Ignition cylinder trouble for a 2000 Ranger.

On my F150, I just took the ring off of the switch, put the original key in the loop and zp tied it under the column. Now I can use any cut key without programming it.

I have tried several similar ideas and nothing. It looks like I will have to slear off my flat bed trailer and have to haul this thing to some one.

LonesomeSTX said:

I am not sure if the new key has the PATS stuff in it or not. I have called around and the dealership is by far the most costly. The want $100 and a local locksmith wants $35 per key.

Click to expand...

When you identified your original key as the big key, you pretty much identified it as PATS. A PATS key has an RFID chip embeded in the handle. When you insert the key into the ignition the computer reads the chip and if it's ID matches one of up to six IDs stored in it's memory your computer will work with it. If the cut pattern of the key matches the cyclinder then you can rotate the ignition switch and all works. If the chip does not match one of the 6 stored IDs, or if the computer is unable to read the key's chip, your computer will not start the car even if the key rotates the ignition switch. So even if your new key does have a PATS chip, it is not paired with you car's computer so it will not work. If you keep trying to muck wih the ring, you may render the computer unable to read any key, then you are up the proverbial creek.

I know times are tough, but $35 is not bad for a new OEM key paired to your computer.

There are a couple of ways a locksmith can make a key for you:
DEFINITION: A "Master Key" is just a key whose ID has been paired (accepted and stored) into your car's computer.

1) Clone a master key: The key blank for these have an even fatter handle and do not have a FORD logo. After the locksmith cuts the teeth pattern, they read the ID from a "known working" key and write it to the newly cut key, hence you have a clone of the original key. In my experience these clones stop working in a couple of years. Also as far as your PATS system is concerned this cloned key does not count as a second master key.

2) Make a new master key: A new OEM blank is used, and it's chip already has an unchangable ID. The locksmith cuts the teeth and the key's ID is paired to your car's computer.

3) Pairing a new master: If you have two master keys (not a master and it's clone) you can pair it yourself. If you do not then the locksmith can connect a computer to your car and pair the new key in about 10 minutes.

I went through all of this on my Focus when the a cloned master died.

Good luck.

Thanks for the break down, that gives me a much better understanding.

Can I simply remove the PATS?

simply, no.

One more reason to get rid of it as soon as I locate the Ranger I want.

put a remote start bypass module in and you can use the small key

Where do I get one of those?

install a bypass module for a remote start you will be able to use the small key no more pats key needed

Do I need an OE one or aftermarket?

audio shop that does car alarms

I will have to shop around then.

my wifes 2000 explorer has had it for over 7 years no problem we dont even have big key anymore and its still the factory switch so i know it works

I plan to do that the next time this happens.

I have the same issue where I can turn the key and all lights and security lights check good, but when I try to close the loop to start the truck, nothing happens at all, but this only happens ever so often. I have replaced the starter and checked all the fuses and relays and they were good, even the starter that I replaced was good. I am going to replace the ignition starter switch and see what that does since it left me stranded at the house this morning when trying to go to work.