I'm getting mixed reviews on programming a new key online. So I thought I'd ask again here. I only have one key and I do have the pats system. Can I just buy a eBay key with the chip and program it myself by doing the 15 min cycle? Leaving me with my old key and a new cut key newly programmed?

Thanks

 

You need 2 keys in order to self program. I keep 3 keys to my truck for that reason. If you have 2 keys you just go out and buy a key on the internet think I paid 5 bucks for the last one I bought. I'm old and memory is foggy because of that but I think the process goes like this, cycle the 2 keys 3 times each then put in the new key and leave it in the on position until the pats light flashes. 5 bucks for the key then you have it cut for about 5 bucks. If you don't have 2 keys all that means nothing. Gotta pay the key shop to program the new key and so you buy the key have it cut and they charge you minimum 50 buck to do that programing.. Buy 2 keys on the internet. Have them cut both and program one. do the programing of the other yourself. Keep 3 keys from then on. 1 gets lost or worn out get another one before your down to 1..

 

So what's with the single key 15 min cycle people are talking about?

 

what year is your truvk? They changed it not sure the exact year but my truck is a 99 I think there was a year that used a different system. I know my 99 is programed similarly to how I laid it out. Because I've done it..

 

Mine is a 99 4.6 , no keyless entry. If that matters but it is xlt trim

 

'97-98 are a 1 key system.
99+ F150 uses the new PATS system that requires 2 unique RFID keys to be able to program more keys yourself.
If you only have 1 key, you have a few options.

You can go to a big box store that has the ability to clone the current key. It will give you more keys and all work to unlock and start the vehicle. A cloned key is an exact copy of the RFID of the original key, so it can not be used to make more keys yourself since the system sees both keys as the same key.

Many locksmiths can also make another key, but you don't know off hand which way they are doing it, a clone or a unique key.

You can also find many independent shops that have the proper scan tool to create a new unique key, just like a dealer can, but for less cost.

A final thing is I believe that you can use the Forscan software and a special OBDII adapter and do it yourself (I know you can do it on '04 and up, not 100% positive if it can be done on 10th gen trucks or not).

As I said, you need 2 unique RFID keys to be able to program your own keys, not a cloned key.

 

You can do it yourself with forscan

But step 1 is erasing existing keys from memory in order to program new

Gutcheck time....

Cant just program another without starting from scratch

 

Anyone got recommendations on a good source for blanks? I'm looking at Amazon and see a lot of mixed reviews.

 

Are there any down sides to key cloning?

 

I got mine off e-bay. You just need to make sure it has an "S" on the blank (has to do with the RFID security level IIRC).

You can't make your own copies. Otherwise it works the same.

It is a little cheaper at first. I have seen them at some places for like $50 to clone the key. But if you want 3rd key, it is another $50 for a cloned key.
If you have separate unique keys, it is ~$10. The more keys you want, the cheaper it is overall.
I had 1 key when I got my truck. The mechanic that replace the engine had the correct tool to reprogram for new keys, he charged me $45. Key was $5. Getting it cut was another $5. I bought and programed 2 more keys myself for $20.
My 3 extra unique keys cost me a total of $75. To clone them would have been $150.

I have heard of dealers charging around $100 for this gen truck.