[easywind]

When I bought my 03 SES I had one original key, I went to a locksmith and he made a key for me and programed it, it is now my wifes key. On occassion she can't start the car and for the past few weeks I told her she must be doing something wrong. Well she gave me her key and asked me to start the car and I did, she asked me again and the car would not start or crank, feels like absolutely no contact was made. Anyone have any ideas on what's going on. It's getting annoying.

 

[Jeff K]

Does it start every time with the original key?

 

[sheila]

Faulty second key?

 

[easywind]

Yes it starts every time with the original.
Sheila, is what your saying is a faulty key would that be in the programing or cut of the key itself?
Thanks for your time and answers.

 

[jw89sho]

If the key turns w/o binding, it's not an issue w/ the cut of the key.

Is the problem key genuine Ford? Could be the transponder failing to communicate.

 

[sheila]

What he said.^

 

[sheila]

Maybe go back to the locksmith and tell him its failing intermittently?

 

[sheila]

To double check the cut, try it in a door or trunk lock you know is not seized (the original key will lock/unlock).

 

[easywind]

Key works in all doors, trunk and ignition, it starts the car intermittantly.

 

[Jeff K]

Sounds like the RFID transponder in the second key is bad. I would suggest using a genuine Ford key. Could probably get a Ford key and have the locksmith program it, or, if you can sometimes get the second key to work, you can program a third new key yourself. See owners manual.

 

[easywind]

Thanks everyone, going to leave the problem for a while and head down to Mexico with my F250 and trailer for the winter.
Jeff K, stay warm.

 

[Jeff K]

Wish I was heading down there with you. What are you pulling down there? A trailer full of beer?

 

[sheila]

Where in mexico, easywind?

 

[easywind]

Town of Melaque, state of Jalisco, 100 or so miles south of Peurto Vallarta.

 

[sheila]

We fly to cancun or puerto vallarta a couple of times a year, but have never driven lol. Be careful when crossing through those border towns! I envy you! A whole winter! Our stays are 2-3 weeks tops. Have fun!

 

[easywind]

Thanks for the good wishes, we have been doing this on and off for the past 20 years. Never stay anywhere near the border and have never stayed near the border. The whole country changes into Mexico about 100 miles down.
On another issue, my wife was using the car this morning and was having lots of trouble, not being able to start it and I watched her, seems he was turning the key 3/4 of the way with both hands. I turned it all the way and it started but there is lots of resistance also seems like there is some antitheft system that arms itself when the car is opened without the key. Since we are on our own land we never lock the car and it seems like that was keeping her from starting the car with the non original key.