Having a key cut by a dealer

[Fifth87]

I recently bought a '16 F-150 XL from a small used car lot. It came with one original key only. So off I went to the Ford dealer, they had to order the blank. When I went in with key and registration, he took my key and came back a few minutes later with the new key as well. Off I went, happy I didn't have to worry about locking myself out with no spare. Fast forward a month or so and I went to use my spare. It unlocked the truck and powered on the electrical system but would not start the truck. This was a bit of a surprise to me, as the parts guy did not indicate any additional was needed, such as programming.
Did I miss something simple here, such as asking him to program the key?

 

[Urshurak776]

You left without checking it?

 

[dubber09]

My Q is why did you leave without testing the key in the first place?

 

[Fifth87]

I tested the door. Not the ignition. Believe me, I have been kicking myself since.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Take it back to the dealer. Register your complaint politely. Expect a correct key and test all functions you intend to use before leaving. Four or five weeks later should not be a problem because it did not do all intended functions

 

[D60]

Years ago I went to our GM dealer for an extra key for our '02 Silverado. He said he could just cut it with the VIN, which I provided. It wouldn't work at all, even to turn a lock cylinder.

No idea what went wrong but clearly the process has issues.

 

[rijndael]

Sounds like you got a cut key, without programming.

 

[Tdbo]

Unless things have changed in the past several years, you need 2 working keys to do it yourself.
Otherwise, it is a dealer procedure.

 

[rijndael]

Unless things have changed in the past several years, you need 2 working keys to do it yourself.

Correct, if you're referring to the normal user method.

Otherwise, it is a dealer procedure.

DIY with Forscan will work too. You need the added license.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Technology isn't it a wonderful thing.

 

[Geekhead]

Technology isn't it a wonderful thing.

"Especially when it works" is the line I always told my customers with a smile.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Does it appear to be a chip key, and how much did you pay?

If its a chip key and you paid full boat, they likely missed a step.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

"Especially when it works" is the line I always told my customers with a smile.

Wait for 10 years when you can no longer get the fix to repair it!

 

[bdcardinal]

If you have 2 working keys you can program the third yourself. If you have one its time to set an appointment with service or a locksmith to have it programmed. Supposedly ForScan can do it also, however I have not had luck with it.

FWIW I tell people upfront that the key will need programming. Been doing this way too long to go skipping through that minefield without a map.

 

[Dave9]

If an unprogrammed key would start the truck, then the PATS security would be useless, anyone could use the old school method of just sticking a screwdriver in the ignition cylinder to pop it. Even if it had keyless push button start, you'd still need to program the keyhead or fob into the system.

However, I know that on older generations of Ford's, you could flash a custom tune to get rid of the PATS, but that costs more than having a 2nd key programmed in and then you can DIY additional keys once you have two working keys.

 

[TheBeaz]

My guess is the reason he didn't tell you that it needed to be programmed is that he didn't want to tell you that you have to go through the service department and pay for an hour of labor to program it.

Whenever you buy a used car, try to get them to throw in a 2nd key into the deal, because it's potentially a few hundred dollar headache to get one later.

 

[Fifth87]

Ok. So it needs to be programmed. Thanks to all who replied! @bdcardinal, I'll reach out to the service dept.

 

[bdcardinal]

Ok. So it needs to be programmed. Thanks to all who replied! @bdcardinal, I'll reach out to the service dept.

That was a bad counterperson. If they want to be thorough the need to explain everything. Thankfully (or not depending on the view) we don't have the machine to cut the side mill keys. So we go through the whole ownership verification process and then have service call the customer when the keys come in to schedule the appointment to program. Some people have called me all sorts of names because I am a real jerk about making sure all the info jives before I go to look up the key code. Some people can't grasp that I do it to protect them.

 

[zzyzzx]

Did I miss something simple here, such as asking him to program the key?

YES. A laptop + adapter + a paid version of Forscan should fix this.

 

[dogememe]

I've programmed keys with Forscan in the past, but I never paid for it - there is some sort of perpetual trial license, isn't there? Admittedly it was years ago and they may have changed licensing since. I used a Windows laptop with an OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth adapter to do it. Very handy!