Hi all, My work van which i recently bought is a ford escort on a '99 plate.. It came with one key only and as far as im aware it has a chip embedded in it which lets the vehicle start when the key is turned.
Im after getting a spare key cut and programmed, but as you would expect i dont want to be paying silly money to have a key programmed.
So has anybody got any alternative suggestions to save me a few pennies..Surely their must be a way to programme a key or something?
Any advice appreciated

 

Quick google throws up this but no idea if it works

Program and Reprogram Your Car Remote Key Fob Control Transponder - Program Your Keys Free Instructions - Ford Fiesta Escort Key Remote Control Fob Programming

 

my van hasn't got a keyfob, its just the key with a red tab on the top of it.
Thanks for your responce

 

The easiest option is to take the transponder out of the key and tape it to the ignition barrel (inside the steering column) and go to any key cutter and get a normal key cut, the problem is your immobiliser will always be off.

 

Have the same problem with A Ford Ranger (2000 model) i just bought. Only come with one key and it seems only way i can get a spare that will activate/deactivate immobiliser is to get one from Ford- at a cost of £100-120!
Taken key in to numerous key cutters/security shops and they all said they cant do it!

 

Tried that with a Fiesta Diesel that I bought recently with only one key it was a bit hit and miss weather it would read the chip. A locksmith said he could make me a duplicate master key for around £50 though.
But I have also been told that on an Older Ford Diesel it is easy to bypass the immobiliser at the diesel pump so that any key chipped or unchiped will work.

 

well thats my worst fears confirmed
Il just have to get a spare key cut so at least i can get into my van if the worst happens..
well its down to the locksmiths for me i guess

 

you can get a programmable one from some key cutters (special order) for about £60. They programme it to replicate your existing key.
Works fine, but it won't let you programme a new key yourself, as you need two orignal ones for that (expensive Ford job then)

PS there's quite a bit on the Mondeo forum about it, and links to instructions for programming some types.

 

ah cool ,thanks for the advice..oh where is the mondeo forum?