Hi,

I've just bought a 2008 model 57 plate Ford Focus Style (face-lifted version)

It comes with 2 keys. One is a 3 button remote and the other is a non-remote key. The non-remote key can be used for all functions including starting the engine. Neither of the keys has any colour codings or part/serial number specified on it. The non-remote key has a small red mark on the key blade. However I am not sure whether this is a coding or just some discolouration.

I would like to obtain a spare key for the car, hopefully of e-bay, as my local ford dealer is quoting £175 + Vat for it (£85 for key and £90 for programming).

I understand this involes 3 things:-

1) Sourcing a 3 button fob.

2) Getting a blank key blade and then having it cut.

3) Programming the key

Please could anybody advice regarding the following:-

1) Identifying the right key fob.

Since there is no colour coding, comments on the Internet indicate that this is a carbon chipped key. Is this correct? If so, is there still a model number I need to validate before purchasing one? Is there any way I can get this model # without opening the key (as I dont want to risk damaging it). A search on e-bay for Ford Focus carbon chip key did not yield any results.

2) Getting a blank blade. I was told that the blade needs to be sourced from Ford as it communicates with the immobiliser to start the car? Is this correct? Hence can it only be purchased from a main dealer, or can I purchase this from ebay as well? Does the blade need any programming?

3) My owners manual gives key programming instructions which seem rather straight forward. So is there any reason why I need to depend on Ford to do this?

I have read previous posts on HJ on this subject, but they seem to deal with the previous models of Fords with the colour coded keys. Not sure if it is applicable for Focus III.

Thanks in advance and apologies for the long post.