Ford Escort- New Key

[davidbartlam]

Hiya. I recently got given a Ford Escort. There was a catch though.. there was no key. I've been told that I can get a new one, but he wasn't exactly sure how!

Please can someone help me :o(

[wduk2005]

Ring up ford give them the number plate and chassis number and they should be able to make one up for you. if it is a red key then u prob need identification and log books and that.

[gouldc]

Dependent on the gae of your vehicle, it will depnd on what you need. Ford's up to about 1998 had three keys as standard - two black, and 1 red (master) key.

You can't make any keys without the red key, and you have to have the red key programmed t othe car ecu by either Ford, or an independent who has the computer equipment.

Once you have a red key and it's programmed, you can then programme the black keys yourself (once you've had them cut - any key cutting place can do this, although Ford are cheap at just cutting copies.

I forget the exact procedure for programming the keys yourself, but it's prety simple.

These black keys have a red chip in them.

Later Ford's didn't have a red key, and the black keys either had red or blue chips in them - I'm not sure, but you may need Ford or a specialist to do keys if this is the case

[davidbartlam]

A mate has told me that if you have, I think, a log book, the VIN number, and chasis number, its possible for a dealership around my area (M.Y Motors) to cut a key for it... Before I sound daft phoning them, I want to know if this is logical, and whether it could actually work..

[gouldc]

Ford will have on file the original key number (don't want to sound like I'm taking the mic, cos I know some people don't know a lot about cars, but the VIN and Chassis number are the same).

Ford normally ask for the registration, or the last 7 digits from the VIN to search.

This is fine as long as the locks have never been changed during the life of the vehicle.

Ford's are normally ok, as the lock is "built" to match the key, so if any locks are changed, they normally match the existing keys - if all the locks were changed due to a theft for example, you may need to remove a lock (which I think you need a key to do without damaging the door!!!)

It's worth a try though - I would just get one non-programmed key (should be under a tenner) just to see if you can open the car. You won't be able to start it, but at least you can get in.

I'm assuming that the car is already unlocked - if it's not, and you can get in, check the glovebox, etc - I found the master key for my Mondeo by accident this way!

[davidbartlam]

Ah right. Cool!

Lol, I aint very good with cars.. driving them is all good.. Mucking bout with the engine, I'll leave that to the pro's.

Thanks for your time, you've helped me alot :o)