Dear DU...I need help with a car key problem....

[dixiegrrrrl]

We just got a used 2001 Taurus, low miles, excellent condition, clear title, etc.

but...it comes with only 1 key and fob.

Until now, I have not had occasion to use a key fob. Our current cars are 1993 models.

The Ford dealership in town tells me it will cost 150.00 to have a additional key and fob made ..." cause we have to program it".

I know I can get a key cheap which will open doors, but not drive the car.

Am hoping someone can share their experience and knowledge to help me out.

[BeeBee]

1. I'm not sure if this helps, but from my experience, $150 for a fob is cheap. n/t

[WhiteTara]

21. ours is $200 for just the fob

key is extra. We are lucky and have 2 keys (we had 3 before I lost one)

[dixiegrrrrl]

28. Reading the replies downthread, I see there are lots of cheap options for a new fob

which is helpful.
Our local Ford dealer wanted 150.00 to replace fob and key.
or 50.00 to replace key alone.
Now that I see getting another fob is pretty cheap, we may ask dealer to just make the key, and get the fob ourselves.

It will be a cold day in hell before I let the dealer here work on the car tho.

[WhiteTara]

32. I saw those posts and got excited

I may have a fob again. If you start using it, you will be sad when it's gone!

[boston bean]

33. Get the fob and put ur mind at ease.

[REP]

2. I have a 2008 Nissan

It has a fob, but I can unlock the drivers door with the key and I can only start it with a key.

My husband's Infiniti is similar though his is keyless ignition but it can still be started with a key.

Maybe you just need an extra "valet" key? (My valet key won't unlock the storage box, but I can still unlock the hatch manually)

[dixiegrrrrl]

15. I have been told by the car seller we can get a cheap key

but that key will not start the car. 8.00 at the auto shop.

Apparently the key to actually start the car also needs a chip, says the Ford dealer today.
So they can make a key, minus fob, for 50.00, which will work to start car, unlock doors, etc.

Personally, I am find just having a working key, and Mr. Dixie can have the key and fob that came with the car.

[REP]

34. As I said, mines a Nissan

They're both really Nissans. Neither need a chip to start, not even the one with keyless ignition but these are 2007 and 2008 models; slightly older Fords might be different.

I personally hope I never have a push button ignition car!

[dixiegrrrrl]

41. I actually drove a push button gear shift car

wayyyyy back in time, when I was a young teen.
Did not like it.

We had to get this car for specific reasons....had to be an automatic, had to be a 6 cyl.
Mr. Dixie has driven Taurus' for decades, so he is familiar with it.

I have driven small fast 5 speed cars for decades, and am not liking the mushy feel of the Taurus, tho I will have to drive it once in awhile.

It's gonna be interesting to see if your idea will work. We will see, tomorrow.

[Brother Buzz]

3. Our local Ace hardware can do most electronic fobs and keys for....

40-80 bucks. Have you called any independent locksmiths?

[virgogal]

4. I had a chip key made at Ace hardware for $60.00 and ordered a fob on-line

and programmed it myself,and I'm an 80year old woman.----I forget the price but was fairly cheap.

[Phentex]

9. Was going to suggest this...

you can call ahead and make sure they include your model but they sell these for much less than the dealer.

[dixiegrrrrl]

16. Good info.

We have an ACE hardware here, I can check it and check the 2 auto parts stores.

Thank you.

[JDC]

31. I've done this also. Ford Chipped Key was ~$65 at Ace

[Wellstone ruled]

36. Ace is the place.

Go to the Key desk and they will get you going.

[Eleanors38]

5. Those key fobs are usually proprietary (dealer) parts. Does the key work manually?

Might be your best bet if you can simply (and cheaply) cut a spare and forego the remote. The electric trunk components on my Mom's 93 Caddy aren't even made anymore, and I have barely got a manual fix for now.

[dixiegrrrrl]

17. Yes, the key that came with the car works like any car key

to start car, open doors, etc.
except it apparently has a chip in it to start the car.

The fob just locks the doors, opens trunk. It does not start engine.

Do newer cars have a fob that starts engine???

[Eleanors38]

24. Yes, newer cars have remote start, though it may be an option. Don't know if there...

...is a manual override, however.

My hope when buying a new(er) car is I can fnd one with manual windows, door locks and trunk, and an ignition interlock not reliant on some remote-only operation. I even prefer standard transmission!

[dixiegrrrrl]

42. I hear ya......

All this electric/push button/computer dependent car stuff is removing us from being able to fix things ourselves.

[Jim Beard]

44. You just stole my heart.....

My last two pick-ups are back to the original NO auto windows, locks or anything else automatic except transmission. When I buy a vehicle, I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off and do not want to replace auto windows and car locks.

[Eleanors38]

47. People forget that autos are complex, powerful and cheaply-made things.

Even the manual window lifts and door locks are cheap. The less of the stuff, the better.

[OriginalGeek]

26. My wife's Hyundai opens and starts just by having the fob near to the car

We don't even have to press the fob button to open the car. As long as it's right there in your pocket or bag, you can open the car door and once inside you push a button on the dash.

The trucks I'm looking at have remote start as an option. Just press the fob button once you're within range and it will start the car. That would be nice to have the AC going before I get there.

[dixiegrrrrl]

35. 2 reasons I would be in favor of a remote start

like you said, to have the A/C cooling off the car
and if we were in a place where that wintery white stuff lives, could start car and heater.

Since we live in the sub-tropics, I passed on looking at any cars with leather seating.

the one we just got has tinted windows!!
Boy, I sure feel all uptown now......

[OriginalGeek]

45. Lol yeah, tint is a must down here

First thing we did when we got her car was take it to the tint place.

[wcmagumba]

6. Second party vendors...

now offer these keys and fobs. Even WalMart. Not sure it will help though, they all say you must have two keys to program the new one. This link (I haven't used this) says some dealers will only charge a small price to program the keys but depends on the dealer.

https://ikeyless.com/vehicles/Ford/Taurus/2001/1000378/

[snooper2]

7. Just call a local locksmith, they can make one for you about half the price...

Tell them your car and they'll bring the key, cut it and program no biggie...

[csziggy]

8. I need a second key fob for my 1999 GMC Suburban and have been looking at this place

http://www.northcoastkeyless.com/product-category/ford-keyless-entry-remotes/taurus-ford/

That is the link for their page for Ford Taurus - though it may not be the one you need. To verify you may want to put in your VIN. Some of their key fobs are used - which when you're buying for an older vehicle may not be too bad a deal.Their prices are great, though.

I found them through eBay and sometimes they have better deals in their auctions. They do have good ratings on eBay. I have not yet purchased a key fob from them, though - I've had this truck for over ten years and haven't yet felt a pressing need for a second key fob, though a car like our Prius would make it more important to have a second one.

ETA - they also have instructions on how to programs the fobs.

[WhiteTara]

25. Wow I can get one for our car for $20!

[Lee-Lee]

10. Call your local independent locksmith

Tell them what you need and it will probably be 1/2 the dealers quote and a lot of them will come to you to do it.

[dixiegrrrrl]

19. We live in a small rural town, hours away from big city

so wonderful things like independent locksmiths do not exist out here.

[sharp_stick]

11. In a 2001 the key should work independently I think

AFAIK the fob is just for the doors and alarm if it has one.

[dixiegrrrrl]

18. Correct. n/t

[virgogal]

12. I used this company---superb customer service when I had a question.

https://ikeyless.com/vehicle/search/

[dixiegrrrrl]

22. I see on that page that we can get a fob for little cost

but to get a key to start the car we need to already have TWO keys that start the car, which of course we don't have.

However, I am heartened by all the good suggestions and will call our hardware stores tomorrow.
Plus, we will be seeing our insurance agent, who one would think will know how to help.

Push comes to shove, we can always just get a door key for a few bucks, which will address the locking ourselves out issue.

Thanks, virgogal...

[PJMcK]

13. Try eBay

I just Googled "key for for 2001 Ford Taurus" and there were lots of choices in the $20 range.

Good luck!

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. Oh bless you.......and duh to me

We use ebay a lot yet that never crossed my mind.

[beevul]

20. DIY fob programming.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t175012-re_programming_keyless_entry_fob__2001_taurus.html


https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&site=&source=hp&q=2001+taurus+fob+programming&oq=2001+taurus+fob+programming&gs_l=hp.3..0i22i30k1.1958.11203.0.11347.29.25.1.3.4.0.254.2068.18j4j1.23.0....0...1c.1.64.hp..2.27.2093...0j0i131k1j0i10k1.AoaMCsOUgow

[dixiegrrrrl]

23. Hot damn....

I yearn for the simple times when all you needed was a key.
Period.

We had to get an automatic for medical reasons, but I am still hanging onto my 5 speed Toyota until it crumbles.

[Eleanors38]

29. I hear you about med reasons. Though I am not hot on pick-ups/Vans, they are superior...

to most cars when it comes to access/egress given my crappy knee and lower back. I drive an old light delivery van which allows step up and slide out. But mileage is only 17-20 mpg, has 200k on it, and is a bear to work on the engine.

[HassleCat]

27. Try this.

Have a mechanical copy of the key made and see if it works. May of the "programmed" keys are not programmed at all, as I discovered with my 2005 Escape and 2006 Ranger. I bought them used, had unprogrammed keys made, and got along just fine for years. Just make sure someone is available to come get you in case the car mysteriously dies.

[dixiegrrrrl]

37. Ohhh......I love loop holes.

Since we will be getting a lock out key, we can try it to see if that works.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

30. Go on Ebay. Put in your year make and model.

Might ask for your VIN number. I've bought extras for my last two cars for less than
$10.00 each. Takes less than 5 minutes to program it for your car once you receive it. Easy peezy.

[dixiegrrrrl]

39. You taking about a key that will start the car, or about a fob? n/t

[Democrat 4 Ever]

43. Sorry the fob. should have read closer.

N/t

[LeftyMom]

38. Call around to locksmiths.

Not all of them will have the equipment to do the electronic key but some of them will and they'll be cheaper than the dealer.

You can also order an aftermarket key fob over the internet and may be able to buy one at the auto parts store. Since you have one key you use the signal from it to program the new one.

If you know anybody who has Ford fleet vehicles (cab companies, most any business that uses work trucks) they'll be able to tell you what local locksmith does Ford keys. Or check Yelp reviews for local locksmiths.

[ILFightinDem]

40. Ace (or others) can clone the one key you have

I had a couple of older Fords the last few years, and I had a 2001 Exploder with exactly this problem.

As someone mentioned - the Ford duplication system requires two working chipped keys (not clones of one another) in order to code additional keys using their process. The owner can perform the programming process, but the key has to be cut beforehand, of course. There's a limit of 8 chipped keys for a vehicle - on the 9th entered into the system, it erases key #1 from memory, and so on.

If only one key chipped key exists, then the best solution is to get a clone made of the key at someplace like Ace. It'll run $50-$60 for that one key, but (at least at Ace), they guarantee the key will work, or they'll replace it.

If you have the funds, get two clones made, and store the one factory key in a safe place - as I don't know if you can 'clone a clone', if you lose the last factory key.

The cloned key won't look exactly like your original key, but it'll work. This is what I did. 2nd cheapest solution, the cheapest one of all is below.

An alternative is to get non-chipped keys cut, and tape / fasten the one chipped key underneath the steering column, near the ignition cylinder - the chipped key keeps the receiver module 'energized', and any non-chipped key that fits the cylinder can then start the vehicle. No joke - there are people who have done this.

Fobs are easy and cheap. You can program up to 4 of those, I think. With these, you have to have *all* fobs with you when you do the programming; any left out are eliminated from the system when you finish programming. I got extra fobs on the Bay for about $10-$12 each. Many of the vendors send you the instructions - or if not, you can generally find them online. The sequence involves sitting in the vehicle with the driver's door closed, key out of the cylinder, and entering 'programming mode' via the lock / unlock buttons on the door. Takes about 2 minutes to do, once you have the instructions.

If your Taurus has the 5-button keyless entry option, but you don't have the code and want to use it (it has its uses, but I was never a big fan), you have two options. First is the dealer, who can put a factory scan tool on the vehicle and get the code sequence - but it will cost you over $100, unless you have a good dealer who will get it for you in the process of having some other service done.

Second is finding out where the 'Security Module' is stored in the Taurus (you can find this online), and getting the default code from that module - it's printed on a label on it. On the Exploder, it was behind the rear trim panel on the driver's side.
Once you have that code, you can always use it - it's permanently in memory. You can add your own 5-digit code to go along with the factory code, but the vehicle forgets it if the battery is disconnected / replaced. Then you're back to the one factory code.

Hope this helps. Bottom line - dealer is the last / most expensive place to go, especially with online sites dedicated to a make / model of vehicle (I'm sure there's a 'Taurus Club' somewhere online - you can learn about your car there and potentially save a lot of money on DIY if you (or partner) are handy with vehicle maintenance.

[dixiegrrrrl]

46. Thank you for that wealth of info!

I hear what you are saying and we shall address each approach in the next couple days.
Will show Mr. Dixie this in the am, too.

Welcome to DU....

[joshcryer]

55. The taping idea is clever, though the car could be stolen easier.

Wouldn't have thought of that.

[lillypaddle]

48. What is the fob for?

don't laugh, I drive a 1994 Toyota and there is no fob involved.

[dixiegrrrrl]

49. It''s like a small square tv remote

you can lock and unlock car doors with it, open trunk and there is a "panic alarm" button which I assume makes the car yell and honk and flash lights.
Apparently many people come to rely on it very much. I can see the appeal when shopping in a rain storm.

Later version let you actually start the car, ideally so it is warm on cold days and cold on warm days.

I drive a 1993 Toyota, and would buy another in a heartbeat. This other car is the newest we have had and it is only a 2001.

[lillypaddle]

50. Thanks, dixiegrrrl nt

[Hassin Bin Sober]

51. Check eBay. We did that for our Expedition.

They were dirt cheap.

A quick glance at eBay shows $7.90 for your Taurus.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2001+taurus+key+fob.TRS0&_nkw=2001+taurus+key+fob&_sacat=0

Ours came with instructions on how to program the fobs. The dealer won't tell you but there is a slightly convoluted way to program the fobs. Something like insert key and turn ignition on several times and press fob buttons.

Easy peasy. And cheap.

[fob]

52. why are my ears burning and I have overwhelming desire to

post on this topic?

[dixiegrrrrl]

54. Have you ever felt more needed?????

[Gothmog]

53. thanks for the tips