user 135067
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2016
- Messages
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Wanting to pass on an alternative to the expensive process of replacing transponder keys.
We bought a 2011 Escape. It came with only one key. Lose it and it's a world of expensive hurt to get to use the car again.
Ford will not provide keys for cars more than 10 years old. We didn't have the option. Just as well. They will charge a small fortune.
I found Tom's Keys.
We wanted three keys so I paid $50 for a second transponder blank. I ordered the unit that programs a second key as long as you have one. If you have two working keys there is an easy method to make a third, but we only had the one. The kit is $100 and comes with one transponder key. It takes about 10 minutes to program with the Simple Key unit.
In 20 minutes I made two extra keys at a cost of $150. If Ford had let me order new keys the two might have been well over $600.
I got lucky getting the blanks cut. A Lowes employ was leaving his job and said they could fire him if they wanted. Against company policy he cut my transponder blanks. Think about it... why would any company risk a bad cut and be responsible for replacing a $50 transponder blank for a few dollars sale?
I recommend you use Tom's Keys method of "cut from a photo" option and have the keys delivered ready to program.
It worked. No more fret of losing the only key.
I hope this helps someone.
We bought a 2011 Escape. It came with only one key. Lose it and it's a world of expensive hurt to get to use the car again.
Ford will not provide keys for cars more than 10 years old. We didn't have the option. Just as well. They will charge a small fortune.
I found Tom's Keys.
We wanted three keys so I paid $50 for a second transponder blank. I ordered the unit that programs a second key as long as you have one. If you have two working keys there is an easy method to make a third, but we only had the one. The kit is $100 and comes with one transponder key. It takes about 10 minutes to program with the Simple Key unit.
In 20 minutes I made two extra keys at a cost of $150. If Ford had let me order new keys the two might have been well over $600.
I got lucky getting the blanks cut. A Lowes employ was leaving his job and said they could fire him if they wanted. Against company policy he cut my transponder blanks. Think about it... why would any company risk a bad cut and be responsible for replacing a $50 transponder blank for a few dollars sale?
I recommend you use Tom's Keys method of "cut from a photo" option and have the keys delivered ready to program.
It worked. No more fret of losing the only key.
I hope this helps someone.