Steering column

hpedolzky

Thief's broke into the car, busted the steering column. Mechanic installed new steering column, now he says the new key needs to be programmed to a module in the car. Is this something besides Ford can do or possible someone knows the procedure and I/he can do it?
Thanks

Mr_Shiftright

Maybe a local locksmith can help you with this.

thecardoc3

A local locksmith could possibly be a choice as there have been tools available to them that allow them to perform security system relearns with multiple manufacturers. While the dealer is of course a solution there are a number of solutions available to aftermarket shops. One would be to purchase and subscribe to Ford's IDS scan tool, the other would be to subscribe to Ford's J2534 flash system. Either of those would provide the shop full support for Ford's PATS system. There are several aftermarket scan tools that also support vehicle security system service. Many mobile diagnostic technicians who travel shop to shop often have several choices of tools that allow them to provide this service to the aftermarket shops on an as needed basis.

hpedolzky

thanks for all the info. A local locksmith was able to reprogram it onsite, since the car wouldn't start with the new key. $150.00 and 5 minutes, he was done.

thecardoc3

hpedolzky said:

thanks for all the info. A local locksmith was able to reprogram it onsite, since the car wouldn't start with the new key. $150.00 and 5 minutes, he was done.

Five minutes? Well almost, the system has a ten minute wait period as part of the protocols, the thought being that if someone would want to try and steal a car this way they probably don't want to sit around waiting for the timer to run out. Can't help but shake my head at the $150 fee, I've had people that went ballistic at half of that price for this very service. The difference was I had invested in the tools and subscription to do the work and there was no delay completing the task. Since they never dealt with having the experience you did they lost sight of the value they were really getting.