Ford Keys Replacement in Charlotte NC
No matter if you drive a Mustang, Explorer, Expedition or other model, when you need Ford key replacement, you want the quickest, easiest way to get yourself back behind the wheel! Because Ford is such a popular car company here in Charlotte, our locksmiths at Magic Lock know all about what it takes to replace manual keys, transponder chips, and keyless fobs for Ford.
In this article, we’ll let you know what you need to keep in mind for your next Ford key replacement!
Be careful when ordering a replacement online
While it is possible to order a blank replacement online, you’ll want to be careful about ordering the right one for your specific Ford vehicle. Here are a few common models for a range of different generations of Ford:
- Ford 321202. This standard mechanical key is compatible with most Ford Broncos, Mustangs, Pintos, Rangers, Thunderbirds, Rangers, and other models made before 1995.
- Ford H72-PT. In the late 1990s, Ford hopped on the latest technological advancement: transponder chip keys. Like traditional keys, transponder keys have a metal blade to open the door, glove box, and trunk as well as start the ignition. But, they’re also equipped with a plastic head that houses a transponder chip with a code to communicate with the anti-theft system in the ignition. The Ford H72-PT is a transponder chip key that will serve as a replacement key for a variety of models made between the late 1990s and early 2000s. For instance, it is compatible with Ford Lincolns made between 1998 and 2002, Mercury models made between 1996 and 2002, the F-150 and F-250 made between 1999 and 2003, and more.
- OEM button keys and fobs. If your Ford was made any time around or after 2005, the replacement you’re looking for will be a 3- to 5-button key, flip key or fob. As car security has advanced, Ford has made each key more personalized to the model it corresponds to. So, in order to find your correct replacement, you’ll need to look into the FCC ID number required for your modern Ford.
The key will need to be cut by a professional
Once you’ve ordered your new key (or we’ve found your replacement in our inventory), it will still need to be cut. In the case of vintage cars, this may be done with a standard key cutting machine. But most Ford models use high security keys. These rectangular metal blades need to be cut with a laser machine.
You may need transponder chip or fob programming
Most modern Ford vehicles have anti-theft technology that prevents hot wiring and illegal key copying. But that means that it’s not enough to simply cut the new key and send you on your way. Instead, there will be an additional step depending on the year your car was made.
If your car uses a transponder chip key, for instance, the code on the chip will need to be cloned and written onto the new key. This allows the new key to be accepted by the anti-theft technology in the ignition.
If your car uses a flipkey or keyless entry system, the process is slightly more complicated. In that case, we need to use a specialized machine to communicate with your car’s operating system to introduce the new fob.
Calling an auto locksmith from the beginning can save you time, money, and stress
Now that you know everything that goes into a Ford key replacement, from ordering the correct blank to cutting to programming, you might already see the value in bringing in the pros early.
We can ensure that you end up with the right blank key, either because we already have your replacement in our inventory or because we know exactly where to find it online for the best price. From there, all we need is your car’s VIN number to be able to cut the key in-house.
Finally, if your key requires programming, we can oversee that part, too! Just let us know where in Charlotte your car is and we’ll bring the equipment along to program your new key on site. The programming process is typically done within an hour!
Having a spare can save you a headache
Want to avoid the hassle of being without your car keys in the future? Ask us about cutting and programming a spare for your Ford!
Magic Lock is here for all your auto locksmith needs
From key extraction to duplication to ignition issues, Magic Lock is Charlotte’s top Ford auto locksmith! We’ll come to you wherever you are in Davidson, Cramerton, Huntersville, Fort Mill and beyond to offer fast, reliable, and affordable auto locksmith services.
