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Does your PATS equipped key have a center groove?

S

SVT3391

CEG'er
Joined
Jul 28, 2004
Messages
480
Location
Columbia, MD
My car was made in May 1997 as a 1998 CSVT. I have both working PATS keys, but two times I ran into situation that the PATS prevented my car to start. Before I lose one of the key, I decided to buy key blanks so I can program the new key myself. I bought 2 Strattec keys (considered OEM) but when I received them, there are no center grooves in the middle of the keys, while my original do.

The key blanks I received are just like this:

8055.gif


As you can see, there is no center groove. On the Strattec web site, it says 98-00 Contour V6 models have 011-R0221 (Ford num), or H72-PT (key makers oem num). Somewhere else I saw H73-PT.

Do any one know for sure what the earlier CSVT use for key? And, can any one verify your PATS enabled key has the middle groove or not?

This picture shows my original and the new blank:

100_1294_resize.jpg


Thanks guys!
 
the center groove shouldn't make a difference for the pats. The only thing that matters really is the little pill shaped modual inside of it. as far as Pats is concerned.
 
I should have made myself more clear. I understand the PATS doesn't matter, but I used that to differentiate non-PATS enabled keys because some model (pre 98, or Zetec 2.0) don't have PATS.

I tried to insert the key into the lock column. It pushes in, but not as smooth as the original key. I am trying to get some more info before I call the seller asking for exchange.
 
The notch will most likely show up when the key is being cut, at least I would think.

The new key is not going to go in as smooth as the old since it hasn't been broken in at all. I know my orignal Ford spare key for my car is rough compared to my beat up 125k mile key.
 
CSVT1214 said:
The notch will most likely show up when the key is being cut, at least I would think.

The new key is not going to go in as smooth as the old since it hasn't been broken in at all. I know my orignal Ford spare key for my car is rough compared to my beat up 125k mile key.
Click to expand...


the grove in the middle of the key is part of the key and not cut into it when you have a key copied
 
I bought the same blanks on eBay for my '98 Contour (made in late '97). I took the blanks to Walmart to have copies made. The person I spoke to at Walmart told me that she did not think the new copy would work in my ignition because the blank was not identical to the original (because of the groove).

I got it done anyway.

Turns out, it doesn't make a difference. The new key worked fine.
 
I know the key pushes in the lock. However, in the key lock column there is a little wedge which goes into the groove. Look at the 2nd picture. The center of the aftermarket key has some mark left by the wedge in the lock. Also look the picture below. Both keys have the same marks when I tried to fit with my lock column.

100_1290_resize.jpg


I don't want to have any ill impact to my original car keys and lock. If there is a wedge made there, there should have the corresponding groove. Don't you guys agree?

BTW, can every of you look at your key and tell me if there is a groove, even for cars made after March 1998?
 
Your original key appears to be rather worn. I say this because looking at my key (early '97 build of a '98 MY) The groove tapers away at BOTH ends, meaning at the very tip of the key itself the key is flat and smooth like your blanks. Then right at the tip the groove starts and runs the length of the shaft then tapers off just like on your keys. Seeing that the groove is NOT cut into the point of the key, I'm led to believe it is a decorative detail if anything.

I just pulled out all three keys I have for my '96 non-PATS Zetec. The original Ford key and one of the off-brand replacements have NO groove there, while the other off-brand replacement DOES have the groove.

I'd go ahead and have the key cut. I think you'll be fine.
 
Yeah, get it cut, it'll work, I got my spare key at a ford dealership and it doesn't have that groove either, works the same as the original key.
 
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