remote entry and key 2004 escape

[aerigan]

My wife bought a 04 escape but we only have 1 remote and 1 key. If we buy a remote and key with a chip off ebay can we program them? I heard that you need 2 working remotes and keys to do this. Any info appreciated.

Thanks, aerigan

[Four_Eyes]

I had the same problem. I bought a 2005 and the dealer only had 1 set of key/remote. I took it to the dealer parts/service and got a second set but they need to be programmed. You do need 2 keys or 2 remotes (in our cases, both) to re-program them. According to info I've found, only dealers can re-code a key or remote when there's only one.

In the case of the key, the old key and new key will be re-coded so the missing (original second) key will no longer start the ignition.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by aerigan

My wife bought a 04 escape but we only have 1 remote and 1 key. If we buy a remote and key with a chip off ebay can we program them? I heard that you need 2 working remotes and keys to do this.

Sorry I missed this the first time.

You definitely do not need 2 remotes (key fob) to program a new one. All key fobs must be "reprogrammed" at the same time.

To reprogram a key fob, turn the key from OFF to ON 8 times within 10 seconds. All door locks will cycle telling you that they have erased all previously known fobs and are ready to accept new ones.

Press any key on the first fob. The locks will cycle telling you that the fob has been accepted. Repeat for all fobs.

Turn the key to OFF and the locks will cycle once again telling you that the programming is complete.

eBay fobs work just fine

If you do not have both keys I do believe a professional needs to reprogram them. Locksmiths charge much less than dealers.

[Hillbilly]

Originally Posted by Four_Eyes

I had the same problem. I bought a 2005 and the dealer only had 1 set of key/remote. I took it to the dealer parts/service and got a second set but they need to be programmed. You do need 2 keys or 2 remotes (in our cases, both) to re-program them. According to info I've found, only dealers can re-code a key or remote when there's only one.

In the case of the key, the old key and new key will be re-coded so the missing (original second) key will no longer start the ignition.

As Wiz said, a phone call to a locksmith would be worthwhile. I actually had the latest programming protocol before the dealer got it. I even do work FOR the dealer, for example on vehicles older than 2000 which they can't get codes for.

[Four_Eyes]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

As Wiz said, a phone call to a locksmith would be worthwhile. I actually had the latest programming protocol before the dealer got it. I even do work FOR the dealer, for example on vehicles older than 2000 which they can't get codes for.

Thanks Hillbilly. Good to know. I didn't realize programming of the keys was available to locksmiths also. Had I known, it could have saved me a few bucks.

[Escape2Ford]

You won't need 2 FOB's to program your new key, but you do need two working "chip" keys to program a third without going to the dealer (approx. $50-$60)

[normkol]

One other option is to have your key "cloned". This can now be done for the Escape.

Just remember, it will be a clone, it cannot be used as a second key for on board programming. To the computer, the two keys are the same.

[esm]

I have exactly the same problem as aerigan.

What exactly is this "cloning" and how and where is it done?

[normkol]

Cloning is done at a locksmith. They have special blanks and a programming machine to do this.

Some of the blanks have a battery, one brand, JMA, does not.

Not all locksmiths have this, but the ones that specialize in auto locks probably will.

[esm]

I called a bunch of locksmiths in our area and they all charge roughly the same as the dealers (appr. $75)!