Obtaining the "Key Code" so I can have a key punched.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

I have a new blank key for my MM that I would like to have "punched" with the factory code but I don't have the code.

I'm guessing that the FLM dealer can look it up by my vin but since I already have a key blank I'm not too sure how helpful the dealer will be when there is no sale to be made.

Any ideas on how to get the the key code for my MM?

To clarify by key code I mean the numbers that come on that little ring from the factory when you purchase a new car.

Steve

[fastblackmerc]

Any locksmith can cut the key using an original key. You will need to follow the instructions in the owner manual to program the key so it will start your MM.

[Power Surge]

You need to contact the ORIGINAL selling dealer for the car. They should have the tags in the deal folder, still in their possesion. You can only get this from the original selling dealer. They will most likely want proof of ownership as well.

Do you not have any keys for the car? You could just have it cut from your current key by anyone else.

[RCSignals]

If you have the original keys still, take an original key with your new key to a locksmith.
I've experienced some locksmith/keycutting shops refusing to copy a 'chipped'
key, claiming it is "illegal" for them to do so. It isn't illegal, most of them just don't sell chipped blanks, and can't programme them. They misinterpret the instructions they get from their key suppliers.

I took mine to Lowes, and they cut the new keys I brought in for free. As long as you have two original keys that are programmed to the PATS in your car, you can add a new key. The routine is detailed in the owners manual.

[Bigdogjim]

Yes the selling dealer will have a copy of the key codes.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Yes I know I can go to a hardware store and get a key cut but keys work better and last longer when they are punched. The keys from Ford came punched.

Selling dealer is a no go for me. 2000 miles away and hope to never deal with them again.

I'll try my local dealer next time the MM is in for service and hope for the best.

[RCSignals]

Yes I know I can go to a hardware store and get a key cut but keys work better and last longer when they are punched. The keys from Ford came punched.

Selling dealer is a no go for me. 2000 miles away and hope to never deal with them again.

I'll try my local dealer next time the MM is in for service and hope for the best.

All the keys I have that came new with the vehicles from Ford are 'cut' , for the Marauder, the CV, and the Econoline.
My dealer cuts keys when you ask for a new one, they do not have a broach to 'punch' them.

But good luck

[Black_Noise]

seriously? ive never worn out a key, is that even possible?

ive had some seriously used cars before with seriously used keys, and ive had walmart cut new off the worn keys and they work like a champ

[Power Surge]

Yes I know I can go to a hardware store and get a key cut but keys work better and last longer when they are punched. The keys from Ford came punched.

Selling dealer is a no go for me. 2000 miles away and hope to never deal with them again.

I'll try my local dealer next time the MM is in for service and hope for the best.

You have that backwards. Cut keys are way more accurate than punched keys. And when you punch a key, it pulls and distorts the metal. You have no idea how many keys were thrown in the trash at the dealer I used to work at, from attempted punching back in the old days.

Most dealers have the newest state of the art Ford key machine. It's a trick piece, you can either punch in the key code into the keypad, or you can stick an existing key in slot 2, and a blank key in slot one and it will duplicate it. It's cuts though. Punching is a thing of the past (thank goodness).

[thePunisher]

it doesnt have to be the selling dealer....any manager can go on fmcdealer.com with their password and obtain the keycode for any newer car...like 99- i believe......just need the VIN. but they may want id.

[Bigdogjim]

seriously? ive never worn out a key, is that even possible?

ive had some seriously used cars before with seriously used keys, and ive had walmart cut new off the worn keys and they work like a champ

Yes keys do wear out, takes a while but they do. I always keep a new key in a safe place so when I cut a key I have a new one to work from.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

When I said "cut keys" I meant keys that were made from a key duplicator that uses a used worn key as the template for the new key.

A cut key using the factory key code could possibly be better than a punched key using the factory key code but punched keys are always more precise than a hardware store key duplicator.

Anyway I'll see how it goes with my local dealer next time I'm there as I would like to have the key code anyway for my records.

[pate]

Being a locksmith I can tell you that keys that are punched on a machine or cut by code on a machine will perform the same. I use a code machine on my shop and a punch machine for road work. If your original keys are working fine there is no reason to get another cut by code. Take the keys to a locksmith and have him duplicate your key using your blank. I find it hard to believe that your key is worn to the point that a duplicate copy would cause you any problems.

Any locksmith would be able to decode your current key if necessary!

Pat

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Any locksmith would be able to decode your current key if necessary!

Pat

Pat are the MM keys decoded the same as in years past by using one of those depth cut gauges? (Not the correct name but I'm sure you know what I mean)

The reason I ask is because I found a old post here where someone posted their key code and it had a letter or two mixed in with the numbers.

Steve

[pate]

The keys are decoded the same way. They can use a key decoder, a depth key or use a standard code machine to determine the actual depths of each cut. The cuts are the same on each side of the key. A decent locksmith will be able to look at the key and should be able to give you the cuts. You learn that skill from looking at keys hanging in the ignition of a locked car and punching out a door key. People are always amazed when you can do that. They think it's some sort of magic trick. Most cars use the same ignition and door key so the fun is over, unless the key is on the floor or seat. :D

Pat

[Dragcity]

My '65 Thunderbird has 484,256 miles on it. Original keys, original ignition switch. The key slides in and turns like silk.....

I suspect I could use a butterknife just as easily at this point....

I say this, cause I just ran her this past weekend, added oil, filled tires, charged battery and wiped up interior. Poor baby has been sitting for two years without attention....

Sorry, just wanted to share. Please continue..

I did have a third key made for my Marauder, just so's I still have two if I loose one...

[pate]

You know things are starting to go bad when the key comes out while the car is running. GM's 69+ with the iginition in the column are the worst offenders.

Pat

[alarmguy]

My '95 F150 is like that. I can slide the key out in any position. I had a friend back in high school ( way back ) you could start his VW bug with any ol pocketknife. My dad had a Corvair van that only required a key to lock or unlock the ignition switch. Then you could just start by turning the switch without the keys. Positions were: lock - off - on - start .

[ShelbyMotorspts]

The keys are decoded the same way.

Pat

Here's that key code from another thread, 0307X.

Any idea why the code has an X in it?

Steve

[Power Surge]

Steve, I asked you this before but never got a response... do you work for Shelby?

[Bigdogjim]

Pat

Here's that key code from another thread, 0307X.

Any idea why the code has an X in it?

Steve

I just look at work at the E-350 we have (23) and most of the one I saw have an X at the end.

Maybe RoyLPita will jump in?

[Expypate]

Pat

Here's that key code from another thread, 0307X.

Any idea why the code has an X in it?

Steve

Letters are common on vehicle codes. The book shows 03+ using a code series that goes from 1X - 1706X.

Pat

[thePunisher]

almost all the ford key codes have an x in them.....

[Bigdogjim]

almost all the ford key codes have an x in them.....
Something like X marks the spot? :rofl: (sorry I could not help myself,thanks I am better now)

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Well went to the LM dealer today and all they did was duplicate the key using the valet key as the guide.

So much for getting the key code for my records or having the key blank punched/cut using the factory key code.

Steve

[TheDealer]

Pm me your vin number and I can get the code. Ray

[MENINBLK]

I did have a third key made for my Marauder, just so's I still have two if I loose one...

My Marauder came with 3 keys.
2 Mercury keys and 1 Valet key.