'96 Ford Explorer key question (replace, batteries, cost, cylinder)

[Timm]

Anybody have a '96 Explorer? I'm wondering if it has separate keys for the ignition and doors.

I bought mine used many moons ago. Always used the keyless entry key fob thing to unlock the door. Now it's starting to go. It usually works but sometimes I have to enter a code on my number pads on the door to open it up. And that's fine, but I suspect that sooner or later that will go too (the actual buttons on the inside of the door are hit-and-miss, too, so I suspect all the electric stuff in the door is gonna go) .

Here's the problem.
My key doesn't open any of the doors. Don't know if it ever did, because I can't recall if I ever tried it. My local mechanic says he thinks it's just an ignition key and that I should've been given a door key as well. He recommends going to a locksmith and having a key made. If this is the case, I wanna go smack the people at the Ford dealers I've been to -- none of them mentioned that. They just offered to put a new lock on the door (for anywhere from $236 to $445). So I'm wondering, who's right here?

[NHDave]

If you have a seperate key for your ignition and doors then someone, at some point, got either the door locks or the ignition replaced, unless multiple keys is one of those rare Ford options

[sunsprit]

Originally, on your 1996 Ford, the Door Key and the Ignition Key are originally the same "cut" code, but the keys are mirror images of each other so that the door key will not fit into the ignition lock cylinder (or vice versa). It was supplied with two each of the keys and the remotes.

You might try having a locksmith cut a "door key" blank with the ignition key as the pattern to see if the locks are all original and the cut you now have is correct for the doors, too. Be sure to try the key in both the doors, just in case one cylinder has been replaced.

Otherwise, a competent locksmith can make a replacement key for the door cylinder in a matter of minutes for a very modest amount of money. I've had it done for under $30.00 in the last year.

The dealership is the worst place to go for lock cylinder service work. They only have the original key cut code per chassis serial number to cut a key (which is expensive at their pricing), or can replace the lock cylinders with a service kit which completely rekeys the vehicle. This can be a viable option if you're concerned about lost/stolen keys, or keys in the hands of an unauthorized user ... but can still be performed by a competent locksmith for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. For example, the ignition lock cylinder can be replaced in a matter of a few minutes without any disassembly of the vehicle.

[Timm]

Thank you!
I'll be looking into taking to a locksmith asap.

[Landerson0131]

I also have a 1996 explorer and have had fob problems, try a new battery. as for the keys, any key should open all doors but some if made at a later time may not be programmed to start the car.

[Timm]

Huh. Guess I kinda forgot about this thread. Can I get a new fob battery at any old place, or does it have to be a ford dealer? Is there a Batteries'R'Us store somewhere?

I ended up getting a locksmith out to my apartment. The plan was for him to make me a key for the door. What actually happened was he took the locks apart a lubed 'em and cleaned 'em and lubed 'em again and voila - my key now works in the door.

Fun little sidenote -- while doing all this, he locked himself out of his truck. And had to call a locksmith to get in. Not exactly confidence-inspiring!

[butterfingers482]

i have a 97 explorer and i have the door code . just wondering if anyone knows if the ignition is keyed the same? can i have a ignition key made from this code?