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coded ignition key

Recently purchased a new key from our Ford dealer for a Ford 05 Freestar. The owners manual has a simple procedure for programming a third key. The parts guy warned not to use it prior to completing the programming procedure. He said if I were to try, it would disable the car and require a tow in. The reprogramming process takes about 24 hours and total cost of around $1500. I researched the internet and read many conflicting accounts. Does anyone know for sure (no guesses) if the parts person was correct? My concern is that during the procedure something happens that causes it to end unsuccessfully. Then using the third key which was not accepted by the PCM creates the situation the parts person described.

Reply to
Jack
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i WISH they charged $1500 here...LOL..

wrong key? AFAIK, UNLESS they changed something IN THAT VEHICLE...it just wont start..

again, AFAIK, you did NO damage. the chip performs as its supposed to-prevents the vehicle from starting..

Programming at my dealer, assuming the vehicle is on the lot,, JUST programming is $70 total.. keys if needed are additional

--Shiva--

Reply to
me

thats bull...

that sure is a rip-off ! we do it for $50.00 bucks. (provided the Freestar and the keys are brought to us) any auto locksmith should be able to help you with this. however, you can do it yourself, provided you already have two working keys.

  1. insert a workning key and turn to the "on" position and then back to the "off" position.
  2. remove the first key and within 15 seconds, insert the second working key and turn to the "on" position and then back to the "off" position.
  3. inset your new key before ten seconds have elapsed and turn it to the "on" position, leave it on for 1 second and turn back to the "off" position.
  4. the security light on the dash will light up for 3 seconds to indicate the new key has been programmed sucessfully.
  5. if it didn't program ? repeat the process. if it still doesn't program? the on-board programming may turned off. you will have to have the dealer or I would suggest a locksmith program it for ya.

no, see above...

then repeat, ya can't hurt anything by doing so.

won't happen, see above

g'luck

Reply to
Key

He's talking about reflashing or replacing the entire PCM not just programing in a new key. Although AFAIK that doesn't take 24 hours although they may well charge $1500.00.

Reply to
Steve

funny, in my local dealership I watched them do that once.. took

15 minute download from Corporate.. then load onto the vehicle.. charged I believe 1.5 hours time, which meant about $110 labor --Shiva--
Reply to
me

What vehicle? What year? Ford? Chrysler? GM? Toyota? Honda? It makes a difference.

Reply to
Steve

the OP was referring to a ford that had onboard programming.

Reply to
Key

And, considering he said he saw them do it "once" what do you suppose are the odds the instance Shiva mentioned was the exact same vehicle? There are a lot of variables when you are talking about reflashing, or maybe replacing a PCM, although obviously just botching the progranming of a key is not going to require that.

Reply to
Steve

as to the ford the OP was referring to, "flashing" the system wouldn't even apply to his request. oh well ? nuff said, time to move on..

Reply to
Key

never seen a PCM with EITHER a Ford or Chevy take over 90 minutes, UNLESS its REALLY buried under the dash, and then you got 3-4 hours labor..and reprogramming takes longer to DL the program from factory than to reflash the onboard unit --Shiva--

Reply to
me

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