Lost Key

[scorpion66772]

Well it seems that every time I am about to get my SHO on the road something happens. This time my wife lost the only key to the car and I dont have the key code to get it coppied. The dealer says that I have to R&R the whole cylinder then have it programmed to the car. Does anyone have any ideas or can confirm that this is necessary. Please help as I am about to say the **** with it and scrap the whole thing out rather than another 300+ to do as they say unless there is a way I can do it myself.. any ideas please respond as soon as possible. To date I have R&R all the valves port and polish the heads as well as matching the ports, R&R the rodbearings. I hate to just junk it as I fell in love with it in the only 100 miles that I have been able to drive it... Thanks...
Tony

 

[Mr Anonymous]

What year is the car?

Any dealer can cut a key up to 10 years old (i.e. back to 1998) from the VIN number. A '96 or '97 you can program a key on your own, it just requires time. '98 or '99 they need to be programmed by the dealer. You also may be able to find a dealer that still can cut a '97 key. Just call around and ask "how much to cut a key by VIN?" and see what they say.

Another alternative is to call a locksmith. They'll be a lot cheaper than the dealer.

A last alternative is you can buy a new lock cylinder at AutoZone and drill out the old one on your own.

 

[scorpion66772]

thanks

It is a 97 so according to the dealer 1 year too old to cut by vin, I have no trouble with taking the time to program just this is one area on automotive that I am ignorant, but willing to learn. Even if I R&R the cyl. I will still have to program wont I ... If possible just give me the step by step basics on this subject or tell me where I may be able to find them.. By the way can someone give me the torque values-proceedures for the rodbearings I have them in place but need torqued before I do start. I am just stalling on the final install as it will be too frustrating not to be able to start it after all the work... Thank you for your help anonomous...

 

[SHOZ123]

I went to an old time locksmith to get a ignition cyclinder with the lock rekeyed to match my original keys for my '93 about 4 years ago. Cost was $20. They did have the chipped keys too and that would have obviously been more. But it is an easy install, though removal of the OEM cyclinder would not be. One may be able to rekey the cylinder in the car if you wanted to pay the bucks.

 

[BriansNSane]

I just went through this same problem man and the solution was cheap and fairly easy. Jump on e-bay and look for a used pats anti-theft module,lock cylinder,and matching programmed keys.As a matter of a fact theres one there right now that I know of that came out of a gen 3 sho taurus. I bought mine for 40 bucks shipped,this one is listed for I think 45 bucks(shipped) You can't go wrong!

FYI Ford wanted $118 to cut and program a key if it was possible.called a locksmith that claimed they could do it(for 200 bucks).. could not program the new keys,as a matter of a fact he erased the old key and could not program the new ones! It was really simple to swap the new stuff in but if you need help let me know and ill walk ya through cuz like I said,I JUST went through this!

 

[scorpion66772]

Thank you Brian. Does it matter if it is a Pats I or a Pats II as they were both used in gen 3. Do you have a link or way of locating the parts you are talking about. Did you just drill out the old Cyl. I have done this enough in other vehicle but are there any tips you have ie what to watch out for and like... I found a smith that would rekey for 140 but I have to get the car to him and to make matters worse I have to finish a major lower engine overhaul before I rekey which sucks not knowing if everything is correct and having someone messing with it without me being there. the cost for him to do it isnt the issue just I have done alot of work to this car and had alot of probs and dont like the idea of someone else tinkering with it right out of a rebuild without me even so much as turning it over... THank you again.

 

[BriansNSane]

Oh its No prob at all.I'm unsure wether it has to be a pats 1 or 2.I would suggest researching to find witch one your vehicle is and then you cant go wrong getting that one.As for the lock cylinder I happened to have paid a smith to make a key so I was able to pull my cylinder out with it.You could try calling a smith and tell him your situation and I don't see why he couldn't make a normal key for it instead of a more expensive chip key.One thing I can tell ya and as far as tips,don't try to pry the upper and lower steering column covers apart with a screwdriver!right behind that slit where they meet by the key cylinder lies the transponder that reads the key.(don't wanna hit that!)I do have a link and I hope its not against rules to post it,if it is I apologize admins.The only two things you need is the pats module,cylinder and key for what you have to do,the rest is kind of a bonus if those parts go out later. This one only has one key so get a spare made immediatly! Ohhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-TAURUS-SHO-PATS-IGNITION-LOCK-KEY-DOOR-TRUNK-MODULE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ33648QQihZ012QQitemZ220246536462QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

 

[scorpion66772]

cyl replaced

Cylinder is R&R. Where is the PATS comp. located. I havent looked real well but thought Id ask you before I waste too much time pulling panels trying to find it... Thanks again ...

Thanks for all the help I did as Brian mentioned and R&R the cyl and key.. here is the rundown for any future SHO nuts that have this prob... Dealer said 300$ to R&R. Locksmith in my area said 140 and he could cut and program a key for me without the orig. I however took the less expensive route at a whopping 25$ from good ole ebay thanks to Brian (my many thanks) The cyl was easy to drill out it took a 15mm bit I forget the sae measure but this bit was the perfect size to drill out the cyl. tumblers I started with a 11mm bit and it was just a little too small and missed the tumblers but the larger size cut out the cyl. exact then just pick out the brass tumblers. First, if you dont have a key pull the black plastic key guard off of the cyl. with a pair of pliers (dont pry off as mentioned by Brian). Second, remove the cover by 3 phillips (crosspoint) screws and pull it apart with your hands no other tools required or recommended. Third, remove the black ring around the cyl. this is the transponder reader as mentioned by brian so dont break it, now remove the black clip that was behind the ring now just drill out the cylinder making sure to stay in the middle where the key goes in drill back no further than 1.5 in no more. Now all you have to do is use a small flat screwdriver or dental tools and pick out the brass tumblers. Once you get them out the inner part of the cyl. will turn and once you have turned it all the way forward bring it back 1/16th turn and press in the release at the bottom of the cyl small hole in the middle of the cyl. with a small screwdriver and just pull out the old cyl.
Total time is about 30-45min. to Remove. Now just put all the electronic parts back onto the cyl. reinstall the cover and then reinstall the new cyl..

 

[Bizzy]

I think the PATS module is up under the kick panel under the steering column. Key words....I think. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[SHOZ123]

Here's where to find the code. Sometimes furd saw fit to put some tape over the sticker though....