Compatible key for 97/98 (minus PATS)

[Bangster]

I want to get a regular non PATS key cut for my 97. I am pushing my luck with only one key (not that I have ever lost a key, particularly any of my newer cars with PATS), and want to have a couple of keys cut that will fit the doors and the ignition.

I have a couple of Mark VIII PATS keys that are cut for other cars, but can add the PATS as an additional "key" but use the regular key in the ignition.

I think that my 97 Cougar key is the same (however as it is wrecked I put up the keys in a hard to get to place), how about a 96 Mark VIII?

I am also at a loss on where to get one cut. Probably need to go to a locksmith, as all hardware stores wand the keys, see that it is a "active" key and won't cut a regular key because a regular key will cause damage to the anti theft system ::sigh::.

 

[chris2523]

because a regular key will cause damage to the anti theft system ::sigh::.

huh? how?

 

[Bangster]

huh? how?

Yeah, I agree, not even the older GM keys with a resistor in them (since the contacts were raised) could affect the system, if they then go and try to sell me a PATS key that is fun when they try to sell me one like my 00 Grand Marquis uses.

 

[drobs5]

My 97 only came with one key (and no key fobs) so I bought a blank off ebay. Then I took it to ace hardware where they cut it to match. Followed up by doing the pats reprogram procedure and bam ... 2 keys.

As for a regular key ... don't see how that would be any different.

 

[Bangster]

Yeah, there are keys available under 80 bucks each now, and I should spend the 40 bucks on one, I am just a cheap bastard I guess (which makes it tough to be a Mark VIII owner!). When I first got the car I attempted to buy one and it wasn't the correct one, and it was a hassle to return and get my money back, so I am a little gun shy.

The hardware stores somehow think they are liable if my car blows up because of a non transponder key.

I understand the cutting of a 30 dollar key not bought from them...and them not accepting fault if anything happens like the key doesn't work mechanically.

 

[drobs5]

My local ace hardware has high school girls running the register and cutting the keys .... they don't ask anything lol. I was thinking I paid like $30 for the pats key I bought.

 

[soduka]

What kind of morons are you going to trying to cut keys? Walmart? I've never had anyone refuse me service for a non-chipped copy of my chipped key. They tell me 'you know this won't start your car, right', and I say yeah, and then they do it.

 

[Bangster]

[video]https://youtu.be/DCsLqibkHSE[/video]

It shouldn't have been this hard, but after hitting up a couple more hardware stores and getting a key blank for a 97 Cougar cut I have a backup key. Obviously it is not an elegant solution but I have a backup key to open it, and I programmed in the already cut for another vehicle transponder to my car, so I feel a little better.

And yes, I checked, and my transmission is still there.