1996 Ford Taurus "KEY"

[radrodder04]

My key would not turn in my ignition switch so I went to advance and bought an ignition switch and replaced the old one. Now the switch turns fine and starts the car. It runs @ 5 seconds and the car shuts off. I have been informed that I have to take the old key and the new key to the FORD dealership and they have to program the new key???? Then the car will stay running. This sounds like a crock to me. I don't see a chip in the key. Is this correct information or has the mechanic screwed something up????

[shorod]

The Factory Service Manual for your 1996 Taurus does indicate the car has the Passive Anti Theft System (PATS) which uses a transponder molded in to the key head to prevent unauthorized keys from starting the car. My understanding of the PATS system, although I've never tested it, is the car won't even start if a non-programmed key is used. Is there a "Security" or "Theft" light that is flashing in the instrument cluster where the car stalls?

Did your original key look like the second picture here? If so, that's a transponder key.

-Rod

[65comet]

Try keeping the old key on your key ring, or taping it next to the switch, as the quick/cheap fix. Should pickup the signal from the old one to keep it running.