I fail to see why the plastic, metal and fabrication of a XR6t is worth 40k

The computers have hard coded timers in them (like the 30/60 minute timer in smartlock) so it takes someone a significant amount of time to be able to steal your car, even if they got hold of the Ford tools. The current Ford diagnostic unit is the size of a PDA (pocket sized).

there are now 2 options - timed delay, and also "coded access" which uses a closed network ford has setup with dealership computers, and obtaining a code from there using your ford employee ID. This is only accessable from dealerships, and in my experience takes as long as timed access, but the coded access means the VIN # of the car is logged in ford system as having had keys coded. I suspect in the not too distant future this will be the only option.

More than that, it IS a PDA. Most places with a PDS that I've seen or heard about are using a HP iPAQ.


Lukeyson

True.

Now if I could get the software and cable for one of my iPAQs (either a old 3660, newish 5550, or my smartphone 6515).

its not the software or the cable thats the hard bit - its the VCM which goes between the PDA and the car. Thats worth about $7000 to buy, and also the software will only work once you have security cleared it thru the secure ford network i was speaking of before.

Alright, just had both keys stolen and need to decide wether to make a claim or not (Excess is ~$500). How do I get 2 new sets of keys from Ford when my car is sitting useless in the driveway? Do I need to get my car towed to a dealership?

To code brand new keys to your car, the computer needs to be reprogrammed. There are a few top-notch locksmiths that have portable Scantools that they can bring out and plug into your car once they have cut your keys, and program your car at your place. It might take you a little while to find a locksmith that has this capability though.

If you can't get a locksmith out to you, then yes, you will need to get your car towed to Ford. Blanks need be cut first, and once that's done, they program your keys one by one into your car. The first two keys are mandatory, and from then you can program more keys. I'm not sure the max - maybe it's up to 8? Once that's done, you need to get two remote keyfobs programmed to your car as well, assuming they also got stolen. Best bet is to try and get the new flipkeys with the fob and key as one clipped together unit. And yes, you can find blank flip keys for BA Falcon/SX Territory as well.

If you have no original keys and don't thus a locksmith can't copy the pattern, then I think your only choice is Ford. They may have you key pattern on record and can cut new ones that way.

Lukeyson

Pretty much.

They should be able to cut keys to fit from the VIN, but they can't make 'em work (program the transponders) without having the car.

Any mechanic with up to date diagnostic tools can do this.
Ford do not have a monopoly on this stuff. There is also a court case now aiming to force the OEMs to provide this information to the aftermarket when the car is released for sale, so that people have a choice on where they can have their car repaired.

I did it, very simple and do not need 1 hour job, just 12 min and locksmith guy need 2 min to cut it

Check here:

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Hello,

A competent locksmith can " clone " your key for about $100. Cheaper than Ford, but it is in effect the same Key so you cant retrain the Car to forget others.