Lost Keys (2001 SE)

[kmv2]

Hi, unfortunately lost my only set of keys for my Focus. Long story short, it is at a garage/wrecker 100km away from my home and I'm trying to get it repaired.

The place its at luckily had a donor Focus and they put the ignition switch from that one into mine.

I know because of PATS it won't just start up and go. The closest dealer to this guy's shop is about 40-50km, so is there any way besides towing to a dealer for us to get my car programmed/started so I can go get it?

Has anyone had experience with this? I've searched and read dozens of topics but a definitive answer is not what I found.

It's over 10 years old so I can't get a new key made. Can a locksmith make a new key?

Thanks.

[Sponsor]

[elsolo]

Why can't you get a key made for a car that is over ten years old?

All my cars are over ten, never had any issue.

[kmv2]

I read a thread here that said it was not possible.
Also, I called the dealer (the parts guy there is a dick) and he said the same thing.

However, a locksmith said he can do it, but needs to program the ECU. I asked him why the dealer can't get the key codes the make me one and he said its because they won't look up cars over 10yrs old.

How/where did you get your key made?

Keep in mind I have 0 keys right now (can't cut/add/program a new one) and the car is physically 100km away.

Right now I am considering getting it towed to the locksmith guy's garage. I'm about $100+ in with the wrecker/tow guy already so with a 100km tow and new key, this is going to be expensive. k

[elsolo]

Originally Posted by kmv2

I read a thread here that said it was not possible.
Also, I called the dealer (the parts guy there is a dick) and he said the same thing.

However, a locksmith said he can do it, but needs to program the ECU. I asked him why the dealer can't get the key codes the make me one and he said its because they won't look up cars over 10yrs old.

How/where did you get your key made?

Keep in mind I have 0 keys right now (can't cut/add/program a new one) and the car is physically 100km away.

Right now I am considering getting it towed to the locksmith guy's garage. I'm about $100+ in with the wrecker/tow guy already so with a 100km tow and new key, this is going to be expensive.

k

I already had two keys, so getting a third key made was cheap insurance against the kind of problem you are having.

Key blank with PATS off ebay for $10
Local locksmith cut the key for $2
I programmed the ECU to accept it using the other two keys.

When looking for a local locksmith, I found many that offer mobile service for computerized car keys.

99% of locksmiths make house calls, I couldn't see towing a car to a guy that does most of his work out of a van. If the locksmith is no good, you have two tow bills.

[kmv2]

Originally Posted by elsolo

99% of locksmiths make house calls, I couldn't see towing a car to a guy that does most of his work out of a van. If the locksmith is no good, you have two tow bills.

This guy does, but at that distance it is almost the same to just get it towed to his shop as he charges almost the same cost to drive out there and do it.

At least towing to the locksmith shop its closer to my home.

At this rate, I might just let the wrecker keep it and call it even.
It's really not worth that much money.

[mikeeshaq]

"""because they won't look up cars over 10yrs old.""" because they want you to buy a new car

While you are at it, be sure that the ignition keyhole is centered, if it is offset then that cylinder will fail at a most inconvenient place/time

If your old cylinder was removed intact a locksmith can cut a key to match it that will also match your other locks

Bringing the car to the locksmith is your best option

[Milton]

I have had a locksmith make a new MASTER and pair it to the ecu cost about $50 and I went to him. Have him make 2 masters, not a master and a clone! Then you can pair your own third master cheaply.

[amc49]

Uh, they're all clones after you have one..............I'm with elsolo, I keep 3 on hand at all times so that can't happen, if one lost you can still pull the rabbit out of the hat.

[VEGAS]

You have no choice but the locksmith...

ALL makers of cars make the dealerships use the 10 year or 7 year policy not to sell a new car, but to keep inventory at a certain level.
If your part is 10+ years old, 99% of the time its Junkyard or Autozone...

Can you imagine if I went to a dealer and had a fit over Ford not having a Key for a Model T in stock?? hahahah


BUY your keys on eBay then give them to the locksmith, GET 3 keys Total..


He will use a cheapo key to get the right fit from the door, then transfer that to the ignition, then program the keys

[kmv2]

Originally Posted by VEGAS

You have no choice but the locksmith...

ALL makers of cars make the dealerships use the 10 year or 7 year policy not to sell a new car, but to keep inventory at a certain level.
If your part is 10+ years old, 99% of the time its Junkyard or Autozone...

Can you imagine if I went to a dealer and had a fit over Ford not having a Key for a Model T in stock?? hahahah


BUY your keys on eBay then give them to the locksmith, GET 3 keys Total..


He will use a cheapo key to get the right fit from the door, then transfer that to the ignition, then program the keys

Understood, but its not about keeping stock. As far as I understand, they have the tumbler codes and input that into the machine that spits out the key.

Even if they don't want to keep blanks, how much data and trouble is it to give me the tumbler codes so I can get a key made somewhere else.