Buying second key for Ford Focus

melb

hi there I recently bought a 2010 Ford Focus which only came with one key.  I have never lost a car key in my life but have always previously had 2 and so am thinking sod's law it may happen.
My question is, is there any merit in buying a second key now rather than waiting until I possibly lose the existing one?  I mean in terms of cost obviously but also inconvenience.

Many thanks for any advice.

dipsomaniac

Best to get one sooner rather than later. I was in the same boat until a couple of days ago. I bought a focus with one key a year ago and although i have never lost a key in my life being stranded without a key was always in the back of my mind. 

Mine is a 2003 focus so don't know if the keys are the same. I bought a blank off eBay for around £2.50.  when I took it to timpsons to be cut the chap said he wasnt allowed to charge me as it's my own key but he would do it anyway - one happy timpsons customer🥳

melb

hi thanks for the reply.  Result for you then!  Before I posted on here I had a good search online but some people were saying that they had done a similar sort of DIY job, but even though the key would open doors and start the engine, it didn't unlock the immobiliser (if that makes sense) so the alarm was going off.  Think I got that right.

dipsomaniac

Sorry can't help as I never lock my cars (after having a window smashed 30 years ago). I only need it to start engine in a emergency if I lose original. I will still need to sort out immobiliser.

tacpot12

Yes, I would always make sure you have a second key. I've go a Mk3 Mondeo which I think uses all the same technology. The key is actually three separate security devices:
1) the physical Tibbe keyprofile that releases the steering lock (this is the bottom part of the key fob)
2) the immobilisor transponder that lives in the top part of the key fob (it is a removable glass vial)
3) the wireless remote for the central locking that is the top part of the key fob

You can find guides to decode the Tibbe key profile of your existing key on the internet, and can order a replacement from a locksmith on eBay.

You need a new top part of the key fob with its transponder vial. These are sold second hand on eBay, but check the sellers ratings before ordering. 

The transponder can be added to the Engine ECU (so that the engine will start with the new key) using a Bluetooth ODBII scanner e.g. Vgate iCar units and the free FORScan software, providing you request the functionality and follow the instructions. The process can, if it goes wrong, trash the ECU, so it is not for the fainthearted. The iCar units will allow you to do you own diagnostics in future, which will pay for the cost of the unit the first time you need any diagnostic work doing. 

The wireless remote can be linked to the central locking system while you have an existing key. You can find instructions on the internet. 

Your Ford dealer will be able to do all this for you. A local auto electrician or independent Ford specialist will be able to do the transponder and remote control for you, but will probably point you to eBay for the new Tibbe key.

Wherever you get the new key from, you should give the Tibbe key part a thorough going over with a wire brush as the edges can be very sharp when they are first cut and this can cause the key to jamb in the lock. Knocking off these sharp edges and lubricating the lock barrel with a graphite lubricant will ensure your new keys works reliably and is easy to insert and remove. 

greyteam1959

dipsomaniac said:

Sorry can't help as I never lock my cars (after having a window smashed 30 years ago). I only need it to start engine in a emergency if I lose original. I will still need to sort out immobiliser.

You never lock your car ??
How are you going to explain that to your insurance company when it gets stolen ??

dipsomaniac

Haven't had a unlocked car stolen in 30 years so will take my chances with my £200 (£350 excess) focus.

greyteam1959

So some stupid young yob nicks your unlocked car and runs into a young mother & her child crossing the road ??
Great.

dipsomaniac

And you would blame me if that happened?

Good job there is a infinitely less chance of that happening than you hijacking a thread

Scrapit

greyteam1959 said:

So some stupid young yob nicks your unlocked car and runs into a young mother & her child crossing the road ??
Great.

Kittens. Don't forget the nuns carrying baskets of kittens.

ontheroad1970

dipsomaniac said:

And you would blame me if that happened?

Good job there is a infinitely less chance of that happening than you hijacking a thread

It would be your insurance company that would pay out for damages, and if you were ultra negligent they may decide to chase you for repayment.  They might decide that deliberately not locking your car might be such grounds.