Post by gaspi101 on Nov 7, 2005 11:17:55 GMT -5
Like many Mustang owners, I bought my trusty steed with only one key, which was, frighteningly enough, bent and had a hairline crack at the middle. As you may know, many 95-04 keys contain an embedded transponder chip, which transmits a signal to the steering column, disarming the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System). A new blank will only open the doors, trunk, and glove box. Knowing this, I was understandably frightened my key would crack, and I'd be very much in trouble. So, I quickly went to the dealer to get another key. They told me: $59.99 for a new key and $80 for programming. Yikes. So, I started researching. I made myself 2 new keys and programmed them myself. Total cost, no more than $12.
Unlike what they tell you, you only need one working key to do this. I bought blank transponder keys on eBay for $10 each. For 95-98 GTs, all you need to do is place the one working key into the ignition and turn it to ON (START) until the THEFT light turns off. Then, you have 15 seconds to place the new, cut, unprogrammed key into the ignition. The THEFT light flashes for 2 seconds and then turns off. It is now programmed.
I tried this also on my buddy's 99 GT but it didn't work. THIS one needed a second key. I found (I think) a way to confuse the computer into thinking I had actually 2 keys. The programming method is the same as for the 96, but it requires you to begin by placing 2 different and fully working keys in the ignition to let the computer go into programming mode. I don't know much, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out how the sensor on the ignition KNEW the two keys entered were different, if they were both fully functional. Since the transponder functions as a resistor of sorts, I thought that perhaps every transponder had a unique resistance, which the ignition sensor could detect in the signal response, so I used one key in the following manner: Placed the key in the ignition, turned to ON (START), and then took it out, then (in less than 15 seconds), placed a small magnet (a fridge magnet on the end of the key should work--I used the small magnet form a portable chess game pawn), and insert the key into the ignition and do the same again--turn to ON (START) and then took it out. NOW, the computer was in programing mode, and I could enter the cut and unprogrammed key and the 'stang programmed it! We (my buddy and I) were both amazed.
For what the dealer charged a ridiculous amount of money, it can be done in about 45 seconds for no more than $12.
Cheers, from Sunny Miami,
gaspi.
Unlike what they tell you, you only need one working key to do this. I bought blank transponder keys on eBay for $10 each. For 95-98 GTs, all you need to do is place the one working key into the ignition and turn it to ON (START) until the THEFT light turns off. Then, you have 15 seconds to place the new, cut, unprogrammed key into the ignition. The THEFT light flashes for 2 seconds and then turns off. It is now programmed.
I tried this also on my buddy's 99 GT but it didn't work. THIS one needed a second key. I found (I think) a way to confuse the computer into thinking I had actually 2 keys. The programming method is the same as for the 96, but it requires you to begin by placing 2 different and fully working keys in the ignition to let the computer go into programming mode. I don't know much, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out how the sensor on the ignition KNEW the two keys entered were different, if they were both fully functional. Since the transponder functions as a resistor of sorts, I thought that perhaps every transponder had a unique resistance, which the ignition sensor could detect in the signal response, so I used one key in the following manner: Placed the key in the ignition, turned to ON (START), and then took it out, then (in less than 15 seconds), placed a small magnet (a fridge magnet on the end of the key should work--I used the small magnet form a portable chess game pawn), and insert the key into the ignition and do the same again--turn to ON (START) and then took it out. NOW, the computer was in programing mode, and I could enter the cut and unprogrammed key and the 'stang programmed it! We (my buddy and I) were both amazed.
For what the dealer charged a ridiculous amount of money, it can be done in about 45 seconds for no more than $12.
Cheers, from Sunny Miami,
gaspi.
