Does anyone know for sure if I can purchase a cheaper key only for my 08, instead of the key/fob all in one?
It seems ebay runs ~$15 for a key, but $45+ for one like the original.

 

Yes, I bought a spare key blank like the one you pictured above for my 08 FEH from TransponerIsland.com (although they now appear to require you to be a locksmith to purchase from them). I took the key blank to a Ford dealer and had them do the cutting (since I didn't want some yahoo at Ace or Walmart mess up a pretty expensive blank). Once cut, I did the key sync/programming myself in the parking lot. Way cheaper than getting a key directly from the dealer.

It's a really good idea to have at least three transponder type keys. If you have two keys already programmed/synced with your FEH, you can add another by yourself. If you only have one, you'll be making a trip to the dealer to get the third/replacement key added.

 

Awesome! I bought one a while ago for my brother in laws sport trac, don't think I ever cut it, so I might just keep it for myself, if I can find it that is!

Thanks

 

I'm pretty sure the blank I bought was this one:
2000 to 2008 Ford Transponder Key (New Style 599114) ID 4D 63 - $11.99
(as listed on transponderisland.com's main page).

So it seems that the same transponder blank should be good for all 2000-2008 (probably 2009 as well) Fords.

Hope this helps.

 

Transponder Island now sells to the public via AutoTransponder.com. Prices are basically the same as locksmith pricing. Only diference is you can't buy lock decoders, key cutters, etc on the public site.

 

Bookmark updated. Thanks.

 

I don't know why dealers ream people on key programming the way they do. The Ford dealer I used to work for would program the keys for free, if you bought the key from them. Granted it was $34.99 for a key, but a lot of dealers are charging $80-$100+ for this... it only takes ten minutes (less if you already have two working keys)...

 

Its called capitalism. They charge what the market will bear. Most people who lose a key just go to the dealership and pay the price, they may not like the price the dealerships charge and will grumble about it later but they will pay it. When we lost a key and key fob for our Hyundai the dealership quoted us $149.99 to replace them. I responded, "I'm willing to pay $75.00 because your convienent or I'll order it off ebay for $40.00 and get it next week". I had the key that afternoon. Most people don't think to try and bargin or call multiple dealerships.

 

OK so you can use the same transponder key from 05 on. Which means the key hasn't physically changed, and the transponders are the same. Did the remote change when it was integrated into the key? Could you use and old remote on an 07/08? And would the new remote/key work on the 05/06?