Losing or needing a spare key for your 1999 Ford F150 can be a common hassle. Understanding your options for key and key fob programming is essential to get back on the road quickly and affordably. This guide provides detailed information on programming your 1999 Ford F150 keys, covering different scenarios and offering the best solutions.
Programming Keys When You Don’t Have a Working Key
Question: Can I program a new key myself if I have no working keys for my 1999 Ford F150?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. If you’ve lost all your keys for your 1999 Ford F150, you cannot program a new key yourself using DIY methods. The 1999 Ford F150, like many vehicles of that era, requires specialized equipment to initiate key programming when no existing keys are available. Here are your best options:
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Preferred and Most Convenient Option: Contact a Mobile Automotive Locksmith
- Expertise and Convenience: Mobile automotive locksmiths specialize in vehicle key and remote programming. They possess the necessary tools and expertise to come directly to your location – whether you’re at home, work, or stranded elsewhere. This eliminates the need for towing your vehicle.
- On-site Key Origination and Programming: A qualified locksmith can originate (cut) a new key for your 1999 Ford F150 based on your vehicle’s VIN or by decoding the ignition lock. They will then use specialized diagnostic equipment to connect to your vehicle’s onboard computer system and program the new transponder chip key to work with your truck.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Often, using a mobile locksmith can be more cost-effective than towing your vehicle to a dealership and paying dealership rates.
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Dealership Key Programming
- Towing Required: If you choose to go to a Ford dealership, you will need to have your 1999 Ford F150 towed to their service center.
- Professional Service: Dealerships have factory-trained technicians and the necessary equipment to handle key origination and programming for your vehicle.
- Potentially Higher Cost: Dealership services can sometimes be more expensive than using an automotive locksmith due to higher labor rates and overhead costs.
In summary, if you have lost all keys for your 1999 Ford F150, your only options are to use a mobile automotive locksmith or a Ford dealership. Neither of these options allows for DIY programming in this situation.
Programming a Second Key When You Have One Working Key
Question: Can I program a second key myself if I already have one working key for my 1999 Ford F150?
Answer: Similar to the situation with no existing keys, programming a second key for your 1999 Ford F150 typically requires professional equipment. While some older vehicles might have offered DIY second key programming, the 1999 F150 generally does not support this feature. Your options remain similar to when you have no working keys:
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Preferred Option: Automotive Locksmith
- Efficient and Reliable: An automotive locksmith can quickly and efficiently program a second key for your 1999 Ford F150. They can come to your location or you can visit their shop if they have one.
- Professional Programming: Locksmiths use specialized programmers to communicate with your vehicle’s immobilizer system and add the new key.
- Key Cutting Services: They can also cut the new key blank to match your ignition and door locks.
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Ford Dealership
- Dealership Service: A Ford dealership can also program a second key for your 1999 F150.
- Schedule an Appointment: You will likely need to schedule an appointment and bring your truck to the dealership.
Therefore, for programming a second key for your 1999 Ford F150 when you have one working key, professional locksmith or dealership services are required. DIY programming is generally not possible for the second key.
Programming a Third Key When You Have Two Working Keys
Question: Can I program a third key myself if I have two existing working keys for my 1999 Ford F150?
Answer: Yes! If you already have two functioning keys for your 1999 Ford F150, you can program a third key yourself using a simple in-vehicle procedure. This is a convenient way to add an extra spare key without needing professional assistance, after you have had the new key cut.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to program a third key for your 1999 Ford F150:
Important Pre-step: Key Cutting is Required First. Before you begin the programming procedure, you must have a new transponder key cut to match your existing keys. You can get this done at a locksmith, a dealership, or some key-cutting services. Ensure the key is cut correctly for your 1999 Ford F150 before proceeding with programming.
Programming Steps:
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Insert First Working Key and Turn to ON: Insert one of your existing, working keys into the ignition cylinder. Turn the ignition key to the ON (RUN) position. This is the position just before you would crank the engine to start. Then, immediately turn the ignition back to the OFF position.
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Remove First Key and Insert Second Working Key: Remove the first working key from the ignition. Within five seconds, insert your second working key into the ignition cylinder. Turn this second key to the ON (RUN) position and then immediately back to the OFF position.
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Remove Second Key and Insert New Key: Remove the second working key. Now, within ten seconds of removing the second working key, insert the new, uncut key (that you want to program) into the ignition cylinder. Turn the new key to the ON (RUN) position. Keep it in the ON position for one second, and then turn it back to the OFF position.
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Verify Successful Programming: Watch the security light on your dashboard. If the programming was successful, the security light will illuminate for approximately three seconds. This light indication confirms that your new key has been successfully programmed to your 1999 Ford F150.
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Test the New Key: Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition and test it. Start your 1999 Ford F150 with the new key to ensure it works correctly.
Troubleshooting:
- Timing is Crucial: The timing in this procedure is important. Make sure to insert and turn the keys within the specified timeframes (five seconds and ten seconds). If you exceed these time limits, the programming sequence may fail, and you will need to start over.
- Security Light Not Illuminating: If the security light does not illuminate for three seconds after step 4, the programming may have been unsuccessful. Double-check that you followed all steps correctly and try the procedure again. If it still fails, there may be an issue with the new key or your vehicle’s immobilizer system, and you should consult a locksmith or dealership.
- Ensure Correct Key Blank: Verify that you are using the correct type of transponder key blank for your 1999 Ford F150. Using an incompatible key blank will prevent successful programming.
Important Note on Key Fobs (Remote Controls):
While this article focuses on programming the transponder chip keys for starting your 1999 Ford F150, key fobs (remote controls for locking/unlocking doors and sometimes remote start) are programmed separately.
For instructions on programming the key fob (remote) for your 1999 Ford F150, please visit ProgramYourRemote.com. This external resource provides specific steps for programming your key fob remote.
Conclusion
Programming keys for your 1999 Ford F150 depends on your current situation. If you have no working keys or only one working key, professional assistance from an automotive locksmith or a Ford dealership is necessary. However, if you are fortunate enough to have two working keys, you can easily program a third spare key yourself by following the simple steps outlined above. Always ensure you have your key properly cut before attempting the programming procedure. For key fob programming, remember to consult the separate resource provided for remote programming instructions. Having a properly programmed key ensures you maintain reliable access to your 1999 Ford F150 and avoids potential lockouts and inconveniences.
