It’s a classic Mustang owner’s tale: the heart-stopping moment you realize your keys are locked in your car. For owners of the 2006 Ford Mustang, understanding your key fob and key situation is crucial to avoid costly dealer visits and major inconveniences.
One Mustang enthusiast recounted the surprising expense of replacing a key, initially quoted at a staggering $130. While prices can vary, this highlights the importance of being proactive with your 06 Mustang Key Fob and keys. Back in 2006, a spare key from a Ford dealer could be obtained for around $30, a much more reasonable figure. The experience of a sister locking her keys in the trunk of her 2004 Mustang – requiring a tow to the dealership and a hefty bill – further emphasizes the need for preparation.
Learning from these experiences, a new Mustang owner wisely decided to get ahead of potential key troubles. A single key was purchased from the dealer for $40, and importantly, the service representative provided a valuable lesson: how to program the key themselves. This DIY approach is often detailed in the owner’s manual, empowering owners to manage their key programming at home.
To build a robust key strategy, this owner then turned to online marketplaces like eBay to purchase additional keys for around $15 each. Local hardware stores, such as Home Depot, offered key cutting services for a minimal $2 per key. By combining these resources and utilizing the self-programming knowledge, a set of spare keys was easily created without breaking the bank.
The next critical question becomes: where should you store these spare 06 Mustang keys? Hiding them on or under the car is risky, potentially attracting car thieves. Keeping them all at home in a key cabinet is unhelpful if you are away from home when a key issue arises.
A practical solution involves strategic distribution. Keep one key at home for emergencies, entrust another to a reliable companion, ensure one is always with the car in the ignition, carry one in your pocket or bag, and consider a discreet, accessible location within the car itself for an emergency spare.
With a multi-key approach, you can significantly reduce the stress of key-related problems. It’s worth noting that the 2006 Mustang system likely allows for up to eight programmed keys. While exceeding this limit is an unlikely scenario for most owners, it’s an interesting detail of the system’s capacity.
Beyond the standard keys, the topic of key fobs for the 06 Mustang also arises. In this instance, an owner’s car came equipped with an aftermarket security system. Factory key fobs were ordered online for just $9 each to potentially disable a persistent blinking security light. However, these fobs were misplaced before they could be tested, serving as a humorous reminder of how easily small items can be lost.
Finally, don’t forget about your gas cap key! Having spares for this often-overlooked key is just as practical. The same secure locations used for your ignition keys can be used for your gas cap keys, ensuring you’re never stranded by a lost gas cap key either. Being prepared with spare keys for your 06 Mustang, both for ignition and other locks, is a smart move for any owner.
