Transponder key problem?

cobraII · Jan 15, 2004

Lately I have been having an intermittent problem with my 97 Cobra.
Sometimes it will start fine and other times it will fire up and the die
right away, when it dies if you crank it over it will not start but if you
pull the key out and hit the unlock button on the fob it will fire right
back up. Sometimes it does not do this for days, other times it will do it
once or twice, and sometimes it will do it 15 or 20 times before it will
stay running. I am leaning towards the transponder key being bad because
when I bought the car the key was covered in scotch tape. Am I headed down
the right path? any other suggestions?

mysticsvt496 · Jan 15, 2004

Is it the only key you have. If not try the other one to rule out the key problem. The keys are expensive to get from the dealer. If you have only one key, why?, did you get the car second hand, if so try and contact the old owner or the dealer where you got the car to see if the other key is available. if not then you will have to bite the bullit so to speak and pay for a new key.It does sound like the transponder key to me.

cobraII · Jan 15, 2004

Yes it is my only key. I asked the guy I bought it from if he had another but he only got one key when he bought it. I am going to call the dealer to see what a key costs.

Thanks

SVTdriver · Jan 15, 2004

The key blank is generally around $25. But then you have to program it. And going through the dealer for the programming is at least $100. I know because I had to have it done. Although I have since learned that you can reprogram a key for the 97 by yourself. As long as you have a working key. Which in your case is questionable.

yellow5.0cobra · Jan 17, 2004

All I know is to PROGRAM a transponder on a 99+ Mustang, all you have to do is insert the key with the transponder attached and just turn the key ON then OFF several times till the door locks go up and down. Then WALLAH, program is finished.

I do not know if this works with 96-98 transponders/keys... I have not tried it yet.

mysticsvt496 · Jan 17, 2004

It couls also be a problem with the ignition. The key draws a small amount of power from the igniton to power up the transponder in the, not sure on this but it is what i have been told. If it is the case there could be a short or something in the ignition itself, causing a lack of power to fire up the transponder. If the info i have been given is faulty then someone please set it straight.

CobraCruiser · Jan 17, 2004

You need two keys for the '99 and up to program a new key. The same with remotes. This prevents some valet from making a copy that will start your car. You can get the key for under twenty bucks at a decent dealer. With the pre-'99, you have to go into the box to program them and the fobs, I do believe. A friend of mine with a '98 got a new fob and a key both for around fifty bucks or so programmed. Check around, you will find a good price somewhere.

mysticsvt496 · Jan 17, 2004

He has a 97 and it is diff than the 99+ cars. Number 2 he only has one key in his possesion so not to flame but you did not really give him anything to work with.

CobraCruiser · Jan 17, 2004

I mentioned the '99 and up because somebody else made a comment about it and it needed clarification.

Since he only has one key, I do believe that he has to go to a dealer, or maybe a locksmith that does that kind of work. They will have to get in and mess with the box that controls that stuff. I believe that it is located in the trunk area. His cost shouldn't be that much, as I stated in my previous post. I had to have my '03 Cobra re-keyed last year because somebody stole one of my keys with the fob. It cost me two hundred bucks for three new keys, repinning the tumblers and a new fob, programming included, through a locksmith. You just can't take whatever price the first dealer throws at you. You must shop around.

Good luck. It is too bad that they didn't start using the newer system sooner.

Spazilton · Jan 17, 2004

Check your owners manual for a small tag with a 4 letter and number reorder code. That code is what the dealer needs to order you a new programmed key, I had to get it done on my '00 V6.

CobraCruiser · Jan 17, 2004

Was that not just your key code? All that gets you is the proper cut, doesn't it? When I was re-keyed, the locksmith cut it to a Ford code. Is the dealer or a certified locksmith the only ones that can use that code? I don't think that you want somebody to be able to get that code and be able to somehow order a key that is already programmed. I would think that you need two keys to program it yourself ('99+) or have the dealer do it for you (Pre-99 or '99+ with only one key).

Good luck.

mysticsvt496 · Jan 18, 2004

when i had my 02 ranger with the chipped key i had to get a new key because i bent one, not bad but enough to give me probs sometimes. I had to use both keys to program the new one, major pita. My point is that if you only have the single key for the 96, you have to have the dealer do it for you. I would not trust a locksmith to do this for you, to many people with your key code and transponder code. Call around to the dealers in your area and get the cheapest price, but remember the cheapest is not always the best route to go.

2nd childhood · Jan 18, 2004

You might try to send an email to: joefriday2@aol.com and tell him your problem. He's selling Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) keys for our cars over on eBay and the programming process is extremely easy. Maybe he can trouble shoot for you and let you know if its the key or not and then go from there. My reason--I bought my car used, had only one key. Called around and dealer wanted $65 and some locksmith wanted $80. Got two keys from they guy above for $20. Had to get them cut of course but you tell me which is the better deal?

SVTCobra2001 · Jan 21, 2004

yellow5.0cobra said:
All I know is to PROGRAM a transponder on a 99+ Mustang, all you have to do is insert the key with the transponder attached and just turn the key ON then OFF several times till the door locks go up and down. Then WALLAH, program is finished.

I do not know if this works with 96-98 transponders/keys... I have not tried it yet.

On teh 01 and 03' Cobra, you need two keys to program a key. You insert the first key.. Turn to the key to the second 2nd spot.. Pull the key out.. Insert the second key and do the same thing.. Then insert your new key. and do the same thing.. It is in the owners manual. But you have to have two keys. I groke out the chip in one key and had to tape it in to get the new key programmed.

cobraII · Jan 23, 2004

Guys, thanks for all the help. I replaced the key yesterday (saved $40 reprogramming it myself) and so far it works great!!

Transponder key problem?

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