Ignition switch replaced

Tiny
ERIC COLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD FREESTAR
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Lost the original key so I changed the ignition switch. That means I drilled the old switch out and had no trouble getting the new one in. But when I went to start it, nothing. All the dash warning lights work except for the odometer readout (which is a new problem. What would be causing this?
Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 11:49 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon.

The replacement key needs to be programmed.

It can be done two ways. You can take it to a dealer and have them program it or you can call a locksmith and they can come to you and program it. It takes a security license for any tech to program a Ford key.

Roy
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
ERIC COLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
But it just looks like a regular key.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Is that the key that came with the new lock cylinder? If it was, that is a skeleton key not the chip key you had.
You will need to go to the dealer or a locksmith and get a chip key cut from the skeleton key and have it programmed.

Roy
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:53 PM

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