Tibbe keys
Older Fords, such as early Ka, Fiesta, Escort and Transit models, used the round Tibbe lock with a distinctive blade. These need a specialist cutting method, which I carry in the van.
Ford cars and vans · Open 24 hours, 7 days
Ford Auto Locksmith and Key Replacement in Hampshire
Lost your Ford key, snapped the blade on a flip key or bought a Ford with only one key? Ford key replacement is carried out at your vehicle, whether it is a Fiesta on a driveway, a Focus in a supermarket car park or a Transit on a job site. I am Shane, a mobile Ford auto locksmith based in Eastleigh, and I cut and program Ford keys across Southampton and the rest of Hampshire, day and night.
- Keys cut and coded at your Ford
- Cars and vans, older and newer models
- 12 month warranty
5.0 on Google100+ reviews
Ford keys on siteCut, coded and tested
- Blades and remotesTibbe, standard and laser cut
- Ford PATS codingKeys added to the immobiliser
- Transit range coveredTransit, Custom, Connect
- 12 month warrantyOn keys I supply
Ford keys explained
How a Ford Key Works, and Why It Matters
Most immobiliser equipped Ford keys do two jobs, although the exact design varies by model and generation. The metal blade turns the door lock, and on older models the ignition, while a small transponder chip in the head of the key talks to the car’s immobiliser. Ford calls its immobiliser PATS, the Passive Anti-Theft System. When you turn the key or press the start button, the car reads the chip, and if it does not recognise it the engine will not run. A key that is only cut, and not coded to PATS, will open the doors but will never start the car.
So a proper Ford key replacement has three parts. The blade is cut to match your locks, the transponder is programmed into the immobiliser, and the remote buttons are paired so the central locking works. On keyless Fords, the smart key is coded to the keyless system instead of a blade doing the work. I carry the equipment to do all of this at the vehicle, and as a trained auto locksmith I test every function before I leave.
Why a second Ford key is worth having
On many older Fords, having two working keys makes adding another one much simpler, and on some models the car enforces a security waiting period before a new key can be added when none are left. Losing the last key is therefore the slowest and most involved situation. If you are down to one key, a spare made now saves you time and money later.
Ford key types
Key Types I Replace
Ford has used several key designs over the years. Knowing which one your vehicle takes is the first step to replacing it, and your registration usually tells me.
Standard double sided blades
Many older Fords use a conventional double sided blade with a transponder chip in the head, often with remote buttons built in.
Laser cut flip keys
Many later Fords, including versions of the Focus, Fiesta, Kuga, C-Max and the Transit range, use a laser cut blade that folds into a flip remote. The blade is cut on a dedicated machine.
Remote only fobs
Some older Fords and vans have a separate remote fob alongside the key. The remote is paired to the car on its own, so it can be replaced without changing the key.
Keyless smart keys
Keyless entry and push button start Fords use a smart key that stays in your pocket, with an emergency blade hidden inside for the door lock.
Motion sensing fobs
Ford has fitted some newer keyless fobs with a motion sensor that puts the key to sleep when it is left still, which helps protect against relay theft. I replace and program these too.
Ford models
Common Ford Models and Their Keys
Ford is one of the most common makes on UK roads, and each range has its own key history. This is a general guide, as the exact key depends on the year and trim, so I confirm it from your registration.
Not listed? I also work on the C-Max, B-Max, EcoSport, Tourneo and many other Ford models.
| Model | Usual key types | What I can do |
|---|---|---|
| Fiesta | Tibbe or standard blade on older versions, flip key on later ones, keyless on some final generation cars | Replacement, spares, all keys lost and remote repairs |
| Focus | Standard blade on early versions, flip key from the second generation, keyless on many later cars | Replacement, spares, lockouts and PATS coding |
| Kuga | Flip key or keyless smart key depending on year and trim | Smart key and flip key replacement and programming |
| Puma | Keyless smart key on most, including motion sensing fobs on later cars | Smart key replacement, spares and programming |
| Ka and Ka+ | Varies by generation, from Tibbe keys to flip keys | Key cutting, programming and lockouts |
| Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy | Flip key on many, keyless smart key on others | Replacement, spares and all keys lost |
| Transit and Transit Custom | Standard or flip remote keys, keyless on some later vans | Van key replacement, ignition barrel repairs and spares |
| Transit Connect and Courier | Flip remote key on most | Replacement, spares and lockouts |
| Ranger | Remote key, keyless on some later versions | Replacement, spares and all keys lost |
Ford services
Ford Auto Locksmith Services
Every service below is carried out at your Ford, wherever it is parked. Each one is explained in full on my services pages.
Car Key Replacement
A new Ford key cut to your locks and coded to PATS, from a basic transponder key to a keyless smart key.
Car key replacementLost Car Keys
No Ford keys left at all. I open the car, make a new key from scratch and remove the missing keys from the immobiliser.
All keys lostCar Lockout
Keys locked inside your Ford, or a keyless car that will not open. Non-destructive entry with no damage.
Vehicle entrySpare Car Keys
A second Ford key copied from your working one, which is far simpler than an all keys lost job later.
Spare keysKey Fob Programming
Ford remote buttons not working, or the car not recognising the chip. Fobs and transponders coded at the car.
Fob programmingIgnition Barrel Repair
A Ford key that sticks or will not turn in the ignition, which on an older Transit or Fiesta can point to barrel wear, repaired on site.
Ignition repairsVan Key Replacement
Transit, Transit Custom and Transit Connect keys replaced quickly, because a van off the road means lost work.
Van keysFleet Auto Locksmith
Spare keys and repairs for businesses running Ford vans and cars, arranged around your working day.
Fleet workWarning signs
Warning Signs Before a Key Fails
Most Ford key problems give some warning before the key stops working altogether. Acting early is usually quicker and cheaper than waiting for a breakdown.
Remote range dropping
You have to stand closer to the car for the buttons to work. A fresh battery may fix it, but if not, the remote itself may be failing.
Flip blade loose or not locking
The blade on a Ford flip key wobbles, will not stay open or will not fold. A worn flip mechanism can fail completely without warning.
Key stiff in the ignition
The key needs jiggling to turn, or turns without starting the engine. On an older Transit or Fiesta, this can point to wear in the key or the ignition barrel.
Security light flashing
The immobiliser warning light flashes and the engine will not start, which can mean the car is not reading the key’s transponder.
Key not detected message
A keyless Ford shows a key not detected warning. The fob battery, the fob itself or its programming may need attention.
Step by step
How the Job Works at Your Vehicle
This is what happens from the moment you call to the moment you drive away.
Send your registration
Your Ford’s registration tells me the model and year. You can also check the details yourself with the free vehicle check on GOV.UK.
Proof of ownership
Before I make a key, I check the vehicle is yours, usually with the V5C and photo ID. If it is missing, you can apply for a replacement V5C.
Cut and code
I cut the blade to your locks, then connect to the car and add the new key to PATS and pair the remote.
Test and hand over
I test starting, locking and unlocking, remove lost keys from the car where possible and hand over your new key.
Pricing
What Affects the Price?
I do not publish a single price for Ford keys, because the work varies so much between models. Once I know your Ford, I give you a fixed quote before I set off.
Get a fixed quoteModel and year
A 2008 Fiesta and a 2022 Puma use very different keys and immobiliser systems.
Type of key
A basic transponder key costs less than a flip remote, and a keyless smart key costs more again.
Whether a key is left
Copying a working Ford key is simpler than an all keys lost job, where the car must be opened and coded from nothing.
Security access
Some Fords need a security access step or a waiting period before a key can be added, which adds time on site.
Recent work
A Recent Ford Job
A real Ford job, done at the vehicle.
2012 Ford Focus ST, Keys Locked Inside
The keys were locked inside the car. I opened the Focus with no damage at all, and the owner had a new key cut on the spot while I was there.
See more of my recent jobs across Hampshire.
Where I work
Covering Hampshire From Eastleigh
I am based in Eastleigh and work on Fords throughout Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest, Salisbury and the towns between, at homes, workplaces and roadsides.
- Southampton
- Eastleigh
- Chandler’s Ford
- Hedge End
- Winchester
- Portsmouth
- Fareham
- Gosport
- New Forest
- Salisbury
Other makes
Other Popular Makes I Cover
Ford is one of 30 makes I work on. These are some of the other everyday makes I cover, or you can view every make.
Customer reviews
What Customers Say
Google reviews from drivers across Hampshire. You can read all my reviews in one place.
5.0
From 100+ Google reviews
Questions
Ford Key Replacement FAQs
If your question is not answered here, call me or send me a message with your Ford’s registration.
Can you replace a Ford key if I have lost all of them?
Yes, for most Ford cars and vans. I open the vehicle without damage, cut a new blade from the lock and program the new key into PATS. On some models the car enforces a security waiting period during this, so all keys lost jobs take longer than copying a key.
Can you program a new Ford key without going to the dealer?
Yes. I use professional diagnostic and key programming equipment to add keys to the Ford immobiliser at the vehicle, so for most Fords there is no need to take the car to a dealer. If a very new model does need the dealer, I tell you before booking.
Will my lost Ford key still start the car?
Once the new key is programmed, I can remove lost or stolen keys from the immobiliser on most Fords, so they will no longer start the engine even if someone finds them.
Do you replace Ford Transit keys?
Yes. I replace and program keys for the Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier. If a Transit key sticks or will not turn, I also check and repair the ignition barrel, as wear there can cause the same symptoms.
My Ford flip key blade has snapped. Can it be fixed?
Often, yes. If the electronics are fine, the flip mechanism or casing can sometimes be replaced and the blade recut. If the key is too damaged, I supply a new flip key and program it to your Ford.
Can you replace a Ford keyless smart key?
Yes. I replace and program keyless entry and push button start keys for Fords such as the Kuga, Puma, Focus and Fiesta, including newer fobs with a motion sensing sleep mode.
How do I know which key my Ford needs?
Send me your registration and, if you still have one, a photo of the key. That is usually enough to identify the exact key type and immobiliser system.
Is there a warranty on a new Ford key?
Yes. Every key I supply comes with a 12 month warranty, and you can pay by card, bank transfer or cash.
Need a Ford Key Replaced Today?
Send your Ford’s registration and a photo of your key, or just call. I will give you a fixed price and an arrival time straight away, day or night.