Programming a 3rd key fob on a 2023 Ford Expedition

[n8mojo]

I just added the PremiumCare warranty and the lighting coverage (platinum lighting), but I did not add the key fob warranty. My thinking was that instead, I could buy a third fob (possibly a third-party one) and program it myself.

From what I’ve researched, if you have at least two working fobs, you can program an additional fob using a few simple steps in the vehicle—without dealer involvement. The idea would be to keep a third fob stored safely. If I ever lose one, I could buy a replacement fob and reprogram it myself, while still maintaining two active fobs. As a bonus, I’d always have a backup on hand.

Is this thinking sound?

• Is it true that as long as you always have two working fobs, you can reprogram/add another one yourself?
• Can you keep a third fob programmed so that you’re protected if one is lost later?

Also, since this would really just be a “backup-backup,” do you have any recommendations for a reliable third-party fob?

The part number for my fob is M3N-A3C108397

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I just added the PremiumCare warranty and the lighting coverage (platinum lighting), but I did not add the key fob warranty. My thinking was that instead, I could buy a third fob (possibly a third-party one) and program it myself.

From what I’ve researched, if you have at least two working fobs, you can program an additional fob using a few simple steps in the vehicle—without dealer involvement. The idea would be to keep a third fob stored safely. If I ever lose one, I could buy a replacement fob and reprogram it myself, while still maintaining two active fobs. As a bonus, I’d always have a backup on hand.

Is this thinking sound?

• Is it true that as long as you always have two working fobs, you can reprogram/add another one yourself?
• Can you keep a third fob programmed so that you’re protected if one is lost later?

Also, since this would really just be a “backup-backup,” do you have any recommendations for a reliable third-party fob?

The vehicle owner’s manual for my 2015 Expedtion had instructions on how to program a new OEM fob to the vehicle, using the two original fobs (keyless start).

Does the manual for your year have these instructions?

I bought a new OEM (third) fob from a Ford dealer and successfully programmed it. I have no advice on an aftermarket fob - other than to use OEM. The new OEM Ford fob also required a separate “emergency key” for the fob, which the dealer cut for me.

 

[n8mojo]

I'm looking at used OEM key fobs, but there's some suggestions out there that you can't program it once it's programmed. Of course a NEW, OEM FOB is the best option, but I don't need the best option in this case. Maybe if I actually lost my original FOB i'd get an OEM. This is just a backup to program.

Any ways, I'm debating a used OEM key fob, or 3rd party. The goal is to program it myself. I can get the key cut at a locksmith.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I'm looking at used OEM key fobs, but there's some suggestions out there that you can't program it once it's programmed. Of course a NEW, OEM FOB is the best option, but I don't need the best option in this case. Maybe if I actually lost my original FOB i'd get an OEM. This is just a backup to program.

Any ways, I'm debating a used OEM key fob, or 3rd party. The goal is to program it myself. I can get the key cut at a locksmith.

There have been posts on this forum that a used OEM Ford fob (already programmed to one vehicle) cannot be programmed to a different vehicle UNLESS it and the other fobs are erased using Ford’s computer, then all of them reprogrammed to the new vehicle.

 

[AWAR]

I purchased new aftermarket fobs for my 03 Navigator. The electronics did not work correctly and looked completely different inside. The aftermarket circuit board was very simple compared to the OEM board. I only used the case and buttons with an OEM inside. I have to have two programmed keys so I can program more for my vintage suvs.

 

[Trainmaster]

I've always cut and programmed my own keys. I just bought a 2023 that came with two keys. I always make a spare. So I ordered a used OEM Ford key, cut it and programmed it per the instructions in the Owners' Manual.

Any two operable keys can produce a third. Or a fourth or a fifth...

Keys are not "programmed" to the car. The car programs to recognize the key. There are a finite number of keys that can be programmed to each car. Not sure how many Ford permits, but I have had more than six keys for one Ford.

The $12 Chinese knock-offs work, sometimes. I've had luck with them maybe 80% of the time. They are of poor quality though and sometimes the plastic breaks or they work unreliably. Best dependable results are with OEM Ford keys. Also beware that many different keys have the same appearance. You need the correct key for the specific car.

To complicate matters, some "Hardware Stores" offer "cloned keys". These duplicate the signal provided by a working key. These need a battery to operate. The OEM style keys will start a car without a battery and only contain a passive coil or "chip" as people call it.

 

[bwoirhaye]

I bought a "used OEM" key fob off eBay. It's uncut and looks new but has ford branding. I programmed it easily via the instructions in my 2023 manual with no problems.

 

[n8mojo]

Well I ordered this fob from NorthCoastKeyLess

2023-2024 FordExpedition 5-Button Smart Key Fob Remote (FCC: M3N-A3C108397, P/N: 164-R8355) - New​

…after 5 attempts I finally was able to program the key myself using my two good fobs. So for $90 I have an extra key!

For those programming their key using the two good keys in the cupholder system, be patient but be quick. I had - number of “failed to program” notices on the dash after running through the procedure… but I persisted and it finally worked. Can’t say I know why. Maybe the key orientation or timing.

 

[bocabimmer]

I bought one off Amazon. Programming with the 2 keys in the cupholder method had mixed results - I can start the car but not unlock it for some unknown reason. It’s my backup spare key so it’s not a huge deal, but annoying that I would have to use the keypad to unlock, then allow the fob to start the car.