I have a 2001 Ford F150 super crew. I haven't owned very long that I have really screwed it up. It only came with one key so I purchased another key. Using my autel maxi system I Was trying to get to 2nd key programmed and to do that is that I had to erase all known keys. After erasing all known keys I then learned that I had bought the wrong kind of spare key. Then I went to aces in but one of the transponder chip keys and got it cut to match the 1st 1 I had. Now I am not able to program either 1 of the keys my truck has not started since this has happened. I opened up the test mode on the Instrument cluster and it said DTC 9213 which means The number keys that are programmed is below the minimum. Is there anything I can do without having to go to the dealer? I still have my Autel system as well to help, I could just be completing these steps wrong. Please help. Ty

 

I'd start calling locksmiths. There are a couple around me that have the capability to do this.

 

If I understand your story, then it looks like one of the keys isn't right. Cycle the original key that you know works in the ignition first. Does it cause the theft light to immediately start flashing or does the theft light flash as soon as the 2nd new key is cycled to on? Then try it all over starting with the new key. Is the theft light behavior identical or does it change?

 

By "aces" you mean Ace Hardware? I just talked to Ace Hardware about what they can do and they will program the key using their own equipment from inside your vehicle. Sounds like you were trying to save a few dollars.

They quoted me $80 to cut and program a key. The key would be what's called a "clone" key. But you have to have the truck in their parking lot. That might be what your only other key was. You can't use clones to program new keys using the procedure described in the manual.

Anyway, since you're stuck with a non-starting truck you'll probably have to call a locksmith. Programming keys is big business, it shouldn't be hard to find one.

Consider this after you try the other suggestions.

 

it was flashing, the first few attempts to program the 2nd key, now it stays solid, no blinking

 

yes it was as n ace hardware. The truck was not there, I just had the key. So I guess its probable that I had a cloned key cloned. Will the locksmith be able to program these correctly?

 

Yes, you did, despite your best intentions. That can happen when you don't have a clear understanding of how the system is supposed to work and you make assumptions that are incorrect. Your mistake was erasing all of the keys when it wasn't even necessary and hen not having the correct keys on hand to re-program into the system.

You need a DIFFERENT 2nd key. Your Ace Hardware key is a clone of your original, consequently it has the SAME internal "code" and is not seen by the system as being any different than the original. PATS require two DIFFERENT keys with UNIQUE codes in order to program keys after erasure of the previous keys. Clones, by definition, are not unique or different.

1. Buy a NEW blank PATS key, not a clone. Amazon, eBay, local locksmith, Ford dealer, etc. Expect to pay around $100 if you buy locally.
2. Have it cut and verify it works mechanically.
3. Program the new key and either the original or the clone into the system using the scan tool.

You will now have three functional keys. Use either the clone or the original as your everyday key. That way, if you happen to lose it, you still have a pair of "different" keys and can easily program a new spare using the easy owner's procedure.

Good luck.

 

Yes, you probably bought a clone or cloned key.

A locksmith should be able to help you if they know what they are doing and past posts on this forum show that it is hit or miss finding a good reputable locksmith.

I got one key with my truck when I bought it. I did the research and found the correct key blank online and then had ace hardware cut it to match my existing key. Then I used forscan software to add it to the truck's PATS system.

If you have the time then buy a $10 key on amazon and have it cut. If you are in a rush and willing to spend a lot more and roll the dice on a locksmith then take that route.

 

Looks like a powerful tool. Wish I had one. Seems like an instruction was probably missed.

https://www.autel.com/c/www/immotool.jhtml

Autel's web site is so fancy you almost can't find what you need to use their products. Built for web nerds.

https://www.autel.com/u/cms/www/201910/30080811147o.pdf

Edit - if you call a locksmith he'll probably bring your own tool out for the work.