When I bought my '14 F150 last September, I got a replacement key insurance policy. So we lost a key and I'd like to get a new one made. I called the 1-800 number on the policy, but they said I had to go to the dealer first, and they would call the 1-800 number and get authorization. Ok, fine.

So I went to the dealer last weekend and they said I needed to see someone in the finance dept....but they were all very busy, and I was going to have to wait a while, so I had the admin girl up front make a copy of my key policy, and I asked them to call me back and let me know when I could stop by to get the key made. So the next day, by late in the day, no one had called, so I called them.

After being routed to someone in finance, they told me that I really needed to deal with the service dept., because they would handle it, NOT finance. Ummm, OK, fine.

So I talk to someone in service, and they said I had to make an appt, because it would take 45 mins. to an hour to program a new key for me!

Wow! I'm no computer expert, but it's 2015, and I'm having a hard time believing that it really takes that long to program a new key. Does anyone have first-hand knowledge of key programming time? Is the dealership jerking me around, or does it really take that long?

 

It only takes about 15 mins max but you may not be the only one that requires the connection to the computer that does the programming.

They will tell you a time frame and some where in that time frame you get your keys programmed. Ya gotta wait in line like everyone else.

 

^^^this..not every tech at a ford dealer can have an IDS computer..there is usually only 2-3 for the whole shop

 

If only there were a way to have a specific time slot that one could obtain access to such a device and both parties could agree to a specific time/place... perhaps they could call it an appointment?

 

Or do what I did, buy IDS, no waiting for me lol.

 

Doesn't he need to bring all of his keys that are left?

 

I did make an appt....for tomorrow since I am at work all day Mon-Fri, and my workplace is about 45 mins. from the dealer....they still told me (on the phone when making appt) that it would take 45 mins. to an hour just to program the key.

And yes, I have to bring in my one remaining key.

 

Too late for you now but maybe not for others reading this thread. Very soon after getting my own truck, I ordered 2 programmable blanks as spares from major eBay seller, had 'em cut at local hdwe store, then followed easy steps in owners manual to program. Quick 'n easy-peasy process. Suggest that folks do likewise before losing one...

 

So why are they saying above it needs the IDS computer?

 

You can only program a key yourself if you have two keys already programmed.
If you only have one key, you will need an IDS to invalidate the old keys and program two new ones (the old and new key). At least that's what my dealer told me.