Transponder Key? Never Had One

[Nabz]

Ok so, i've started driving last month as i'm only 18 and i'm very much interested into getting a transponder key for my galaxy 2.3 model 1997, yes i know it's quite old but can't do anything about it :/

 

My question is, how can i know if my car has a transponder system because when we bought the car, there wasn't any remote key but the only thing i know is that the car has a red blinking LED when locked right in the corner of driving seat's window. Is it enough to have a remote key working with the car? because i went to ford and they said it'll cost me about 300 CHF (around 320 USD) to get a working remote key although they never told me what they were going to do. All i know is that they are tricking me and somehow will charge more then it should be. So before actually buying a remote key, i want to know if it'll work with the car or i don't even have that remote system in the first place.

 

regards,

[seatkid]

Dont confuse PATS (passive anti theft system or immobiliser) with remote locking - two different things.

 

All galaxys have a small transponder chip built into all keys, be they remote type or normal. If you get another key fob normal or remote, the chip/car has to be coded to accept each other, otherwise the immobiliser (ECU) will not allow you to start the engine. PATS coding can only be done by a dealer (expensive)

 

If you have a remote key fob (with batteries), then you can access/remove the PATS chip and put it in another remote key fob.

 

On the other hand a remote keyfob can also be programmed by the user to operate the central locking. (Actually its the car thats programmed to accept the remote fob) - this however is a separate function from the immobiliser.