I have an 09 Ford Escape Hybrid for a tow vehicle.I have to turn the ignition switch to unlock the steering wheel for towing. My question is, instead of using the factory key that has a chip in it for anti theft. Can I have a key made for just unlocking the wheel? If so, will it hurt anything on the car not to have a key in the ignition that doesn't have the chip? I only want to use the key when towing. ThanksBrian

Did you get a valet key with your car; which opens the door if the entry system fails? If you did, try the key in the ignition to see if it'll unlock the steering column. Otherwise, check with the dealer to see if there is an alternative.

Check with your owners manual or a knowledgeable Ford service person. On some GM cars, insertion of a non-chipped key will lock the computer system, and will have to to a dealer service department to be unlocked. So, not knowing about your vehicle, my advse would be not to, until you are sure no harm will be done. I used one on my older Ford, but was told by the service manager at Chevy that it would lock up my HHR. I haven't tried. I do know that if the battery on the HHR goes down, the gear shift will lock, and there is no way except a jump starter to get it loose.

Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic and have him remove the steering wheel lock pin. Then you will no longer need a key when towing.The steering wheel lock is not required by any law, rule, or regulation that I know of. The removal of the pin should not damage or create problems in any other system in the vehicle.Many (if not most) new vehicles do not have a steering wheel lock!

Johno02 wrote: I do know that if the battery on the HHR goes down, the gear shift will lock, and there is no way except a jump starter to get it loose.John, on your HHR, (Heritage High Roof) you can open the hood and disconnect the gear shift from the tranny and put it in neutral that way. Simply pulling a pin that connects them. You should know this in case you need to move your car for whatever reason, with a failed battery...Dennis

I tow a 2011 Ford Ranger. I also had a non-chip key made just for when the pickup is being towed. 4 bucks.No problems at all. I just can't start the motor when this key in in the slot.The steering wheel is still unlocked. the tranny in neutral, no problems there. Lock the doors with the key fob button or even the chipped key.As far as opening the door (with the non-chip key in the slot)...simply use your chipped key or push the "open" button on the key fob.Works for me every time.My previous "toad" was a 2007 Chevy HHR. Same thing.

Tow vehicle "key" question | Good Sam Community

Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2016
fcooper wrote:
On my older Honda, I use a non chipped key for towing, but simply hold the chipped key against the non chipped key to start the car so I can run it through the gear sequence to prep for towing. This may or may not work on newer vehicles.

Fred

Did the same for my Honda Accord. Haven't looked into what the key cutting would cost on the new CRV we now tow.
supercub
Explorer
Mar 11, 2016
holstein13 wrote:
Why not just leave your regular key in the ignition? Doesn't your '09 Focus Escape have a keypad on the door to unlock the vehicle? Don't you have a second key anyway?

The reason I want an un chipped key is....it's thinner and I can slip in my wallet....tough to do with a chipped key that is about a 1/2 inch thick, Plus, makes it's more difficult for a thief to start the car when I'm away from it when it's being towed.
supercub
Explorer
Mar 11, 2016
wallynm wrote:
We always us a non chip key when towing. We also check the tow bar set and pins before leaving after parking. Do not want some kid to remove the pins.

That's one of the reasons I switched to locking pins, I never had a problem, and I still do a visual check, but just in case I forget, I know the pins are still there.
mikestock
Explorer
Dec 10, 2015
mfox20 wrote:
I just remove the key and lock the doors if I am going to be away from the unit for a while where I can't see it. I also lock at night in the campground. I always do my pre tow routine again anyway if both of us have been away the coach for a little while.

That's about the best option for us CR-V owners. Mine won't even allow me to lock the door when it senses that the key is still in the ignition and the shifter is in the "N" position. You have to take it out to lock the doors.
mfox20
Explorer
Dec 06, 2015
I just remove the key and lock the doors if I am going to be away from the unit for a while where I can't see it. I also lock at night in the campground. I always do my pre tow routine again anyway if both of us have been away the coach for a little while.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Dec 06, 2015
HOLSTEIN13: Your points are well taken BUT....I feel better. An that's what counts. And for 5 bucks? Priceless.
wallynm
Explorer
Dec 05, 2015
We always us a non chip key when towing. We also check the tow bar set and pins before leaving after parking. Do not want some kid to remove the pins.
Dune_Hauler
Explorer
Dec 05, 2015
fcooper wrote:
Dune Hauler wrote:
Yes you can get a key without a transponder chip. For putting the car into tow mode you do not need to start it, so a non-chipped key would not hamper your ability to tow. the transponder only interrupts the starter circuit.

On my older Honda, I use a non chipped key for towing, but simply hold the chipped key against the non chipped key to start the car so I can run it through the gear sequence to prep for towing. This may or may not work on newer vehicles.

Fred

Fred, you found the trick that is hard to explain to others.

off the subject a poor mans fix for cheap transponder key duplication is to epoxy the transponder chip to the inside of the steering column and then use plain keys.
fcooper
Explorer
Dec 04, 2015
Dune Hauler wrote:
Yes you can get a key without a transponder chip. For putting the car into tow mode you do not need to start it, so a non-chipped key would not hamper your ability to tow. the transponder only interrupts the starter circuit.

On my older Honda, I use a non chipped key for towing, but simply hold the chipped key against the non chipped key to start the car so I can run it through the gear sequence to prep for towing. This may or may not work on newer vehicles.

Fred
holstein13
Explorer
Dec 04, 2015
jerseyjim wrote:
Why not leave the "regular key" (chipped key) in the ignition switch? Most likely to prevent theft of the toad. While away from the motorhome/toad combo, having lunch, for instance, it only takes seconds to unhook and go. At least that is why I run the non-chipped key when towing.
I guess it's possible that a thief takes the time to 1) unhook the tow bar, 2) unhook the safety chains, 3) unhook the electrical harness 4) unhook the breakaway cable 5) break into the vehicle without setting off the alarm on the Ford Escape Hybrid 6) turn the key and steal the vehicle.

The thief knows with a lot of certainty that the owners are nearby. A theft is certainly possible within the short period of time and within 100 feet of the owners of the vehicle and within 100 feet of other campers / restaurant patrons, etc. But how likely is that? There were less than 200 Ford Escapes stolen in 2012. Only .83% of all the stolen cars in 2012 were Ford Escapes.

Is it worth the effort of getting a non-chipped key made? I have insurance on my vehicle in the unlikely event that such a theft occurred.