Coded Ignition Key Query

[GMC]

Hello again guys, hopefully I can pick your brains again..........

Just bought a '95 Transit with a coded ignition key. Unfortunately I only have the black key, no red one I'm afraid.

I think the key is worn as every lock (including ignition) requires 'playing with' prior to the door opening, or van starting.

What are my options ?

1. can i buy another black key and have it coded?
2. do i have to buy a red key?
3. Is the key worn, or is it the locks themselves?
4. should i just buy an entire lock kit?

As ever guys, your help is appreciated.

[Luke]

To the best of my knowlidge the red key idea is only to immobilise the van and the red bit (on the black key) can be swapped with a new key allowing a lockset change no problems!

[FredTransit]

Is it not possible to recode a key to the exsisting lock then?

[Luke]

mabe - im sure someone will know for sure!!
but i think you need the fully red key for that!!

It can be bypassed - and theres nothing you can do to stop it so ill not post it here!!

[Gunslinger]

i'm sure i keep seeing these red keys on ebay, saying.... new un-used/programmed, cant rememebr exactly the details because i dont pay much attention to them, next time i will remember to pay more attention to it and post the sellers name here, then you can go ask them, i think they would know the options available to you

[Luke]

good idea!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 79248&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 79131&rd=1



and another (different seller)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 41128&rd=1

[Gunslinger]

good spot luke ..... chuffing expensive though arent they

[MrMPuk]

Keys

Up to 98½ MY, three coded keys are allocated to every new vehicle (1 red master, 1 black key and 1 black torch key) and all three must be coded to the PATS in order for it to function correctly. The first key to be inserted into the ignition lock barrel is recognised by the system as the master key (red in colour).

Note:
If the PATS module is renewed at any time, the master key must be the first key used This will ensure the owner/operator is able to programme additional slave keys.

The master key provided with every new vehicle should be kept in a safe place and not used as the daily key. It is the only key which will allow the owner/operator to programme additional slave keys.

Up to a maximum of sixteen keys may be programmed to the system. For information on the programming of keys, refer to the sequence in this section.

From 98½ MY onwards the master key has been deleted and has been replaced with another black key. Two keys are required to programme additional keys by the owner/operator. Up to a maximum of eight keys may be programmed to the system.

Key Programming

Up to 98½ MY

Insert the RED master key into the ignition switch and turn to position ll. When the LED illuminates, turn the key to position 0 and remove the key.

Check the LED goes OFF and then illuminates again for two seconds. The system is now in the programming mode for ten seconds.

Insert the slave key to be programmed and turn to position ll. The LED will flash once to indicate that the key has been programmed. Turn the key to position 0 and remove the key. To programme additional keys it is necessary to re-insert the RED master key and restart this procedure..

Reprogramming of the RED master key is carried out using FDS 2000.

From 98½ MY onwards

Note:
Additional keys can only be programmed with two ''known'' PATS keys (A and B) or with FDS 2000.

Note:
This procedure can be repeated after 20 seconds. If programming is unsuccessful, the anti-theft indicator LED will flash when the ignition is switched on with the key that was being programmed.

Insert key A into the ignition switch and turn to position ll, (maintain ignition switch in position ll for one second).

Turn the key to position 0 and remove key A from the ignition switch.

Within five seconds of removing key A, insert key B into the ignition switch and turn to position ll, (maintain ignition switch in position ll for one second).

Turn the key to position 0 and remove key B from the ignition switch.

Within five seconds of removing key B, insert the new key into the ignition switch and turn to position ll, (maintain ignition switch in position ll for one second).

Remove the key from the ignition switch. The key is now programmed.

[MrMPuk]

Hope this helps and also you can get a full lock set from fords themsleves for £55, my understanding is that they make there money on coding the keys for you!

[GMC]

Thanks for the info guys, looks liken I'll just fit an entire lock-kit, and have it re-programmed.

[madmark]

gmc ,if you are clever enouph you can take the transponder out of the key you have and fit it to a newly cut key,or your new key with the lock set,i would try a new cut key first and see if it works better in the locks before you change them! if it does then transfer the transponer thingy over! dont forget to use abit of glue on the red bit when you have done it! as if it drops out you are up the creek!

[FredTransit]

I remember the multi-purpose key our diesel specialist used so that we could operate the newgen engine we bought from a salvage yard (from a stolen recovered van). It's called a 2lb hammer and he used it to smash off the immobilisor on the back of the pump! I don't think I am giving away any huge security secrets here, and we have an after market thatchem 2 immobelisor fitted to the van, which I think everybody should think about fitting, no matter how good Ford says thier standard security is. After all, if it was that good, no transit would get stolen!

[walker tranny]

hi just get your self to your main ford dealers buy a red key they cut them for about 20 pounds then put it in the van turn it 4 or 5 times and it pick up your code off the van cheers steve

[stevew]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but did this ever get resolved?
My '97 Police van only came with one black key and it's worries me carrying it around all the time. I have heard that the locks fitted to all Fords at the time are not too reliable and can wear out. A friend of mine has gone through three locks on the drivers door of his '96 escort. Eventually the only thing that opened was the tailgate but that got a bit tiresome! Following his example I have fitted an aftermarket remote locking kit to my van to save wearing the locks/key.
However I'd still like a full set of keys, anyone got any advise?
Cheers,
Steve

[MrMPuk]

You can get a full lock set from a main dealer for £55. Got the instructions for programing the keys somewhere.