Key Fob Programming? DIY or Dealership?

[Lou Hamilton]

Anyone know if one can program a replacement key fob yourself or does it need to be done at a dealership.

I found a few videos and write-up but they seem to be for the older generation key fobs where a physical key is involved.

Thanks in advance!


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[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Anyone know if one can program a replacement key fob yourself or does it need to be done at a dealership.

I found a few videos and write-up but they seem to be for the older generation key fobs where a physical key is involved.

Thanks in advance!


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The vehicle owner’s manual had instructions on how to program a third intelligent-key fob for my 2015 Expedition Limited.

I bought a new fob from the dealer and programmed it (the dealer cut the hidden, door key included with the fob).

What does you vehicle owner’s manual say about the fob?

 

[2019ExpeditionMax]

Anyone know if one can program a replacement key fob yourself or does it need to be done at a dealership.

I found a few videos and write-up but they seem to be for the older generation key fobs where a physical key is involved.

Thanks in advance!


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So you can use some scan tools (Advanced ones with bi-directional controls) to do this. However, the easiest way for a DIY is most likely using Forscan if you don't have access to another tool or someone that does.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

The vehicle owner’s manual had instructions on how to program a third intelligent-key fob for my 2015 Expedition Limited.

I bought a new fob from the dealer and programmed it (the dealer cut the hidden, door key included with the fob).

What does you vehicle owner’s manual say about the fob?

It says nothing about programming a new one. Only talks how you can link a preset memory function (seats, steering wheel, etc.) to a specific key fob.


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[Lou Hamilton]

So you can use some scan tools (Advanced ones with bi-directional controls) to do this. However, the easiest way for a DIY is most likely using Forscan if you don't have access to another tool or someone that does.

I have ForScan. Never saw a process for a new key fob. I’ll poke around some more. Thanks.


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[99WhiteC5Coupe]

It says nothing about programming a new one. Only talks how you can link a preset memory function (seats, steering wheel, etc.) to a specific key fob.


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Out of curiosity - I checked Ford’s online owner’s manual for the 2019 Expedition. Instructions were included on page 81 on how the owner can program an additional intelligent key.

 

[2019ExpeditionMax]

I have ForScan. Never saw a process for a new key fob. I’ll poke around some more. Thanks.


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You will need to have two keys to program them, it's a ford thing. It will be part of the PATS system, I believe PATS are in the IPC module for 2019's but I could be wrong. Let us know if you are able to get it.

 

[grumpyoleman]

From 2018 manual

 

[lobsenza]

I have done it. Just follow the instructions. There is a maximum of 4 keys.

 

[Paul M]

From 2018 manual

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You good Sir have won the internet for the day.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

From 2018 manual

...

I did a search on key fob and this did not come up.

Thanks so much!


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[grumpyoleman]

I did a search on key fob and this did not come up.
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No worries. I actually downloaded the PDF version of the 2018 manual from the Ford website for my reference and I snipped the appropriate pages.

 

[Brian Kile]

We own an ACE Hardware store and I cut and program these all day long, for much less than the dealer. So if you don't have both fobs, check your local ACE to get it done. You can look your vehicle up here: https://ace.mykeycounter.com/ and it will show you the pricing for it. They still aren't "cheap" but most of these are OEM fobs as well, not the cheap ones you will see online in many places, and the prices include cutting the emergency key and programming. While I can program many manually, I almost always use our programmer because it it much quicker and easier.

 

[SPE777]

You can program the key fob yourself.
Although to program the key, you have to go to a dealership or somebody who has the computer to program keys with a chip in them.

 

[Gary Waugh]

both Ace and Walmart can cut and reprogram a new key in store ($90 for a 2013 ford edge key), it duplicates the key that you bring in to the store, so the car doesn't need to learn the new key as its an exact copy of the key you copied. Just get it copied and drive away with the new key!! Walmart was slightly cheaper than Ace and had a better selection of keys, but both are good options and much cheaper than a ford stealarship..

 

[Tocapet]

Anyone know if one can program a replacement key fob yourself or does it need to be done at a dealership.

I found a few videos and write-up but they seem to be for the older generation key fobs where a physical key is involved.

Thanks in advance!


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Any good locksmith can do it and charge you less than the dealer. I needed an extra key for my Hyundai. The dealer wanted $365 paid upfront, 2 week wait, special order, etc. Locksmith charged me 250 and did it while I waited. Fords may be less. Probably save more if you go to his shop instead of having him come to you.

 

[bryz_expy]

DIY *if you have two programmed fobs*.

I personally did this when I took ownership of my 2019. Locksmith on eBay sells OEM like new fobs for $49 and new key cut for $20. You send a pic of your key. With two existing fobs you can program a third or fourth. (Owners manual has the steps to follow and took about 5 min)


I did the above to avoid the issue of losing one and being dealer dependent. So technically I have two spares and can always program a new one if I lose my main fob & key.

 

[Tocapet]

Yes, but if you only have one official key, it has to be done with a scanner. Ace hardware can clone you a key for $50, but it can't be used to program another one with the two-key method.

 

[K9BM]

Uh, Village Idiot here--what exactly is the "backup slot"? Is it a hole under one of the front console cupholders? Does it have any other use/function? I've got a 2020 Expedition EL Limited with pushbutton start....

 

[Uturn]

The backup slot is under the rubber insert in the front cup holder. I t has two functions that I am aware of. You can use it to program a spare key if you have two existing keys and if your key fob is dead and will not communicate with the vehicle you can drop it into the backup slot and the vehicle will start.