# 1998 Ford Explorer Key programming **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** explorer, ford\ **Created:** [November 18, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-key-programming/57708 "2010-11-18T16:44:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![srblair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@srblair](https://community.cartalk.com/u/srblair)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-key-programming/57708/1 "2010-11-18T16:44:12Z")
I have a '98 Ford Explorer, and intermittenttly, my wife will try and start it with her key, and it it will crank, but not fire. When I insert my key, it starts every time. Is it possible that her key programming is corrupted, and if so, can it be re-programmed? ---
**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-key-programming/57708/2 "2010-11-18T17:35:53Z")
Normally, the PATS keeps the starter from operating too. Anyway, if the key is flaky then reprogramming isn’t going to help, the key should be replaced. Before you do that, check and see if any other PATS keys or other RF devices (besides the car remote) are on her key ring. They can cause problems. Have a new key made, then using your existing two keys, you can program the third key in. The procedure is in your owner’s manual. ---
**Author:** ![srblair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@srblair](https://community.cartalk.com/u/srblair)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 5:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-key-programming/57708/3 "2010-11-18T17:45:50Z")
Thank you.