Hello, I am having a problem and I am hoping someone may know the answers to help. I recently lost my only key that I had for my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. I had the car towed up to the dealership to have a new key programmed. After three days they called to tell me that, the truck will not start know. I have never had any problems with this truck, I just needed a new key. Is there anything I should know, I don't know if they are just telling me this because I don't know any better. So now they want $100 to do a diagnostic test to see what is wrong with the truck. Please Help!!

That sounds a little fishy. Do you have a local independent garage that you trust? I would have someone else take a look at it before giving the dealership anymore money. I recently had a dealership want to charge me over $5k to replace the engine in my '97 Explorer XLT with a remanufactured one. I found a local garage to install a used low miles engine for $1500. I do not trust the dealerships. Ask around and maybe someone can recommend a place for you to take it. The independents usually charge a little less for labor too. Good luck!!

For now, it might be easier for you to get a second opinion. Have you considered calling another dealership and explaining your situation? (You do have your VIN number written somewhere, I hope?) I don't know what year they kicked in but I know that the newer ignition keys have a built in micro-chip that exchanges info with the lock whenever you insert them into the keyhole. If the lock does not "see" the code it needs from the key, the vehicle will simply not start. My $0.02 worth. Kit

The dealership is Al Long Ford on 8 Mile and Schoehnerr in Warren.

 

Thank You!!

Marcia Dikowski

Project Coordinator

BASS/Bumler Mechanical

6260 18 1/2 Mile Rd.

Sterling Heights, MI 48314

phone  586-731-0793   fax 586-731-6494