OEM Key Fob vs aftermarket for Ford F-150

[andersonjk4]

After an unfortunate incident in which my pickup keys were run over by my wife on the riding lawn mower, I am in need of replacement key fobs.  It looks like OEM fobs from Ford parts run about $55.  I am seeing lots of ads for aftermarket fobs for considerably less.  Has anyone used any of the aftermarket fobs?  Pickup is a 2007 F-150 for reference.   

[BULLBLASTER]

  I know it's not really funny... But it kind of is.  id probably just get oem replacement. I don't have any experience with aftermarket ones tho. Do you still have a set that isn't mulched?

Better question is, how do you get the wife to mow tha lawn?

[KFhunter]

programming might be your issue

[Buckmark]

Have used quite a few for my customers with no issues so far, they come with instructions on how to program and is really easy.
I would buy from a local parts house and not online or ebay 

[andersonjk4]

I know it's not really funny... But it kind of is.  id probably just get oem replacement. I don't have any experience with aftermarket ones tho. Do you still have a set that isn't mulched?

Better question is, how do you get the wife to mow tha lawn?

I am totally fobless right now.  I ruined the first one several years ago after a soaking wet 4-wheeler ride.  I never could get it to work after that and now I can't even find it.  The other one was a total loss.  Big John Deere riders with mulching decks don't leave much behind.   

And to get your wife to mow the lawn you need to have a baby that she stays home with and have a nice riding lawn mower.  She considers it her "alone time". I get home from work and she hands me the baby, grabs a hard cider and hops on the John Deere.  So Chris all you need to do is knock up your wife and drop about $1500 on a nice mower and you'll be in business.   

[andersonjk4]

Have used quite a few for my customers with no issues so far, they come with instructions on how to program and is really easy.
I would buy from a local parts house and not online or ebay 

Do auto parts stores like Napa or Auto Zone carry aftermarket fobs? 

[quadrafire]

Anderson
Stop by here when you're in town. They made me a couple of chipped keys recently and will program them right there at curbside.
https://www.alliedfireandsecurity.com/spokane-security-systems-locksmiths-safes/

Great customer service

[quadrafire]

Oh I mis-read your need of a FOB vs key. I don't know if they had the Fob or not? Sorry.
Maybe give em a shout anyway to see.

[andersonjk4]

Oh I mis-read your need of a FOB vs key. I don't know if they had the Fob or not? Sorry.
Maybe give em a shout anyway to see.

Thanks for the info.  I will give them a call. Somehow my keys survived the lawn mower unharmed. One key ring and the fob were totally destroyed but not a mark on my ignition key, or house key. 

[Buckmark]

Have used quite a few for my customers with no issues so far, they come with instructions on how to program and is really easy.
I would buy from a local parts house and not online or ebay 

Do auto parts stores like Napa or Auto Zone carry aftermarket fobs?

Yes,
Dorman is the brand i would buy, part #13798

[quadrafire]

I don't know about the '07, but for the '14 F-150 you need 2 working fobs to reprogram a new one. OR go to the dealer or a business that has the computer to do it.

[andersonjk4]

I don't know about the '07, but for the '14 F-150 you need 2 working fobs to reprogram a new one. OR go to the dealer or a business that has the computer to do it.

That was the other part I was worried about.  I watched some programming videos on YouTube and they were all using an original fob while programming.  Unfortunately I might have to go to the dealer and drop $50+ for each fob.   

[quadrafire]

I don't know about the '07, but for the '14 F-150 you need 2 working fobs to reprogram a new one. OR go to the dealer or a business that has the computer to do it.

That was the other part I was worried about.  I watched some programming videos on YouTube and they were all using an original fob while programming.  Unfortunately I might have to go to the dealer and drop $50+ for each fob.   

Allied has the computer as mine needed it as well. Not sure if they carry the Fobs though?

[andersonjk4]

I don't know about the '07, but for the '14 F-150 you need 2 working fobs to reprogram a new one. OR go to the dealer or a business that has the computer to do it.

That was the other part I was worried about.  I watched some programming videos on YouTube and they were all using an original fob while programming.  Unfortunately I might have to go to the dealer and drop $50+ for each fob.   

I just called them.  They can program some fobs, but do not carry replacement fobs.
Allied has the computer as mine needed it as well. Not sure if they carry the Fobs though?

[Buckmark]

I am pretty sure on your 2007 you can program it without a previous remote needed...

[andersonjk4]

I am pretty sure on your 2007 you can program it without a previous remote needed...

I just watched some more youtube videos and I think you are correct.  I looked up some Dorman dealers.  I am going to give it a try.  Thanks