I bought mine with just one key too. From past experience with my Ranger, I knew a second key was going to be expensive, so I insisted on a second key to seal the deal. Up here, the chipped key and programming is $110. I just bought a third blank off ebay for $8.00. As mentioned before, these keys can be self-programmed in the ignition, as long as you have two other working keys.

 

I wish I wouldve checked the key situation at the stealer before I bought it because my truck only came with one key as well and no keyless entry fobs so ebay is loving my *** right now. I bought two remotes and one key with chip, in 24 hours. Now gotta have key cut and programmed for 40$ Then leaving work a buddy said hey you got a headlight out.. stopped at walmart and bought one for 7$ Still mad about it. Adding the insult I had to have my wife's dog put to sleep tonight.

 

$8 key from eBay, cut at ace hardware $5, programmed at dealer for $45. Dealer also offered to let me just pay a tech $20 to do it without having to do any paper work but I didn't have cash on me so I just paid the $45 and they checked all the fluids and tires too

 

The entire key description can be found in your owners manual. Like everyone stated, you need a minimum of two keys to program additional keys (to start the truck). Your "door unlock/lock" key fob is as good as the battery in the truck; if the battery's dead, so is the key fob. I'd suggest sweet talking a Ford dealership and see if they will program another key for you. I'd strongly recommend at least two working keys, as each has a trasponder within the black part of the key. This allows the truck to start. Having only one key is a risk.

Whenever you buy a used vehicle, insist on it having an owners manual. If you don't have one (I'm assuming this based on the question asked here), download one for free at:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

http://www.keyless-remotes.com/

I bought a the key and one remote for $29. Then went to dealer for programming of the key. Had to pay 1/2 hour labor. I found this place to be a little cheaper than ebay.

 

If you only have one key, you need the code along with the dealer or someone with the machine to program that 2d key. Once you have 2 working keys then you can program your own up to a max of something like 8 (IIRC). The code should be on a card in the owners manual (if it's still there) or on a paper behind the back seat (if you have one) stuck on the back of the cab. I'm not sure exactly where that is held so don't know if changing the ECU also changes the PATS code or it's somewhere else.

 

The more I research spare chip keys for my 05 F150, the more unclear it all gets. So bear with me here:
I physically have both original keys that came with vehicle. One recently snapped off in keyed cover to access spare tire. Leaving me with one working key.
I'd like to have at least two keys made. Ace hardware said they can make copies for $70./ea and I'm told dealer is much more expensive.
I've seen uncut chip keys on ebay for around $7./ea, but I understand you must have 2 working keys in order to program them yourself. Here's what I dont understand...
From what I've read, there seems to be a difference between "re-programmed" keys and "clone" keys. If I get one made from Ace (from my one working key), will that leave me with the two keys neccessary to program more (from ebay blanks)...or will I have one original key and one clone?
What is the difference between re-programmed and clone keys?
Would really appreciate someone clearly explaning all this.