I have posted this onto the fiesta forum but thought I would add it to the general section also

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help here?

My mum has a 2007 ford fiesta zetec and unfortunately has lost one of the remote keys(3 button fob). She does have another 3 button remote as she got two when she bought the car new but when I contacted my local ford dealer I have been told that it will cost £80 plus vat for a replacement key and then £91.20 inc vat for getting the key programmed, taking 1 hour to do so.

I am hoping that someone can tell me that she does not need to pay this amount!

Can anyone advise on if there are other options?

You can buy a non remote spare key from Timsons for about £60. They will copy the code from your existing key. Other key cutting shops can do this also.

You can also buy a second hand remote from eBay and programme that yourself, you can also buy an uncut key to fit it, but you will have to get that programmed.

Can I programme it myself for the PATS immobiliser when I only have one key for the car at the moment? The manual says you need to have two existing keys to programme another?

As far as i am aware that is the case.

This is from the focus point of view but hopefully will be helpful to you.

You can programme as many fobs as you like for the central locking but the PATS2 for the focus needs 2 keys to enable the programming phase.

The idea behind this was so that fleet car managers could hold the original keys for the car and programme loads of spare keys for multiple drivers but retain the ability to disable the other keys in the case of lost keys or disgruntled staff.

If it was easy to copy keys then every hire car company would be stuffed as someone renting a car could nip right around to the nearest Timpsons to make their ownand then steal the car at their leisure.

Mk1/1.5 Focus - 2 keys, MK2/2.5 as far as i've been told by an auto locksmith has to be programmed via the ODB port, MK3 No idea.

Fiestas? i'd be surprised if the procedure was much different but i am open to correction by anybody who has better info.

Auto locksmith's will supply, cut and code passive keys (no buttons but will have transponder for PATS2) but if you want them to do remote fobs you will need to source your own.

My local timpsons refused to cut a key for me stating it was company regulations as they would not guarantee to cut ford keys that would work. (maybe i just have really arsey timpsons staff in my local)

Independent key cutters refused also as they reckoned the metal on blade keys was too hard for their cutters and will not cut them as it will blunt their cutter heads and cost £40 - £60 to replace.

Most but not all will cut Tibbe type keys but will not code them.

On my old MK1 i was told as i only had one key that to have two i would have to have the system recoded with 2 new keys as even they could not clone keys once the system was set (cobblers according to Auto locksmiths but of course Ford always err on the side of expensive unneccessary work)

I have a lot of contact with Locksmiths due to having to deal with quite a few people who get stuck locked out of their cars due to lost/broken/locked in keys and would categorically say that you are better off sourcing your own key and getting locksmiths to cut and code them as Ford will overcharge you and Timpsons will not guarantee them to work.

Auto locksmiths will not leave you stuck with a duff key (simples - if the key don't work don't pay)

Really appreciate your input here. I have been online to try and source an autolocksmith in my area(Aberdeen, Scotland) and put a post on ratedpeople.com but so far noone has come forward. Excuse the perhaps silly question - Will any locksmith be able to do car keys or is an autolocksmith a different thing?

Auto locksmiths carry all the specialist tools for cars including the units to program keys for immobilisers.

It is true that locksmiths carry all the specialist tools for cars & other units also. You can buy another set of keys which can be fitted in any vehicle. There are many keys available now.

Just found this reference PATS2 systems and key coding.

I know it refers to MK1/1.5 Focus but i really don't think it would be any different for Ka, Fiesta or Mondeo.

On pages 14/15 it refers to key recoding procedures, number of keys needed and also dtc codes which could be handy for diagnosing starting / immobiliser problems.

e.g

Page 14 has a line referencing ford focus and lists maximum keys allowed on the system and how many are needed for programming via OBD port (procedure #1) or via 2 keys (procedure #3)

Spare Key Programming Using Diagnostic Tools

Procedure #1

Cycle an unprogrammed key in ignition to RUN. Enter Security Access. Select "Ignition Key Code Program."

Disconnect Tools and leave key in RUN for 20 seconds.

Using Programmed Keys

Procedure #3

2 keys required. Cycle key 1 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle key 2 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle new key to RUN.

http://www.bsecorp.com/files/techtips/FORD%20PATS.pdf

Can I ask - what is the OBD port/ where is it?

When I had a streetka I remember someone I know had something that plugged into my car - I think below the steering column when my engine management light went on and they told me what the problem was.

Coud the item they used be what's needed to programme another key?? Perhaps it was only a diagnosis machine but I am hoping that perhaps it might be what's needed.

Fiesta - cubbyhole just below the light switches