TextHow Ford Secured Your Excursion
Early PATS with Texas 4C Chip
Ford stepped things up here by equipping the Excursion with the PATS immobilizer system right from launch. Your key is a standard blade transponder with a Texas 4C chip inside, paired with a 3-button remote head for lock, unlock, and panic. Two FCC IDs were used in these years, CWTWB1U345 and CWTWB1U331, so the exact remote matters when ordering a replacement.
Streamlined to One FCC ID
Ford simplified the remote lineup and standardized on FCC ID CWTWB1U345 for these model years. The Texas 4C transponder chip and PATS system stayed identical. Everything else, the standard blade, CR2032 battery, and 3-button layout, carried over unchanged.
Final Production Years
The last Excursions rolled off the line still using the same proven Texas 4C chip and PATS immobilizer. Ford kept the key system consistent across the entire production run, which makes replacement straightforward for us. On-board programming for the remote fob and professional PATS tools for the transponder chip; same process as every other year.
Which Key Does Your Excursion Use?
A metal key with a built-in Texas 4C transponder chip and a 3-button remote on top. The blade starts the engine while the chip communicates with the PATS system to verify it is the right key. FCC IDs for these years are CWTWB1U345 or CWTWB1U331.
Same style remote head key with a Texas 4C chip inside. Ford narrowed it down to one FCC ID for these years: CWTWB1U345. The key turns the ignition while the embedded chip tells the PATS module it is authorized to start the engine.
Identical to the 2002-2003 key. Standard blade, Texas 4C transponder chip, 3-button remote, FCC ID CWTWB1U345. If your fob shell is cracked or the buttons are worn through, we can set you up with a fresh one and program it right in your driveway.
Pricing by Generation
Price includes key cutting, Texas 4C transponder programming, remote fob setup, and on-site service anywhere in Ventura County.
EZ Car Keyz vs. the Dealer
Your Excursion key costs roughly half what the dealer charges, and you never leave your driveway.
Skip the Dealer - Call (805) 790-8162Common Excursion Key Problems
Fob Programming Timing Failure
Excursion remote programming needs precise timing: OFF to ON multiple times in about 10 seconds, ending ON. Too slow and the system never enters programming mode. We carry Ford IDS and Autel IM608 to do it through OBD-II when the on-board method fights you.
Transponder Not Recognized
New key, turn it, theft light flashes, no crank. Common Excursion call in Oxnard and Camarillo from owners who bought a blank online. Remote buttons self-program; the transponder chip needs PATS tools for immobilizer registration. That is our part.
Incompatible Fob Frequency
Sometimes the fob is fine but the frequency is wrong. Cheap aftermarket remotes ship at 315MHz. If the FCC ID does not match CWTWB1U345 (or CWTWB1U331 for 2000-2001), the remote may program without error but work intermittently or never. We verify FCC first.
Can You Program It Yourself?
You can program the remote fob buttons yourself using the ignition cycle method. No tools needed, just precise timing. However, the transponder chip that actually lets the engine start requires either two existing programmed keys for the PATS two-key relearn, or professional equipment like Ford IDS. If you have lost all your keys, self-programming is not an option and you will need us.
How It Works
Call or Text Us
Reach us at (805) 790-8162.
We Drive to You
Wherever you are in Ventura County, from Thousand Oaks to Ventura to Moorpark, we come to your location.
Cut and Program Your Key
We cut the standard blade to match your Excursion's ignition, then program the Texas 4C transponder chip through the OBD port using Autel IM608 or Ford IDS.
Related Services
Did You Know?
The Ford Excursion shares its U-platform with the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. Because of this, the PATS immobilizer system is identical across all three vehicles, making the key systems cross-compatible. Ford essentially took a Super Duty chassis, added a fully enclosed body with seating for up to nine passengers, and created the largest SUV ever offered by a major American manufacturer.
KEY REPLACEMENT ACROSS ALL OF VENTURA COUNTY
We come to you, anywhere in Ventura County. No shop visit, no towing. Our mobile locksmith arrives at your home, office, or roadside.
Ford Key Programming Live
Watch us program a Ford smart key through the PATS system.
Ford Key Replacement Call Now
F-150 to Mustang, every Ford covered across Ventura County. Call now.
