[tpm369]

I recently bought a 2007 ford five hundred and it only had 1 ignition key. After doing some research, I found out you need at least two working keys to be able to program additional ones your self. If you don’t have 2 working keys, you have to go to the dealer or locksmith to have them program your car to the new key (hook up a computer/scanner).

I programmed my second key myself, with the aid of my remote car starter.

The dealer wanted $140 to make a second key. I started calling locksmiths and found a guy who would do it for $70.
So, in an effort to keep the cost of additional keys down, I purchased two keys from Amazon. I planned on giving the keys to the locksmith to cut and then he would hook up to the car and do the computer thing.

When I was looking at the procedure for programming keys your self (I will add that below), It wants the first working key, then the second. At that time I remembered what I saw when working on my steering column. It was a wire wrapped around my ignition switch. This wire is for the remote start system, it allows the security feature of the car to deactivate and let the car start, because the wire “impersonates” a key. Bingo!

I brought the keys to Menards and had them cut. (At this point, I was thinking even if my idea doesn’t work and I can’t program them myself, at least they are cut and I can just hand them to the locksmith and say, do your computer thing to make these keys work) For the fun of it, I tried the new keys in the ignition, of course they didn’t start the car. Then I used the remote start, let it run for 5 seconds, tapped the brake to kill the engine. Then put my only working key in the ignition, went to the on position for 5 seconds, then off. Then I put the new key in and went to on for 5 seconds, then I pulled the key out. I put the key back in and it started. I programmed the third key by using the 2 keys (like the instructions calls for).

Not everybody in need of a second key will have a remote start, but hopefully this will help a few people out there.

If you have two working keys ,you can program an additional key by:
2006 Freestyle/Five Hundred/Montego Workshop Manual

• Insert the first programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN. Maintain the ignition switch in RUN for 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.

• Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the first coded key from the ignition lock cylinder.

• Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition switch to OFF, insert the second programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN. Maintain the ignition switch in RUN for 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.

• Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the second coded key from the ignition lock cylinder.

• Within 20 seconds of turning the ignition lock cylinder to OFF, insert the unprogrammed ignition key (new key/valet key) into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN. Maintain the ignition switch in RUN for 3 seconds. This step programs the new key to a coded key.

• If it is desired to program an additional key(s), wait 30 seconds and then repeat the key programming procedure from Step 1.
  • If the programming of the new key is successful, the new coded key(s) starts the engine and the anti-theft indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then goes out.
  • If the programming of the key is not successful, the new coded key(s) does not start the engine and the anti-theft indicator flashes rapidly on and off. Repeat Steps 1 through Step 5. If the failure repeats

If you don't have two working keys,you will need to use the ford scan tool known as IDS.

[Canuck623]

Interesting for sure. For the record you can do what is called an "add a key" programming with a capable scan tool if you only have one. I would suspect your remote start puts the module in a state that duplicates that. Good to know.

[phantom]

basically you do have two working keys just the chip isnt in one of them.

[lcwc1988]

Brill. My second key is no longer working. I suspected it will require to be reset or reprogrammed. I searched the net high and low and found nothing. There is just no way you can do it with one coded key. Until, I read your post and luckily I do have a remote starter in my freestar van. I did what you suggested. It worked and I have the second key reprogrammed. I am amazed and thank you so much for this.

[tpm369]

Great, I was hoping I could help even just one person. Thanks for the reply.