How Ford car keys and key fobs are programmed, by model year, what you can sometimes do yourself, and when a mobile automotive locksmith is the faster, safer choice. Dealerkeys programs Ford keys on site across East Tennessee.
Ford uses a different key system for older and newer vehicles. Find your vehicle below.
Method: On-Board Key / Remote Programming
For Remotes: Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN (locks cycle). Press any button on remote. For Transponders: Insert Key 1, turn ON for 3 sec, remove. Insert Key 2, turn ON for 3 sec, remove. Insert New Key, turn ON, security light solid for 3 sec.
Note: Requires 2 already-programmed working keys to program a 3rd transponder key yourself. If 2 keys are not available, OBD2 programming is required.
Method: OBD2 / PATS / Intelligent Access
Requires OBD2 diagnostic programmer (Autel, Advanced Diagnostics MVP/Smart Pro) to program 80-bit and Intelligent Access smart keys.
Note: Timed security access delay (approx. 10 minutes) applies on many Ford models during key addition.
This guide is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we will tell you what yours needs.
Looking for a full walkthrough? See our 2017–2019 Ford F-150 all keys lost guide.
Some older Ford models (F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Taurus, Ranger, 1998–2010) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Ford vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
Dealerkeys is a mobile automotive locksmith with more than 26 years of experience and over 150,000 vehicles serviced across East Tennessee. For an all-keys-lost Ford, we pick the lock if needed, make a new key, and program it at your vehicle. We quote the price first, and we make a key only after you show ID and proof of ownership. See our dead key fob guide if the car just will not start with your fob, or mail-in module repair for BCM, ECU and TIPM trouble.
The year, make and model of the vehicle, the VIN if you can read it through the windshield, and where the vehicle is parked. Tell us how many keys you have left, if any, and what kind of key you want. Plan to be with the vehicle, with your ID and registration, title or other proof of ownership.
Some older Ford models (F-150, Explorer, Mustang, Taurus, Ranger, 1998–2010) list an on-board method above. Even where one exists, it usually needs a working key or remote to start it, it differs by model and trim, and it often programs the remote only, not a chip key. Newer Ford vehicles, and any key whose chip the car must recognize, need a diagnostic programming tool.
We come to you, open the vehicle if it is locked, make a new key for your Ford and program it on site, so there is no tow to a dealer. You need to be with the vehicle, with ID and proof of ownership.
It depends on the model, the year and the type of key. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we quote the price before any work begins.
We dispatch to your vehicle in these areas and the towns around them:
