PaulD76

Hey Guys

Brought a Ford KA for my wife about 1.5 years ago, been a great little car.

However someone mentioned today i should have a MASTER key for it? is this true? Please see the below text from a web site i found (the aa)

Does this sound right? I heard it can cost a bomb to fix if (And its unlikely) anything goes wrong??

Cheers

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Master keys
Many early cars were supplied with a 'master key' (often red), which was not intended for normal use. The dealer uses the master key to programme a new or replacement key for the car.

Unfortunately, if you damage or lose the master key it could cost hundreds of pounds to replace. You may have to replace the complete engine management system costing more than £1,000.
Car manufacturers have virtually stopped using master keys. They now hold car-specific security information in a central database, which the dealer uses when reprogramming the car and a replacement key.
If you're buying a used car, check the handbook. Make sure you get all the keys including a master key if necessary.

 

atrox

not sure about later models but my 97 ka has a master key which has a red fob.

Fordtech.

If that really is from the AA site, they have no right putting the frighteners on people like that; replacing the complete system is unheard of. The master key was purely a convenience thing whereby you could program other keys with it without having to resort to WDS diagnostics involving more expense. If lost, a simple reprogram would be all that was necessary.