Exeter Auto Keys

Ford Car Key Exeter — Replacement, Programming & Lockout

Mobile Ford key specialist covering Exeter and Devon — HU101, Tibbe, transponder, remote fob and smart key. On-site, fixed price, available 24 hours.

Ford is the UK's best-selling car brand and one of the most frequently attended makes in our workload across Exeter and Devon. From a Ford Fiesta flip key with a worn blade to a Transit van with all keys lost, a Focus remote fob that won't pair or a Ranger with a PATS immobiliser fault — we carry the Ford-specific equipment to resolve it at your vehicle, same day, at a fixed price that won't match a main dealer quote.

Ford PATS specialistHU101 & Tibbe cuttingAll Ford modelsDevon-based24 / 7 service

Ford Models We Cover in Exeter

Key types, cut profiles and programming systems vary across Ford's model range. Every model below is covered across Exeter and Devon.

Ford Fiesta (MK6 / MK7 / MK8)
🔑 Flip key, HU101 blade, remote fob
Blade wear and hinge failure on flip key — our most common Ford job in Exeter.
Ford Focus (MK2 / MK3 / MK4)
🔑 HU101 blade, remote fob, keyless entry (MK4)
Remote fob pairing loss after battery change or ECU reset.
Ford Transit (MK7 / MK8 / Custom)
🔑 HU101 blade, remote key, smart key (Custom)
All-keys-lost — highest volume commercial Ford job in Devon.
Ford Transit Connect
🔑 HU101 blade, remote fob
Key programming after new battery or ECU work.
Ford Kuga (MK2 / MK3)
🔑 HU101 or smart key (MK3), optional keyless entry
Keyless entry fault and proximity key not detected at door handle.
Ford Puma (2019+)
🔑 Smart key / keyless entry standard
Proximity key battery drain — key not recognised at door handle.
Ford Ranger (T6 / Wildtrak)
🔑 HU101 blade, remote fob
Spare key demand from agricultural and commercial users across Devon.
Ford Mondeo (MK4 / MK5)
🔑 HU101 or remote key, optional keyless
Remote fob sync loss and HU101 blade wear on high-mileage cars.
Ford S-Max / Galaxy
🔑 HU101 blade, remote fob
All-keys-lost on MK1 and MK2 for family estate users.
Ford EcoSport
🔑 Remote key, optional smart key
Smart key pairing fault and fob battery drain issues.
Ford Transit Courier / Tourneo
🔑 HU101 blade, remote key
Commercial lockout and spare key cutting for sole traders.
Ford Mustang / Explorer
🔑 Smart key / FORDS keyless system
UK-spec proximity key programming on US-origin platform vehicles.

Don't see your model? Call 01392 925673 — we cover the full Ford range including older and discontinued models.

The 12 models above cover the most frequently attended Ford jobs across Exeter and Devon. We cover every Ford model sold in the UK — including all variants, special editions and older discontinued models. Below is the full list of additional models we programme and service.

Current & recently discontinued models
Ford Ka+Ford C-MaxFord Grand C-MaxFord B-MaxFord EdgeFord GalaxyFord Tourneo ConnectFord Tourneo CustomFord MaverickFord Focus STFord Focus RSFord Focus ActiveFord Fiesta STFord Fiesta ActiveFord Puma STFord Transit TrailFord Transit NuggetFord Transit MinibusFord Explorer (2023+)
Older & classic Ford models
Ford Ka (2009–2016)Ford Fusion (2002–2012)Ford EcoSport (2013–2022)Ford Mondeo MK1 / MK2 / MK3Ford Fiesta MK4 / MK5Ford Focus MK1Ford C-Max MK1Ford Transit MK5 / MK6Ford Escort (all generations)Ford SierraFord OrionFord StreetkaFord Maverick (pre-2000)Ford GranadaFord Scorpio
📞Not listed? Call 01392 925673 — if it's a Ford, we almost certainly cover it. We'll confirm on the call in under two minutes.

Ford Key Systems — What You Need to Know

Ford's PATS immobiliser system has evolved through five generations since 1996. Understanding which generation your Ford uses determines the programming method and equipment required.

Ford PATS — the immobiliser system explained

Ford's PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) has been standard on UK-market Ford vehicles since 1996. When a new key is cut, it must be programmed to that vehicle's PATS module before the engine will start — even if the blade profile is perfect. Without programming, the PATS warning light stays on and the engine cranks but will not fire.

PATS generation timeline

Pre-1996
No immobiliser
Mechanical cut only. Tibbe or early flat Ford blade. No programming needed.
1996 – 2002
PATS Gen 1 — ID60 chip
Transponder chip introduced. HU101 and Tibbe profiles. OBD or key-learn programming.
2002 – 2011
PATS Gen 2 — Hitag 2 / ID46
ID46 (Megamos 48) chip. HU101 dominant. OBD-based Ford diagnostic protocol.
2011 – 2018
PATS + BCM integration
Hitag Pro / advanced Hitag 2. HU101 and flip key. OBD mandatory — key-learn removed.
2018 – present
PADS / Ford ProTech Plus
Rolling-code encryption. Smart key and proximity on cars; HU101 on vans. Seed/token OBD protocol required.

Cut profiles we carry for Ford

  • HU101 — dominant Ford blade since early 2000s. Used on Fiesta MK6+, Focus MK2+, Transit MK7+, Mondeo MK4+, Kuga and all current Ford vans. We carry HU101 blank stock and cut on-site.
  • Tibbe — rotary disc-lock key used on Transit pre-2006, older Mondeo, Sierra and Escort. Requires a specialist Tibbe cutting machine — we carry it.
  • Smart / Proximity — push-button start with passive entry detection. Used on Ford Puma (2019+), Kuga MK3 and Transit Custom PHEV. Requires seed/token OBD programming specific to the Ford platform.

EKA code — Ford's emergency override

Ford vehicles include a 4-digit EKA (Emergency Key Access) code for PATS override. If you do not have this code and your PATS light is on, we resolve the fault via OBD — the EKA procedure is not required for our programming method. The DVLA vehicle registration system is used where required to verify ownership.

Identify your key
Which Ford key do you have?
HU101: Modern double-sided wave-cut blade — Fiesta, Focus, Transit post-2003

Tibbe: Round cylindrical key, rotating disc lock — older Transit, Sierra, Escort

Flip key: HU101 blade that folds into the fob body — Fiesta MK6/MK7 common

Smart key: No blade, proximity detection — Puma, Kuga MK3, Focus MK4 Active
Pricing
Ford key replacement — how we quote

Ford key replacement pricing varies depending on a number of factors — the key type required, how many working keys currently exist, the PATS generation your vehicle uses and whether OBD or EEPROM programming is needed.

Key types we quote on request:

  • › HU101 transponder key (Fiesta, Focus, Transit)
  • › Smart / proximity key (Puma, Kuga MK3)
  • › Transit van key (all generations)
  • › All-keys-lost programming (any Ford model)

Call 01392 925673 with your Ford model and year for an immediate fixed quote. No call-out fee. Price confirmed before we travel.

Important
PATS light is on — what now?
A PATS fault does not always mean your key needs replacing. It can indicate a transponder sync issue, a flat key battery or a wiring fault. Call us before ordering a new key — we diagnose the cause first. Free advice: 01392 925673

Common Ford Key Problems We Fix in Exeter

These are the specific Ford key faults we attend most frequently across Exeter, Devon and Somerset.

🔑
Ford Fiesta Flip Key Blade Worn or Broken
The HU101 blade on Fiesta flip keys (MK6/MK7) suffers metal fatigue at the hinge point. The transponder in the fob body stays functional. We cut a new HU101 blade and fit it to your existing fob, preserving the programming. Fast, cost-effective.
🚌
Ford Transit All-Keys-Lost
Losing all Transit keys is our most common commercial Ford job in Devon. We programme new keys via OBD without needing a working key present. Covers Transit MK7, MK8, Transit Custom and Connect. Regular attendance at Marsh Barton and Exeter trade estates.
📡
Ford PATS Immobiliser Fault (Light On)
The PATS light after a flat battery, battery change or ECU work means the key has lost sync with the PATS module. We restore the PATS link via OBD in 30–45 minutes. No new key needed in most cases. Call us before ordering a replacement.
📶
Ford Remote Key Fob Not Working
Ford remote fobs lose pairing after a battery change, ECU reset or signal interference. Many can be re-paired via the door-lock sequence without programming equipment. We advise on the call which method applies to your model.
🔧
Ford Ignition Barrel Wear (Focus / Transit)
Ford Focus MK2 and Transit MK7 are known for ignition barrel wear — key turns but barrel does not engage the starter. We replace Ford ignition barrels on-site and recode the new barrel to your existing key.
💾
Ford All-Keys-Lost (Post-2018 PADS Models)
Ford's ProTech Plus / PADS on post-2018 Transit Custom PHEV and Puma uses advanced rolling-code encryption requiring seed/token OBD programming. Standard methods do not apply. We carry Ford-specific equipment for these newer platforms.

How We Programme Ford Keys On-Site

The process varies by model and year. Here is exactly what happens when you call us for a Ford key.

1
Confirm your Ford's key system
We ask for your make, model, year and VIN suffix. This identifies which PATS generation your Ford uses, which blade profile is needed and whether seed/token programming is required. Fixed price confirmed on the call before we set off.
2
Cut the blade at your vehicle
We cut the HU101, Tibbe or smart key blade using our mobile key cutting machine at your location. For flip keys the blade is fitted to a new or existing fob body. For proximity keys no cutting is needed.
3
OBD programming to your Ford's PATS module
We connect to the OBD2 port and communicate with the PATS module using Ford's proprietary diagnostic protocol. Post-2018 PADS vehicles use a seed/token exchange to authorise the new key credential.
4
Test and verify
The key is tested in the door lock, central locking remote and ignition. PATS light confirmed off. We do not leave until the key is fully functional. Payment on completion only.

ⓘ For all-keys-lost Ford jobs, Step 3 includes an all-keys-delete sequence before the new key is programmed as the only authorised credential.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Car Keys Exeter

Ford key replacement pricing varies depending on your model, year, key type and the programming method required. Factors that affect the final cost include whether a working original key is present, the number of keys already programmed to the vehicle, and which PATS generation your Ford uses.

We quote a single fixed all-in price on the phone before we travel — covering the visit, labour and any parts used. There is no call-out fee and the price does not change on completion. Call 01392 925673 with your Ford model and year for an immediate quote. We can confirm the key type, programming method and price in under two minutes. See our pricing page for further information.

Yes — in the majority of cases. Ford's OBD-based PATS programming allows us to add or replace keys without a currently working key present. For all-keys-lost situations on Fiesta, Focus, Transit and most Ford models, we connect to the OBD port, communicate with the PATS module and programme the new key as the sole authorised credential. Post-2018 Ford models using PADS (ProTech Plus) require a seed/token-based exchange, which our equipment handles. The specific method depends on your Ford's year — we confirm on the call.

The PATS warning light while you have the key indicates the vehicle is not recognising the key's transponder chip. This most commonly occurs after a flat battery has caused the PATS module to lose its stored key credentials, after a battery change, or after ECU work. It can also indicate a faulty transponder chip in the key head itself. We diagnose the cause via OBD and restore the PATS link at your vehicle — in most cases no new key is needed. Call us before ordering a replacement key.

Yes — this is one of the most common Ford jobs we attend. The HU101 blade on Ford Fiesta flip keys (MK6 2002–2008 and MK7 2008–2017 particularly) is prone to metal fatigue at the hinge pivot. When the blade snaps, the transponder chip in the fob body typically remains intact and programmed. We cut a new HU101 blade and fit it to your existing fob, preserving the programming and avoiding a full key replacement. If the fob body is also damaged, we supply a new housing and transfer the chip. Call with your Fiesta year for a precise quote.

Yes — Ford Transit key jobs across Exeter, Devon and Somerset are among our most frequent commercial callouts. We cover Transit MK7 (2006–2014), MK8 (2014–present), Transit Custom (2012–present) and Transit Connect (all generations). For all-keys-lost Transit situations — especially common with single-key commercial operators — we programme new keys via OBD at your vehicle or site. Marsh Barton, Sowton, Heavitree and Exeter city centre commercial areas are all within our standard coverage with a typical response time of 15–20 minutes to Marsh Barton.

Yes — the key credential programmed to your Ford's PATS module is identical whether programmed by us or by a Ford dealer. Both methods use OBD to communicate with the PATS module. The physical key we supply uses the same aftermarket HU101 blank profile from suppliers such as Silca as Ford's own key supplier chain. The only difference is the price and the convenience of not needing to take your vehicle to a dealership or arrange recovery.

A standard Ford HU101 transponder key takes 30–50 minutes at your vehicle from arrival. A Ford smart key or proximity key (Puma, Kuga MK3) takes 50–75 minutes. An all-keys-lost job on a Ford Transit or Focus takes 60–90 minutes depending on the PATS generation. We give you an accurate duration estimate on the call and do not leave until the key is fully tested and functional.

Yes — this is exactly the situation we handle daily. If your Ford is stranded in a car park, on a driveway or at a work site, we come to it. You do not need to arrange recovery or towing. We programme a new key at the vehicle's location using OBD. For Ford Transit vans at trade premises in Exeter and Devon, we are typically the fastest available response. Call 01392 925673 with your location, Ford model and year and we will give you an honest arrival estimate.

Need a Ford Key in Exeter or Devon?

Tell us your Ford model and year when you call. We confirm the key type, blade profile and programming method, then give you a fixed price — before we travel. No call-out fee, no dealer markup, available 24 hours.