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Locked Out, Used Another Ford Key

December 23, 2009 about Ford Ranger

I was helping my brother move and was loading my 2004 Ranger in an alley behind his place. I had to hop in and out a few times as we were loading to let people by. I rested my elbow next to the window and accidentally locked the door before I got out. When I realized my mistake my Dad suggested trying other Ford keys that anyone nearby might have. Among the keys I tried was an old beat up Windstar key (mid 90s). To my astonishment the key opened my truck!!! I don't know if it was actually a match or just happened to be worn down just right.

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Story replies

December 23, 2009 by Sim

After the incident I took my key to have a copy made and they simply said they couldn't do it - I have to take it to a dealer. I took it a few different places and they all said the same thing, but I bet I could find a mom-and-pop place that would do it. I'd like to make copies of the Windstar key but haven't had a chance.

January 5, 2010 by Detective Jack Offoner

This is highly illegal. You have been traced and the FBI will arrive shortly. Surrender peacefully and no one will be hurt.

February 18, 2010 by Kelly

The same thing happened with a friend of mine. He owns a 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport and a 1995 Ford Mustang GT. He accidentally locked his keys in his Mustang while at his dad's house. Coincidentally, his dad had a spare to the Torino and it fit and UNLOCKED his Mustang. I wasn't as lucky though several weeks ago when I locked my keys in my 2005 Explorer...my sister's Escort key would NOT work.

February 26, 2010 by Richard

What does your sister being an escort have to do with it? How much for half and half??

October 9, 2010 by Ryan55

Makes sense, each manufacturer has only a certain amount of keys (around 100 iirc) that they usually share with all their models. General Motors used the same style of keys from the 70's till the early 2000's. You can only vary the lock and key so much for the amount of pins in it...

October 12, 2010 by Shawna

The reason they couldn't make a copy of the key is that there is a computer chip in the actual key used to start the truck. The other keys may open the door, but they will not start the truck. I have had copies made to open the door to my Ranger, but I need to make sure I know where my original Ford key is to start it.

May 7, 2019 by Robert

A key for later Ford Rangers can be cut and programmed in the same any new Ford key can be done. Had to do it with my 09 in ordrr to have a spare.