Missing Key Hack

[DeadB2000]

This post is not going to be for everybody but I found it saved me money. I lost my keys some time ago and they haven't turned up yet so until they do, I went to Crappy Tire and had three simple key blanks cut (No 41) from my remaining chipped key. Then, I popped open the clamshell on the steering column to find that the RFID antenna for identifying chipped keys is a small black module with a large plastic ring that surrounds the ignition switch just inside the clamshell.

I had hoped to just store the chipped key close to the sensor so that the other keys would work and indeed, they do, but the chipped key has to be REALLY close to the sensor so I removed it from the ignition switch and placed the key head right in the center of the ring and wrapped it all with electrical tape to keep it secure. Then I just laid the sensor down in the bottom half of the clamshell. It doesn't interfere with anything. Now, the sensor reads that there is always a chipped key near it and any of the three keys I have just had cut work to start the car.

As far as the security system goes, no problem. That's all operated by the remote entry fob and it works as ususal.

As I said, not a procedure anyone may want to try, but I just saved myself over $100 and can now cut as many keys for the car as I like. My security system remains intact.

I have photos of the guts if anybody wants but they will have to PM me with an email address.

Hope this helps somebody.

[McGuyver_3]

i would ask a mod to remove your post if i were you. You just made your car really easy to steal. saving money in the short term of things is not worth the long term loss. Been in similar situations before. JUST DO IT RIGHT

[DeadB2000]

How on earth did I make the car easy to steal? If you don't have a remote fob, you don't get into the car. If you smash a window, there's nothing to indicate that it would be any easier than any other car to steal. Theives don't target these cars because of all the security features. I strongly disagree that the car is easier to steal. With my temporary system here, the alarm is active, etc. No worries on my end.

[Default User]

If you smash a window, there's nothing to indicate that it would be any easier than any other car to steal. Theives don't target these cars because of all the security features. I strongly disagree that the car is easier to steal.

You just disabled the one security feature on your car

Perhaps now they can pop a screwdriver through your ignition and start your car. Seeing as your chipped key is telling your alarm module that the screwdriver is really a key.

IIRC, The factory alarm is useless without the engine kill. It's literally just a keyless entry module now.

[KenYork]

remove chipped key and use.

[DeadB2000]

"IIRC, The factory alarm is useless without the engine kill. It's literally just a keyless entry module now"

That doesn't appear to be the case. I just tested it. I sat in the car, pushed the fob and armed the alarm. Having done that, I could not open the doors with the handles, nor unlock the doors with the door lock switch. I could, however, unlock the drivers door by manually pushing the orange highlighted lock tab backwards. Once I opened the door then, the alarm sounded, proving that the alarm still works with the chipped key in the sensor.

I do agree that if somebody wanted to steal the car, ignored the security stickers on the windows, smashed the window, reached inside and manually unlocked the door, opened the door and activated the alarm, and then pounded a screwdriver into the cylinder hefty enough to turn and break the tumblers, sure, they could steal my car. Just like every other car I have owned could be stolen. Do I think it's likely to happen? Nope.

Like I said, it's a temporary fix until hopefully my other keys turn up and clearly, it's not for everybody. I don't want to be argumentative as this is a very friendly forum. Just wanted to spread some knowledge.

By the way, using the unchipped key in the door works normally as well, disarming the alarm system when you unlock it and arming it when you lock it. The chip is not required for that.

[gskills]

that is a good idea...

i wish i would have thought of that for my dads 2001 taurus. it had only one chip key and it cost 200 dollars to order and program another key...

the car is worth 900 dollars !

stupid key

[McGuyver_3]

How on earth did I make the car easy to steal? If you don't have a remote fob, you don't get into the car. If you smash a window, there's nothing to indicate that it would be any easier than any other car to steal. Theives don't target these cars because of all the security features. I strongly disagree that the car is easier to steal. With my temporary system here, the alarm is active, etc. No worries on my end.

you put your legit key in the car around the sensor, that key unlocks the doors and turns on the ignition and getting at that sensor the way you relocated it is super simple to get at. for someone who knows thses cars well it would be simple to steal, alarm or no alarm.

[sube]

Dan, you are wasting yer time, this guy is not listening to good advice.

Pat.

[McGuyver_3]

Dan, you are wasting yer time, this guy is not listening to good advice.

Pat.

he asked a question I kindly answered lol. if he doesnt want to listen well then atleast my intentions were good

[DeadB2000]

Pat and Dan, you have been kind to respond to my post. Fact is, I didn't ask for any advice but I am always willing to listen as I did to yours. I did, however, post a bit of information that works for me, saved me some money and falls within my comfort zone. I don't live in a city where cars are in constant jeopardy of being stolen.

You guys have been helpful but as you see, I have already had another person reply who thought this was a great idea. I still do. You're young, that's clear and smug too, but just because you tell me what do to, doesn't mean I have to do it. I don't apologize for what I've done. It was done to my car, not yours. Clearly, you will never be doing this to your cars and that's great. They're your cars. Certainly, though, there are going to be others who will want to do this because they can't stand the idea of somebody in a dealership poking three buttons and then shafting them for $160.00. I applaud them.

Thanks again for the advice.

[sube]

Well for a start I am certainly not young, neither am I being smug. I was simply stating a fact. Dan was trying to impart good advice in pointing out how much easier you have made it to steal your car. You didn't want to hear it, what's smug about that?

Actually I would venture to say you are the smug one here, since you took pains to mention the fact that one poster agreed with you.

Anyway as you pointed out it's your car.

Pat.

[bman13]

OP, there is NO need to bring the whole "you're young" and all that. People are posting to help you. You said you're comfortable with your solution, then that's all that matters. Let me just say that if you're car was to get stolen/broken into (literally knocked on wood as I typed this post that it doesnt happen), there wouldnt be much sympathy as you're aware of the risks and failed to take the advice. Just sayin.

[McGuyver_3]

Pat and Dan, you have been kind to respond to my post. Fact is, I didn't ask for any advice but I am always willing to listen as I did to yours. I did, however, post a bit of information that works for me, saved me some money and falls within my comfort zone. I don't live in a city where cars are in constant jeopardy of being stolen.

You guys have been helpful but as you see, I have already had another person reply who thought this was a great idea. I still do. You're young, that's clear and smug too, but just because you tell me what do to, doesn't mean I have to do it. I don't apologize for what I've done. It was done to my car, not yours. Clearly, you will never be doing this to your cars and that's great. They're your cars. Certainly, though, there are going to be others who will want to do this because they can't stand the idea of somebody in a dealership poking three buttons and then shafting them for $160.00. I applaud them.

Thanks again for the advice.

Its not about beeing young but I have always been taught to do things the right way. And from all my tampering and experimenting with the mazda and all cars in general you MUST do it right the first time because in the end you end up doing it right later at 2 times the price. I agree that the prices can be rediculous through the dealers but sometimes you just have to bight the bullet. In the dealers defense however, sometimes programming can go wrong terribly. I have experienced this at work before and it is not fun.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Calling members young and smug when you know nothing about them is not a way to make around here..

Besides, truth be told, had you of searched you would have found a much cheaper way to program additional keys prior to you losing the originals.

I agree with Dan and Pat..