I bought an 02 3.0 XLT last March and I finally got annoyed enough to go out and buy a spare key since it only came with one. Called the local dealer ship and it would be $40 for the key and $150 for programming and it would take about an hour and a half. Also found out it was apparently equipped with the security system unlike my 99 ranger. Compare that to $14 when I got a spare for my 05 Silverado. My truck isn’t equipped with power door locks so it doesn’t have a fob. How would I program the key to start the truck? I couldn’t find a good video online for one in that era

 

If you google up "programing a Ford Ranger Pats Key, you'll find that if you are trying to add another key, it can be done, but you MUST have two keys already to initiate the procedure for the spare / third key.
If you only have one key, the procedure won't work, and you'll likely have to take it to a dealer, or possibly a locksmith who has the proper equipment.
A Pats key blank is only about 10 bucks, but without 2 original or working keys, you can't program it yourself. A hardware store can cut it to match your original, but don't try to use it to start the truck without programing it...you can shut down the system and truck will have to be towed.
With 2 original keys, programing a third takes only a minute inside the truck.
The "security" system dealer referred to is simply the Pats system....simply a passive security system where the vehicle won't start without the proper chipped key programed to the vehicle. Doesn't require a fob or power locks...it's just for the ignition.

 

Look at Forscan software, you do need a laptop and OBD2 laptop cable to use it, but it does alot of stuff not just adding keys

What you can do with Forscan is to erase all keys in memory, have to do that, and then add at least 2 keys back, minimum
The erase part is good in case you lost a key or have an ex with a key
The key could still open the door but couldn't start the vehicle

Almost any locksmith can also sell you a new PATS key, cut it and then add it to your vehicle, its not a Dealer specific service

And almost any locksmith can CLONE your current working key, they use a "blank" PATS key and cut it to match current key
Then they "read" your current keys RFID tag number, copy it and then load it onto the "blank" PATS key
So as far as the vehicle is concerned these two keys are the same key
No vehicle access is needed, just your current working key

A cloned key does not qualify as a 2nd key for Forscan or "adding" a 3rd key, but it works just fine for starting

 

I find it interesting that your dealer was even willing to do it. I broke my key off while I was three hours away from home, and three hours away from my spare. The Ford dealer in the town I was in wouldn't even touch something as old as my truck.

 

Do you know if swapping the lock cylinder would allow me to use another set of keys on it? I have a 99 that I probably won't get around to fixing in my driveway and it has 3 keys to it compared to 1 with my newer ranger. It doesn't look like a hard process, I'm just not sure about it since it has the PATS thing.

 

I don't know why they wouldn't. Seems like easy money if the technician is getting paid per job.

 

You can swap key cylinders but would still need the 3 1999 PATS keys added(programmed) to your computers memory, or it won't recognize them
1999-2004 Ranger all used PATS #15 type keys so they would work

Swap door locks as well if you do this, so same keys for doors and ignition