Cheapest way to go with no keys

[jojeeka]

my son bought a 2021 ranger from carmax a few months ago. it came with only one key and now he can't find his one key.

i called a dealer to ask the process for getting a key when you have none and they said he'd have to have the vehicle towed in and have documents showing ownership. i understand having to prove ownership but it shouldn't have to be towed in, imo. i tried to say he should just be able to get a key with out the vehicle if he proves ownership and the person from the service dept said the key has a chip and needs programming.
i did not ask how much it would cost for the new key and programming but my guess is it will be way too much.

i have a 2013 ford escape that is push button start and i was able to program the fob myself through the vehicle so i'm guessing the fob part is easy to rectify without a dealer but the key part (his is not push button) i'm not sure about. i don't have access to my son's vehicle so i'm hoping there is a fairly easy / cheap way for my son to be set up with a couple of keys (and hopefully i can talk him through remote programming or send him a vid on it.)

any advice on the best way to solve this? i did a search for "no keys" but didn't find anything in the forum. maybe there is already a thread on this?

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[CATX]

I'd start with calling local locksmiths. They should have the software necessary to add a key even if there is no existing key, and I'm sure they would be much cheaper than the dealer. If they have the correct software, they should be able to delete the lost keys and add a new one.

There is no way that I know of to add a key without special software when you don't have the original keys, unless you want to buy software (which I think can be done, but probably more trouble than it's worth).

EDIT: Also, I would consider buying a replacement fob from a third party (they are much cheaper), and taking that to the locksmith/dealer instead of buying one directly from them. here is an example, but the keys will be different depending on your model (XLT/Lariat). 2019-2022 Ford Ranger OEM Key Fob M3N-A2C931426 (keylessentryremotefob.com)

 

[Muscleford]

From what I understand the programming must be done by the dealer. A key will likely cost a couple hundred dollars.

 

[Tom_C]

The anal jerk that I used to be would ask why didn't he get a new key made before now if he only had one key?

But, the more mature me won't say that.

 

[canyonslicker]

Another issue is you need both keys to program a third. Also the door key if push button start..

 

[Miles Mac]

Defiantly start with a good locksmith, our local one can provide and program keys, Having said that, there are some new ones they can't program (ram and ford) and not having a key at all might be an issue. Typical dealer is $200+ for key and $65+ to program.

 

[maxbottomtime]

You need two keys to program a third yourself. If you are going to pay to have the car programmed, have 2 keys programmed. You can buy blanks for $30 or whatever online. Once you have 2, get a few extras, have them cut at a locksmith, then program yourself. I've got 4x regular, and 1x swim key for my truck.


My last car was a ford, and one set was stolen from another vehicle when on vacation (had apartment keys at the time). I was down to one set, and it was 500+ to get another made. Made it super nerve wracking when I dropped the only set I had into the drink at my marina, and had to bring dive gear out to recover.

When i looked a decade ago, only Ford could program new keys but maybe some locksmiths would have tools.

 

[airline tech]

I would have to check the service manual to be sure but the Ranger key without push button start does not have a chip - the ignition switch and key tumbler match is the security.
Now the FOB itself is different it is security programmed to the truck, modules.
Requires a security validation code to program, this code is read and validated by the existing FOBs , and thus allows for additional FOBs to be added, this is why you have to have both FOBs to complete the process.
Any locksmith should be able to make a key-but he will have to contact Ford and provide the VIN to obtain the security validation code needed to program FOB and also input into the key cutting machine, this code is required for key cut and is why you cannot go to local hardware store and say I need a copy of the key like you would a house key.
The FOB and Truck communication frequency is a rolling code , security feature to deter thieves from copying the frequency code and gaining access to the truck. It’s always changing .
So starting from scratch without any FOBs will require a master code from Ford and the dealer will most likely not willingly give that info to you - thus the reason for wanting to put eyes on the truck (Towed-In)
A bonded Locksmith will be able to get it as he will be licensed and authorized to get it

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

In Canada according to 2 dealers I spoke to, for push button start to get my spare key replaced it was almost $500 for the complete unit and programming, and assuming I had 1 key to give them to use.

They said they need 2 keys to do programming, so if I had neither key I would have to get it towed in, and then buy 2 complete new keys, so almost $1K.

 

[GreyAreaRanger]

Start with a locksmith, some will even go to his house or wherever the truck is, just make sure he gets two sets this time. When I bought my Ranger two weeks ago, I also only received one key and had another fob cut and programmed for $200 including the fob whereas the dealer wanted $250 just for the fob plus $100 for programming. I do not have push button start as I hate that feature in cars. My 2001 F150 had a chip in it as part of the PATs system so I bet that these newer trucks have a chip in the key or fob as well.

 

[Big Blue]

One more question as if you aren't on overload now did he have remote start on his fob? I ask this because the two fobs work on different frequencies so one won't work with the other. Any way you look at it, it's not going to be cheap or easy.

 

[jojeeka]

thanks for all the replies. i'll have him start with a locksmith.

 

[jojeeka]

One more question as if you aren't on overload now did he have remote start on his fob? I ask this because the two fobs work on different frequencies so one won't work with the other. Any way you look at it, it's not going to be cheap or easy.

i believe he does have remote start. i'll have to verify next time i talk to him.

 

[jojeeka]

In Canada according to 2 dealers I spoke to, for push button start to get my spare key replaced it was almost $500 for the complete unit and programming, and assuming I had 1 key to give them to use.

They said they need 2 keys to do programming, so if I had neither key I would have to get it towed in, and then buy 2 complete new keys, so almost $1K.

nearly $1k is criminal.

 

[EJH]

I would have to check the service manual to be sure but the Ranger key without push button start does not have a chip - the ignition switch and key tumbler match is the security.

Pretty sure there is an imobilizer chip in the key. Even my 10 year old Subaru has those. That prevents the car from being started if someone just cuts a copy of your key.

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