I was in Home Depot yesterday and I stopped by the key making area and asked if they could make an extra key for my 2007. He didn't have any with the chip in it but he made one that will open the doors and tailgate for $2.17. I tried it in the ignition and it turns but does not start. 2 bucks isn't bad for a key to hide on the truck somewhere in case of lockout.

 

I did the same with my SCAB when I had it. I tied mine to the frame rail with some wire so it was with the truck. Hide-a-key boxes tend to come loose if they're in a bad spot and you hit some good bumps.

 

I always support with the extra key. If anyone is lost then second one works. Good idea!

 

I have a box and was thinking about using it. My Dad has his extra wired to the frame on his 2001 also. I think the wire is the way I will go.

 

I found a spot that the key box fits in perfect inside a square part of the frame where it cant bounce out and am going with that.

 

I just had Home Depot cut a key for my '14. I bought it off Amazon - had the chip in it - works well. But - what I learned is that my Home Depot has a new key cutting machine - I assume they'll all upgrade eventually.

The new machine cuts the new key, based on a laser scan of the old key. Hhe just laid my old key in a compartment and closed the door - then put the new key in the slot - he told me it read the old key shape by laser. He then went through the menu - it asked what make, model, year of the vehicle the key was for. The menu had year models up through 2008 (and he had the chipped keys for 2008.) For those year models he told me it would read the chip in the key and then clone it to the new key as it cuts it. I think the keys were about $40.

To say the least - he went ahead and cut my key as a generic and it worked perfectly after I programmed it to the truck.

 

I had a locksmith cut me a new key (and program it) so I would have two original keys (not clones). It matters because I can now program my own keys with the two originals, without needing anyone else's help.

You can't program new keys with two cloned keys, unfortunately, so that's why I went the route I did. I got charged $35 for it. And then I had him cut me a valet key (non-chip, only doors and tailgate like you got), for free.

 

Agree and that is why I bought one off of ebay - didn't want a clone - wanted a 3rd unique key - if I lose one I'll still have two and can program others - 09-14 require two unique keys to program a new key.

 

When I bought my truck it only had one key. I took it to the Ford dealer and they made me another for $80 and it took about half an hour. So do I have a clone or two originals?

 

If it was a clone it would've been done in a couple minutes.

If they plugged a programmer into your ODBII after making the key and putting it in your ignition, you have an original (usually, especially because of the half hour bit, it takes about ten-fifteen minutes to program a new one)