New ignition...now I need to program the key

I'm about to buy a new ignition for my late '95 Escort, as the driver's door lock has packed up and I want one key to do the new lock and the ignition. I have a problem in that the new ignition will take a new, differently-cut key, which I won't be able to program using the usual red-key-black-key sequence. Is it possible to make the ECU recognise a new red key, or to get it to program a new red key to the ECU's stored PATS code?

Alternatively, has anyone ever tried soldering the new ignition barrel to the relevant connections on the old one and using the old red key to program the new black one? Is this likely to work or will it just make the PATS mad?

Why are you getting a different key?

Ford sell kits to build new ignition, door barrels to your current key number.
A trained eye can read your key code just by looking at the angles of the cuts on your key and build a barrel accordingly.

You may also have the key code somewhere in with the handbook pack. If not your Ford dealer can obtain it for you. Ford key numbers are in the following format T123401 - 0 being no cut, 4 being the deepest.

The sequence for programming a new Pats key is Red in ignition turn to position 2 until red light next to clock comes on. Put in new black key, do same until red light goes out.

CJ

This is all very well, but I can get a new complete set of locks with keys off eBay for £25.00. I doubt I could get one lock from Ford for that, and I'd like my passenger and boot locks to match up as well while I'm doing the rest as they don't atm.

Well my friend, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

You will not be able to program the new keys from the ebay lockset without a visit to your friendly local Ford dealer as a Red PATS master key can only be programmed by FDS2000. As the ebay keys will be unprogrammed or not programmed to your Immobiliser ECU you will need to have this done. Cost 1 hours labour approx £60-80 plus vat.

However as there is nothing to solder to the ignition barrel. There is an immobiliser ring which is part of the ECU that fits around the barrel. In theory, you could insert your current red key in the old barrel as if you were programming a new black key, then quickly swapping barrels, prior to programming the new black, as the ecu won't know that the physical cut of the barrel and key are different. You may even be able to just hold the new key next to the ring in order for them to communicate.

I have done this on a Vectra whilst programming two keys with Tech 2, did the first one ok, the second key was on the keyring and must have picked the signal up, as when I came to program that, it was already done.

Sadly the Ford keys are moulded and the chip cannot be swapped, where as older Vaux keys can have chips swapped with no programming needed

Hope you get sorted

CJ

ex Ford & Vauxhall technician (thank god!)