I suppose this question applies to all Ford models but there doesn't seem to be a general section, so I'll post it here. Also, I did search before posting but the word 'key' was ignored, presumably because it is too short - so the search results weren't much use.

Anyway, this is on behalf of my girlfriend, kinda, who also has a Fiesta (Style 15 plate). I have been nagging her to pair an AirTag type device that I gave her and put it on her car keyring but she didn't and now she has lost her main key and only has the spare - which has a remote function but doesn't flip out.

I was wondering if anybody could offer any advice on the least expensive way to replace the main flip out key. I've seen listings on eBay for old keys but have no idea how to go about recoding them once the blade has been cut. I don't really live near a city so there is no what people I knew used to call 'Sony Tony' that I know of nearby.

2013 and onwards the car has to be programmed to recognise the replacement keyfob. New keyfob supplied and car programmed including re-programming in your existing spare (process deletes all keys) £197 including VAT at your Ford dealer.

No cheap options available for cars 2013 onwards. 🙁

8 hours ago, unofix said:

No cheap options available for cars 2013 onwards. 🙁

Would an independent keysmith not be able to sort this with a new key? Over here, we could get that done for about £85

https://www.cityheelbarbelfast.co.uk/car-keys

 

5 hours ago, StephenFord said:

Would an independent keysmith not be able to sort this with a new key?

The problem is not so much as the keyfob, it's getting the car reprogrammed. The independent suppliers can usually only clone an existing key which can lead to problems in the future. The big difference is that vehicles prior to 2013 could be programmed by the owner/user but that option was removed on newer models allegedly for security reasons. 🤔

It's important to realise that it is the vehicle that gets programmed to recognise the new keyfob, not the keyfob that gets programmed. The process on newer vehicles is that all keys are deleted from the vehicles memory and then all keys have to be programmed in at the same time. This means that any lost or missing keys will no longer work. There could well be some mobile professional automotive locksmiths who would come out to a car and provide a new keyfob and reprogramme the vehicle but then I'd expect the cost to be similar to that of a Ford dealership.

Thanks for the replies.

The Master Locksmiths Association say that using a locksmith is the cheapest way to replace car keys (you might say 'well, they would, wouldn't they') but give a rundown of the options - garages are accordingly the most expensive as they are keen to hook up their diagnostics tools to whack the charges up.

https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/faq/5-ways-replacement-car-keys-lost/

According to Timpson's website, they charge about half what Ford charge for an unbranded reprogrammed key. I can't find the page now but I'm pretty sure that there was an option to provide customers with a reprogramming device.

I also watched a locksmith video (below) in which they showed the replacement procedure for a Ford Transit (2015 - you can just see the 5 in the registration at the end).

Anyway, I have found the phone numbers of half a dozen local-ish locksmiths and given them to my girlfriend so now it's up to her.

 

22 minutes ago, Tangerine said:

According to Timpson's website...

Do your girlfriend a favour - don't advise Timpsons. They charge £200+ and only create a ;'clone' of an existing key, they don't program it properly to the car creating a new ID. If you don't understand the terminology, never worry, just stay away from them...

39 minutes ago, Tangerine said:

The Master Locksmiths Association say that using a locksmith is the cheapest way to replace car keys (you might say 'well, they would, wouldn't they')

....and indeed they would say that. At the risk of repeating myself it is the car that needs to be programmed not the key.

Unless you are planning on driving the car in to the shop for them to hook up to the vehicle OBDII port the only thing they can provide is a clone of an existing working key.

I found out that the local Timpson's don't do button keys anyway but thanks for the advice.

2 minutes ago, unofix said:

....and indeed they would say that. At the risk of repeating myself it is the car that needs to be programmed not the key.

Unless you are planning on driving the car in to the shop for them to hook up to the vehicle OBDII port the only thing they can provide is a clone of an existing working key.

If you watch the video, the locksmith guy goes out to the van with his kit.

5 hours ago, StephenFord said:

Would an independent keysmith not be able to sort this with a new key? Over here, we could get that done for about £85

https://www.cityheelbarbelfast.co.uk/car-keys

 

That's the sort of price I would expect - though I am always wary of the word 'from'.

19 minutes ago, Tangerine said:

If you watch the video, the locksmith guy goes out to the van with his kit.

I did.

He talks about and even shows the process of creating a programmed immobiliser chip. This is not something that is needed with a genuine new unique key. The key he has created is a clone.

25 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

If you don't understand the terminology, never worry, just stay away from them...

I wouldn't say that I am technically illiterate, I have a background in electronics and computing and dabbled in hacking (my own stuff!) but technology sometimes moves when you aren't looking!

15 minutes ago, Tangerine said:

the locksmith guy goes out to the van with his kit.

Yes that is so he can programme the lock/unlock function of the buttons.

2 minutes ago, unofix said:

Yes that is so he can programme the lock/unlock function of the buttons.

Indeed LOL