Only received one key with my used 2011 f-150. I have seen some posts asking about getting a second programmable key. I am just wanting a standard "normal" key. It doesn't need the buttons on it. I just want a spare to unlock the doors and start the truck. Can I just take my factory key into lowes or Home Depot to have them make me a spare key? Should just be a standard cost right?

 

That key would be minimal cost, but it wouldn't start the truck, may not allow the doors open without alarm either.

The factory key has a transponder in it, it communicates with the truck to allow it to start.

 

if you bought your truck recently from a dealer, either a used car dealer or a new car dealership, go back to them and ask them to get you a second key, most will do that, even for programmed keys.

 

Unless you asked for it as part of the purchase agreement, no dealer is going to spend $250 after the fact. That's $100 for the key and one hour labor to get it cut and programmed using the IDS.

If you just want a key to start the truck in case you loose yours, you can go to a locksmith and ask for a clone key, they run about $75.
It will have the same transponder number as your original key, so you will not be able to use to program any new keys with it, but it will start your truck in case you loose the original.

 

Made my dealer do it because the truck was locked with Mykey couldn't turn the radio up or go over 65. The locksmith came to my house and made it its just a key no buttons or anything it starts the truck just fine and I was able to turn off Mykey so my key with all the buttons on it is back to my everyday key cost them like $75 to have him come to the house and make it . He had a tool like an iPad thing that plugged into my obd port todo the programming.

 

Sounds like an IDS and a great deal. $75 is what the locksmith charged me for my clone key for my Mustang.

Eventually I went back and got a real key from the dealership, they quoted me $250, but it ended up being just 1/2 labor, so the total charge came out to $160 for key and programming.

 

for about the same price through the dealer you could probably get the 100 series remote start installed, it will come with 2 new factory keys.

 

Walmart, lowes etc will make you a key that will unlock the door but not start the truck. They cost a couple bucks. I carry one of these with me as im in and out of my work truck about 30 times a day and have been known to lock myself out. The key works great for the doors but will not help you get the truck started.