the car is legally yours. You might want to ask them about the price to repin the door locks and trunk to the new key as those will not work with the old one, unless you already replaced them.

This is the Ford process to add a key if you already have two that work. May come in handy to cut a spare if needed in case you lose one of the new ones.

1. Insert the first programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN for one second.
2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the first key from the ignition lock cylinder.
3. Within five seconds of turning the ignition switch to OFF, insert the second programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN for one second.
4. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the second key from the ignition lock cylinder.
5. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition lock cylinder to OFF, insert the unprogrammed new ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN for 1 second.

Turn ignition off and then try to start the engine with the new key. If it starts and runs the procedure was complete, if it does not try again, or the option to add the new key may be turned off. You can have a total of 10 keys in the system.