Need a new key for my f 150

I lost one of the keys for my 05 F 150. Actually I think my wife lost it. The only way to find it is to get a new one. I have been reading about how to get another. All I need to do is get a key blank, and have it cut to fit the one I have now. Then have it programed. Here is where I get several different ways for programing the new key. Has anyone gone through this process? My key only has the chip. I guess I could drop it off at Ford, and pick it up later, but I would like to attempt it myself. Stan

Youtube has videos on how to do it.

If i remember they told me after it is cut it needs to be programed or it wont start the engine it will unlock but not start. Thats what they said for my 97-f150. Thats where i would go

as tricky as the chips and key can be, might be cheaper in the long run to go to dealer who can re-progran a new key and chip, if some one tries and fails, who knows what you might need to do if key doesn't work.......... also depending on year and program

All the Fords I've ever done require you have two keys to start with. You insert both the keys and turn the switch on/off as instructed in the allowed time frames and it unlocks the computer to allow more keys to be added to the truck's control computer. I've also found locksmiths to be cheaper than dealers on this work, a good locksmith will have a hand held computer to unlock the truck's computer and allow more keys to be added.

Had a ford do lock-out once because family member tried the wrong key repeatedly. locksmith was much cheaper than dealer quote.

I've been told that certain WalMart stores will make a new key and program it for $55. Dealer price would be substantionally higher.

In this area, only one of the 5 WalMart stores within 10 miles will perform that service.

It was mentioned earlier but you need 2 good keys to program yourself. If you are down to 1 key you will need to have it programmed by a dealer or locksmith, or someone with the computer and software to program ford keys.

I've always told people to have 2 good keys at all times to avoid this. The key itself is fairly cheap as long as its not a fob/key. Programming a 3rd or more is quick and easy. Get a couple extra and stash them away

Another thing somewhat related, if you have keyless entry (number pad on door) you should learn how to program your own code. If ever needed you can give that code to someone else, then change as often as you want but you can not change the factory code unless you replace the module.

The key itself is not what is programmed. The onboard computers have to be flashed to recognize the new key.

The keys that are made by places like Wal-Mart and Home Depot are actually CLONES of your existing key, and WILL NOT work for programming a third key, because the computer sees those keys as the same key that you started with.

The last I checked, local dealers around here want roughly $100 to make a new key and flash the computer.

Keeping an extra key or two is a very good policy. The chips (actually an RFID module) in those keys have been known to fail. I was at a parts store one day, and as I was about to leave, I saw a group of people around a late model Expedition. I stopped to see what the problem was. They said the car would not start. I said "let me see." Sure enough, the starter spun but the engine would not fire. I asked the owner if he had a spare key. He had one, so I said "try that one." As soon as he attempted it, it fired right off. Seems the chip had failed in the other key.

Programming in a new key requires TWO DIFFERENT keys with RFID modules in them.

The entire system consists of a PATS module (Passive Anti-Theft System), a RAP (Remote Access Personality) module, a keyless entry module, and the main PCM. At least in a Ford. All of these modules need to communicate with each other for the system to function and allow the car to start.

Hopefully, somewhere along the line, there will become available a means to eliminate the anti-theft system on older cars that are no longer targets of thieves. Otherwise, the whole key thing will send a lot of otherwise good cars to the junkyard.

Stan, call a lock smith,my brother does most of the Ford work and they just double what he charges them. I can t remember the time, but Ford only has keys for something like 5 years.

Our local hardware store can make and program
those keys. Maybe someone in your area has the same equipment.