MK7 Key advice required..

[ThommoHawk]

Hi all -

I've searched the forum re key issues and read everything from recalls, to self-programming and am now more confused than ever...

Basically - I got a 56 plate MK7 in February - which came with one single blue remote key with three buttons on it. The blue bit is removable from the front section, so I guess may actually be just a remote - not sure.. Anyway, one button opens front, one button opens rear and the third (centre) locks both and a second press double-locks the van. I requested another at time of purchase and they supplied a black key - non remote - which works ok as a spare. It is a Ford key and has a small blue square on the top of it marked W1.... whatever that means.

Now - my blue remote key is playing up - the lock button is physically damaged and whilst i've modified the button to make it work ok - it is not ideal. So - I thought I'd get a replacement. Ford have offered to supply one at £65 for the blue bit + £85 to program (2 hours!!) + VAT - which seems a bit Dick Turpin to me....

And now the question.... (at last you say)

What are my options?
1) do I go with the Ford price? and suffer the pain in my pocket?
2) can I purchase another 'blue-remote' key from somewhere (i've seen them for £45 inc) and is there another way (inc paid) to get it programmed / setup?
3) do I get a couple of remote keyfobs (3-button) and another spare ford key cut (assuming the remotes just do the locking) and then have the 2 mechanical keys and 2 remote fobs? - I notice that locking without the remote (using key only) does not seem to offer double-locking - does this sound right?

Finally - My etis data shows that the van shows this which may help in suggestions as it shows there are deadlocks and a door entry remote control unit...

Transit (V347/348), 2.2L Duratorq-TDCi (130PS) - Puma, Frozen White

VIN Number: WF0XXXTTFX6B58***
Registration Number: YC56FLR
Registration Date: 03.11.2006
Registration Country: GB
Primary Features
Build Date: 09.09.2006
Vehicle Line: Transit (V347/348)
Cab Style: Regular Cargo Van
Series: 300L Series
Engine: 2.2L Duratorq-TDCi (130PS) - Puma
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transaxle - VXT75
Drive: RHD FWD
Axle Ratio: 4.54
Emission: Stage IV Emissions
Territory: (+)"GB"
Paint: Frozen White
Interior Fabric: Tomy (B-C)
[Click to collapse]

Minor Features

* Less Rear View Mirror
* Passenger Door Trim - Level 2
* Less Temp Control Driver Seat
* Standard Front Seat
* With Radio Pre-Equipment Pack 1
* Less Transfer Case
* Less Power Equipment Group
* Less Battery Cut Off Relay
* Less Heated Rear Window
* Less Float Mounting
* Less 2nd Row RH Side Window
* With Manual Front Windows
* With Load Space Tie Down Loop
* Electronic Stability Brk Ctrl (ESP)
* Less Auxiliary Heater
* Less Trim Pack
* Less Smokers Package
* With Door Dead Locks
* Fuel Water Separator Less Sensor
* With Driver 6 Way Mnl.Seat Adjuster
* With Spare Tyre Security Package
* Less Door Map Pocket
* Less Rear Window Protector
* With Single Rear Wheels
* With Front Roof Grab Handle
* With Front Towing Hook
* With Black Air Vent Knob
* With Rear Blanking Panel
* With Clear/Light Tinted Glass
* Less Auxiliary Fuse Panel
* Less Temp Control Passengers Seat
* Large Head/Short Arm Mirror
* With Passenger Seat Fixed Armrests
* Less 2nd Row Rear Seat
* With Adjustable 'D' Ring Pass Seat
* Marketing Level 3
* Less Rear Compartment Trim Panel
* With Rear Mudflaps
* Less Diesel Fuel Cooler
* Cold Start Up To -20%c
* With Medium Roof
* With Full Partition - Steel
* Rear Plastic Grey Bumper-With Step
* Less Rear Seat Armrest Packs
* Extra Heavy Duty Battery
* With Door Entry Remote Control Unit
* With Tunnel Mounted Parking Brake
* Less Seat/Airbag Pack
* European Environmental Label
* Less Column Stalk Radio Controls
* Less Engine RPM Control
* Less A/C Unit - Roof Mounted
* ICE-Low Level CD + AM/FM Radio
* High Door Height
* With Manual Headlamp Levelling
* 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System
* Less Rear Window Wiper/Washer
* Less Passenger Seat Valance
* Less Roof Flasher Wiring
* Less Marketing Flex Prep Pack
* With Pass 4 Way Manual Seat Adjust
* Less Side/Rr Door Security Lockset
* Power 4-Wheel Disc Vacuum Boost
* With Recirculating Heater
* Less SVO Application/Label
* Otosan (Turkey) Plant Build
* Ice Feature Pack 2
* With High Mounted Stop Lamp
* Less Rear Step
* With Drivers Seat Fixed Armrest
* With MPH/KMH Speedo
* Less Rear Stabilizer Bar
* With Perimeter Anti-Theft
* Less Optional Equipment Pack

Your thoughts / expertise would be much appreciated. If I have to bite the bullet and go to Ford - so be it but just thought there might be other options.

[p2thed]

get the ford key, as i have fitted other cheaper key fob and had problems. As for the two hour labour rate ( dont pay it it only takes around 20mins to fit and program the key using the ids, i know i've fitted hundreds by now......... ask them tto print off the ford repair time, then ask why they are over charging you

[jacko1611]

the blue part works the remote locking and has a chip inside for the immobiliser, for both it needs coding on ids. double locking can be done using normal key. just turn to lock a second time and to unlock back doors turn to unlock a second time.

[ake]

Try phoning another dealer for a price, prices do vary between dealers

[ThommoHawk]

Well - I've rung Chichester and Guildford as both claim to do transits and they want £170 / £185 respectively to provide a single 3-button remote key programmed.....

Both say "well it takes about an hour at £89.50+vat cos all the old codes need to be cleared and reprogrammed or it won't start" which basically sounds a load of bollocks to me..... Why do dealerships (all I've come across) just seem to want to fleece the customer? - I have to book it in - to their schedule (fair enough) and then get charged £100 labour for what in reality cannot possibly take longer than 15-20 mins including cutting the key. Do they just rely on the 'all customers are idiots syndrome' ? - or is it the 'well - they are stuffed so we will charge whatever we feel fit' ?.... Either way it stinks!!

Anyone got any other suggestions or recommendations ? or do I just have to bite the bullet...?

It also bugs me that they both asked if I have one or two keys already - (well I have 2 - one normal non remote and one remote) which kind of makes me think that they can re-program the new one to the vehicle providing I have 2 already more easily.

Anyway - not a happy bunny now.....

[jacko1611]

as u have 2 already dont need to clear any keys. just add a key. only reason to clear is if keys have been lost.

[bancroftlocksmiths]

ThommoHawk, See your PM,s.

[transit van]

I have a similar problem

I share a van with my brother
it is a 10reg mk7 swb and sometimes we work on large sites but one of us can be at hte far end of a site from the other and sods law the one without the key needs something off the van and has to go searching for the other one.
We have a second spare key supplied with the van but it is not a remote.
My question is can an older remote be programmed like you could with the older vans or do you need a like for like remote, and can it be programmed as simple as the older ones could. It is a pain in the bum to use a key all the time when you are usde to remote locking when approaching the van and for relocking when you have your hands full of stuff.


thanks for any response replys in advance..

Chris K

[bancroftlocksmiths]

Remote fob for these has the immobiliser transponder built-inside. You cannot use the older type fob on these vehicles, so it has to be programmed in diagnostically. If you are coming to the TransitMania show I can program one in for you.

[slick91]

Hi all

Im about to buy a mk7 transit which only has one key it is the blue one, but would like a spare. Where would you guys recommend? Im in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Thanks in advance,

[slick91]

Seen ppl on eBay offering the full key, coded and cut. Anyone used this facility before?

[slick91]

Seen ppl on eBay offering the full key, coded and cut. Anyone used this facility before?

Anyone in Newcastle offering this service?

[v8dave]

Have a look through the search results looking for locksmiths on this forum, there will be a nationwide chain that people have used.

[slick91]

I opted for Timpsons in the end mate £140.