Hey guys. My 97' 4.6 only has one key, and that scares me because I'm pretty bad about losing things. I was wondering if this year uses the Pats key or not? Anyone know? $3 at home depot is a whole lot cheaper the $250 at a dealer.

 

does it have a thick plasic part that you hold? if not, then go to home depot.

 

yes it has the chip. We got one for my wifes car from the dealer and it was around $30.00. The key fob was only $90.00.

 

in 97-98 it had two options the big plastic head or the small headed key i get both in here at the dealership. some people just dont understand if you have a PATS key you have to buy one to start the vehicle but if you want one just to open the doors and lock the tailgate then you can get a cheap key

 

I understand that... why can't the people who cut the keys understand that? I've been turned down no less than five times by different key cutting places, and yes even a ford dealership. I don't need to start the truck just want to get into it... I gave up finally...

 

my bad. I thought all 97-up had the chip. But what good is a "spare" key if it wont start the truck. I guess if you loose your keys and its raining you could unlock your truck and sit inside to wait for a tow.

 

Walmart said my 99 key they could copy for $50. ACE said $80...

 

next time i need a key i will get the key from online from a place called remotesandkeys.com they have the key i need. just order it and get it cut locally. just ordered a replacement key fob to replace my broken one. great price too. replacement keys are like 16 bucks. my new key fob was 29 bucks brand new. they sell used ones for lower.

 

Right on. Thanks guys. My key seems to have a smaller head then my 03' Ranger did, and I know it was a PATS. I guess I'll have to get a cheap one made and see if it'll work.

I had a 99 ranger about seven years ago that didn't have pats but the dealership swore up and down it did. Long story short after making the said pats key they realized it didn't need it, but I still had to pay $270 plus 80 bucks in towing for a key that they could have made for $5 with no towing involved. I was pertty irate! I was 19 years old and couldn't afford it as it is. Never got reimburse either.

 

Just go get the key made at Lowes for $2.00. If it starts your truck, awesome, if not, whoopie, you are out $2.00. I got a few keys made there because they were the nice ones with the plastic heads on them.