Simple Fobless Key

[JP77]

Wondering if anyone has been successful programming a key without the keyless entry remote. This is for a 2018 801a. I wanted a key I can get wet without worrying about ruining the key. Bought a genuine ford key blank off the inter web from a link on another thread. Had the key cut and tried programming it. The instructions in the manual didn’t take. Brought it to a locksmith who tried two different systems and concluded it couldn’t be done. Surely someone has made it work by now.

 

[FordTechOne]

Are you sure that the key you bought is a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key? If it doesn't have the PATS transponder, it will never program because the vehicle will see that the ignition switch is in the run position, but the immobilizer ID isn't able to be detected.

 

[oxfordraptor]

You worry too much haha. You’ll need the transponder as stated above

 

[JP77]

Are you sure that the key you bought is a PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) key? If it doesn't have the PATS transponder, it will never program because the vehicle will see that the ignition switch is in the run position, but the immobilizer ID isn't able to be detected.

The key is a genuine ford key with the PATS “chip” or transponder in it. I had read a thread on FRF where someone had done it on a ‘17 but can’t find it now. I’ve also read here and on the f150 forum that several folks cannot get the procedure isn’t he manual to work. Wondering if there was a trick I was missing.

 

[NDO]

I started thinking I needed to try this too...but then decided it was easier to just lock the key fob in the gun safe inside a metal can and use the keyless entry pad to get in if I’m going wet wading or something that would get the fob wet. Works well for me so far.

 

[MTF]

Ford dealer would program the Key for you for free, that is if it's the key has the correct transponer.
There is a procedure while sitting in the truck watched them do it to three different vehicles while I was there for 20 minutes picking up my daughters' car.

 

[dilmorecg]

Does 801a not have a keypad on the door? I usually leave my key in the car like going to the gym or somewhere If I don’t want a key in my pocket.

 

[FordTechOne]

The key is a genuine ford key with the PATS “chip” or transponder in it. I had read a thread on FRF where someone had done it on a ‘17 but can’t find it now. I’ve also read here and on the f150 forum that several folks cannot get the procedure isn’t he manual to work. Wondering if there was a trick I was missing.

Ok if it's genuine Ford/Rotunda it should work. There are a lot of knock-off chinese ones put there that claim to be genuine but are in fact counterfeit. If the price was super low, it's probably counterfeit.

This is the procedure from the Workshop Manual; is this what you're trying?


Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys


Programming

NOTE: This procedure works only if 2 or more programmed keys are available.

NOTE: This procedure works only if the customer spare key programming is enabled.

NOTE: When programming keys, the RKE transmitter and the PATS portion of the key are programmed at the same time.

1. Insert the first programmed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition lock cylinder to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 3 seconds).

1. Turn the first key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

1. Within 10 seconds of turning the first key to OFF, insert a second programmed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 3 seconds).

1. Turn the second key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

1. Within 10 seconds of turning the second key to OFF, insert the new, unprogrammed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition lock cylinder to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 6 seconds).

1. NOTE: See the Owner's Literature for maximum number of keys that can be programmed to the vehicle.
   
   Repeat steps 1-5 to program additional keys.

 

[JP77]

Ok if it's genuine Ford/Rotunda it should work. There are a lot of knock-off chinese ones put there that claim to be genuine but are in fact counterfeit. If the price was super low, it's probably counterfeit.

This is the procedure from the Workshop Manual; is this what you're trying?


Key Programming Using Two Programmed Keys


Programming

NOTE: This procedure works only if 2 or more programmed keys are available.

NOTE: This procedure works only if the customer spare key programming is enabled.

NOTE: When programming keys, the RKE transmitter and the PATS portion of the key are programmed at the same time.

1. Insert the first programmed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition lock cylinder to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 3 seconds).

1. Turn the first key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

1. Within 10 seconds of turning the first key to OFF, insert a second programmed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 3 seconds).

1. Turn the second key to OFF and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

1. Within 10 seconds of turning the second key to OFF, insert the new, unprogrammed PATS key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition lock cylinder to RUN (maintain the key in RUN for approximately 6 seconds).

1. NOTE: See the Owner's Literature for maximum number of keys that can be programmed to the vehicle.
   
   Repeat steps 1-5 to program additional keys.

Thank you. That was the procedure I was trying. The key was from an online locksmith I have bought from before. Not a great price but about $20 less than a local locksmith. The bag had all the normal official ford markings. Could be I got a defective key or my truck is picky. Might have to try another key or ask my local shop manager if he can cut a key a simple key.

 

[MarkChambers]

I got those keyless fobs from an auto locksmith near me and they have done really well.