Boss 302 TracKey in 2025

[mycroft]

I have not checked in on the track key in a LONG time when it comes to aftermarket tuning. Did anyone ever crack the track key setup so that you could have custom tunes with the track key installed and get the extra track apps along with a different tune and run the stock tune with the silver key or 2 custom tunes with the 2 keys? I know you could program each key with its own tune if you wanted to but not with the track apps enabled.

Yes, HPtuners can edit the trackey and normal tunes independently retaining the functionality of both. I tuned my own car with it fairly easily.

Trackey isn't a completely independent tune though, think of it as more like a few additional variables that take the place of the ones in the stock tune.

 

[BackInBlack]

Yes, HPtuners can edit the trackey and normal tunes independently retaining the functionality of both. I tuned my own car with it fairly easily.

Trackey isn't a completely independent tune though, think of it as more like a few additional variables that take the place of the ones in the stock tune.

Is it just the device? And you can put any tune on the red key? Or you need the device AND some kind of special tune?

 

[mycroft]

Is it just the device? And you can put any tune on the red key? Or you need the device AND some kind of special tune?

MPVI3 is the device that connects your computer to the car, hptuners is the manufacturer. Their software (VCM editor) allows you to download and modify your stock tunes and includes the track key parameters.

Trackey isn't a separate tune, it builds on the base tune and adjusts specific parameters that you can use to separate them. But you can't like make trackey E85 and base 93, there are limits. Copperhead PCMs just don't have enough storage for something like that.

It looks like this:

 

[Dave_W]

Did anyone ever crack the track key setup

HP Tuners software supposedly recognizes when TracKey is enabled and can program tunes for each key when it is.

 

[rcald57]

Ford Racing 12-13 Mustang Boss 302 TracKey Calibration with High Flow K&N Air Filter

The highly sought after BOSS TracKey calibration is BACK and with more features than ever before. Recently, an update to Ford software provided the inability to download TracKey at Ford dealerships. This kit comes with a Procal 2 calibration tool with the exclusive TracKey calibration and a...

www.hpashop.com

Might want to call these guys?

 

[Rusty67]

As an IT Engineer, this makes me LOL pretty hard.

 

[rcald57]

Update............I was able to meet two very experienced Ford Techs who are very familiar with the Red Key setup. They spent a couple hrs on my car ( my Trackkey is Enabled ). After talking to legit contacts at FP, it was concluded that the Voucher for my car was never validated, hence the engine will not engage. Only option is maybe at some point FP will open up the program again since it seems that demand is high, The Ford techs stated that maybe getting people to contact FP to potentially change their minds is possible but would need to flood them with calls.

 

[Rusty67]

I'm working on something for this. I'm hoping to have it done by end of February. The ideal for me would be the track key does all the cool functions like launch control and all that and has a good tune but not the actual track key tune because of the lack of knock sensor and such which make it less reliable. Then the regular key would be mostly a regular base factory tune with maybe some QoL improvements in it. If I can get that working, I'll be working with my tuner to build a CA complaint smog legal tune for the regular key and a dedicated tune for the track with the red key. I'll post up if I ever get step 1 done. Step 2 will be after I do the rest of mods.

 

[Mattk01]

Update............I was able to meet two very experienced Ford Techs who are very familiar with the Red Key setup. They spent a couple hrs on my car ( my Trackkey is Enabled ). After talking to legit contacts at FP, it was concluded that the Voucher for my car was never validated, hence the engine will not engage. Only option is maybe at some point FP will open up the program again since it seems that demand is high, The Ford techs stated that maybe getting people to contact FP to potentially change their minds is possible but would need to flood them with calls.

So is there any way to activate the red key if the PCM is already flashed.

 

[Rusty67]

Do you mean flashed with a custom tune?

 

[Mattk01]

The PCM was removed from the car and sent to Ford - the key was never activated at a Ford Dealership or through procal - understanding was that it was just programming the key and could be done anytime - tried to activate at dealership last spring an could not be done. Found out no longer supported. Just would like activate key to existing program. Thank you for reply! MK

 

[Rusty67]

Thats a good question. If the tune is actually on your ECU, you should be able to active it? I can't remember the specifics but its a 2 or 3 step process. One is ECU flash, another is key program and a third is the cluster program to show you that the key is active. I can't remember if the key and cluster are part of the same step or not. The ECU is the first step so you may only need to have the cluster programmed which doesn't require any special codes I don't think. You'd need the Ford software and a VCM2 or VCM3 module to talk to the ECU but I think you'll be able to get it working since your ECU wash flashed by Ford and thats the hard part. It requires a voucher code and Ford isn't selling those anymore.

 

[mwjscn]

The PCM was removed from the car and sent to Ford - the key was never activated at a Ford Dealership or through procal - understanding was that it was just programming the key and could be done anytime - tried to activate at dealership last spring an could not be done. Found out no longer supported. Just would like activate key to existing program. Thank you for reply! MK

I've attached both versions of the TracKey instructions. While they both have the same installation steps, one goes into more detail in the FAQ and features section than the other. It looks like your main hangup point would be if you got a valid voucher code applied to the PCM where IDS could recognize you already had it flashed with the TracKey tune. If you had a dealer open to helping you with the process and a dealer tech can confirm a valid code is present on the PCM, I would imagine they could do the cluster and key programming to activate it.

 

[Mattk01]

I have a valid voucher code- it was one of the original vouchers - It was back when Ford was transitioning to the Procal tool. For awhile Ford said they were discontinuing Trackey vouchers …. Then they came out with Procal. I asked Ford racing at the time how to activate my voucher code and they said send them the PCM along with the voucher and they will take care of it. They also said that my voucher is the last one out there to be flashed. I removed the PCM from the vehicle and sent to Ford along with the voucher. I installed the PCM back in the vehicle and started the car to make sure it ran. It was my understanding at the time that was all I had to do. I thought the chip in the Trackey somehow “talked “ to the PCM. I thought that because the PCM was flashed it would not be a big deal to flash a key - PCM being the main part. I did not know at the time that the key needed flashing. I retired a year ago and now I had time to play with my beautiful car. I could not get the Trackey to be enabled on the cluster. Recently I talked to Ford racing and was told to take it to dealer and they could flash the key. GREAT! Well I decided to call Ford again just to verify what I was told because after reading on line comments I became skeptical. I then talked to a Ford technician who just happened to be the same guy who flashed my PCM years ago. First thing he wanted to know was who told me I could get a Trackey flashed. I told him I did not get the persons name. He then went on to say that he knows of no dealer in the country who can flash a Trackey. The Trackey system was removed from IDS over two years ago. If you lose your Trackey you can get a new key flashed for the PATS system but not the Trackey function. There is no Trackey enablement in the current IDS software. I find that difficult to swallow but thats what it is. Do not lose your Trackey if you want the original Ford calibration system; Lopey idle etc. He said that unless they bring it back there is nothing that can be done. I would never have delayed flashing my key if I knew it was going to disappear. So that’s on me. I thought maybe someone knew a “workaround” the system because the PCM is flashed and I just need the key activated. I thank you gentlemen for your replies. MK

 

[Rusty67]

Since you have the PCM flashed and the track key stuff is unlocked on your ECU, you just need your red key activated as a track key and to have the cluster updated with that info so that it knows when the track key is being used so it can display the message. There is nothing special about the red key other than the color. Any key can be activated to be a track key. The unique ID of the key is what gets registered and when the ECU sees that key has been used to start the car, it will then switch to the track key tables/CAN bus mapping.

If you were in the SoCal area I'd see if I could help you as I've got a VCMII module but it looks like you are in the Mid West. I'm sure someone local to you could help do the 2nd half of the process since the voucher code part has been completed already.

 

[Mattk01]

The Ford tech said the red key can not be activated- I know any key can be programmed but he said programming does not exist for trackey function. The enable Trackey menu is no longer there in the software. Maybe I misunderstood the Ford Tech but he made it sound like if you lost your key and needed another one Ford dealers can not help you beyond the PATS system. Even if your PCM is capable you lose your Trackey function forever on that vehicle. That is the part that sounds crazy. A lost key and you’re doomed. I will try to find someone around here - maybe guys by the Joliet autobahn know something. If not I will treat you for a trip to Chicago. Thanks MK.

 

[Rusty67]

This is the first time I've head of Ford actually removing the ability to do it from their IDS software. Ford may not allow you to do it in the current version of their software but if you find the right person with access to the older version of the Ford software, there is no reason your key can't be enabled for Track Key use. Just need the right VCM module and IDS software version. It is a shame if Ford really did remove that functionality.

 

[Mattk01]

I was very surprised when I heard that - could understand not selling vouchers anymore but to stop support for a key that affects the cars functionality for something you already purchased does not seem reasonable. Anyway - That’s what I was hoping - to find the right person - Thanks for the replies. MK