Pats key has the keyhole in its head off center so the little glass module will fit in the key head, and it's about a 1/4" thick, and you can see a little plastic square plug on the top side of it to hold in the responder. See that coil of copper wire, thats its antenna to cummunicate with the ECM, and the other two little squares are probably the micro chips in it.

I took one of those fat boys apart in the lockshop to see exactly what was there. A glass tube that actually holds a miniature crystal radio, and it communicates with your ecm to start your ride once its programmed into it. One and a 1/4 inches wide, by about 2/8's or so.

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Cree Proverb

~Draw me not without reason, Sheath me not without honor~ 17th century swordmaker Gallegos

~1994 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-Banger 217, 000+miles~

Hi , I know this is a way long old thread.... please if someone could answer my Q?
I bought my 05 ranger 4 years ago, but the guy who sold me the truck only gave me one key. flat skinny key... anyway the key worked perfect, truck turn on without issue. why can my truck turn on with out the transponder key??... I want to have a transponder key because its became really insecure where I work and leave my truck.... I do have an aftermarket alarm (Viper). But I will be more calmed to know that my truck have an "extra" anti-theft protection.

thanks to anyone out there reading this old thread.!!

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2005 Ranger Edge V6 4.0lts SOHC 2wd T-bars
Toyos Open Country M/T 265/75/16s
2 10" Pioneer subs, 4ch Kenwood amp, Kenwood HU
Bedliner

Check inside the steering column. I wouldn't be surprised if the OP placed the transponder key up in there to "bypass" the system (or as part of the security system - see below).

Also did you install the Viper system or was it installed by the PO? The older Viper systems required a physical transponder key to be installed inside their module as well. I would check those security components......

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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

05's didnt have a transponder key

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2017 Ford Fiesta ST
2014 Ford Escape Titanium Ecoboost AWD

Dammmit!!!! I knew that - I'm getting rusty......lol


I even posted about that in the past (Year by year breakdown): http://www.fordrangerforum.com/1454288-post5.html


I'm getting old.

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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

That was weird I had to look it up. v6 '99 to '04, none in '05, '06 and up all models. Wonder why they skipped '05.