Program Ford Keys

Program Ford keys made easy. All the information you need to know how to program a new Ford key without the original, how to make a duplicate, which keys you can program yourself, procedures, what you should know before and more.

 

 

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

• This page is relevant for programming All Ford, Lincoln & Mercury keys and remotes. 

 

 

In this article:

Introduction to programming Ford keys and remotes key fobs

Ford keyless entry remotes – All you need to know

PATS 1-5 Systems – What are they? How does it help us program a new Ford key?

Tips for programming your new key

The actual procedure of programming a new Ford key(PATS1 only)

How to add a duplicate Ford key once you already have a working key?(PATS1)

How to add a duplicate Ford key once you already have a working key?(PATS2-5)

How to program Ford key fobs or remotes?

What can I do to save money on getting a duplicate or a new Ford remote/key made?

Ford key/remote replacement programming cost.

I already have a programmed key/remote, I just need a duplicate – Ford duplicate key/remote  cost

How to program a keyless entry remote for Ford models? All you need to know

 

Introduction:

Making a new key for Ford models takes time and money. While cutting the actual key require help from an outside source like the dealer or an automotive locksmith, programming the key can be done easily. The process of making a new key to start the car involved, basically, two phases:

 

A. Cutting a new key :

That means cutting a blank key to match the ignition and will be able to turn the ignition to “ON” or “RUN” position.  You can call the dealer or a locksmith to cut the key for you. Keep in mind, you will have to provide proof of ownership and the VIN number.

 

B. Program the key –

Most of Ford models made in the past 20 years are equipped with some sort of transponder security feature.

That security feature requires an additional action (programming the key) to start the car.

Either a locksmith or a dealer can program the key for you if you choose to.

However, the car will have to be towed there.

Alternatively, for some models, you can do it yourself. The instruction below shows you how to program the new key yourself without any special equipment or help from an outside source.

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

 

IMPORTANT:

Programming a new key when you do not have a working key only possible for Models with a PATS1 system. (Here is the list of models that have PATS1 system: Ford Contour 97-98, Expedition 97-98,(optional transponder), Mustang 96-97(optional transponder), Mystique 97-2000 optional transponder), Navigator 1998, Sable 96-97(optional transponder), Taurus 96-97.

The most common keys that PATS1 uses are H72-PT and H73PT. The rest of the transponder keys are for PATS2-5.

Adding a duplicate or creating an additional key is possible for all models.

Back to top

 

A step by step on how to program a new Ford key when all keys are lost, troubleshooting, what you should know and more.

 

Some Ford models can be programmed without any special machine. Those models are equipped with a security system called PATS1. Models that are equipped with security systems PATS2-5 require a special programming machine if all keys are lost.

Therefore, if your car is equipped with a PATS1 system and you already have a cut key for any of these makes or models, you can program it yourself without calling a locksmith or tow the car to the dealer.

Here we will give detailed instructions on how to program a new key, what you should pay attention to, troubleshooting, and useful tips that can save you a lot of money and time.

Need to get a key first? Order it Here 

Back to top

 

A few tips before you start the process of programming a new car key for Ford models: PATS1 ONLY!

A. Once you program a new key, ALL previous keys will be erased and won’t start the car.

In other words, if you find your old key after programming the new one, it will not work.

Therefore, we highly recommend having at least two new cut keys and program them both.

B. Programming Ford keys require about 50 minutes of battery life, without the car being on.

Therefore, it is very important to make sure you have enough juice in the battery before starting the process. In case the battery dies during the process, the new master key will not program and you will have to start the procedure all over again.

C. While Ford models with a PATS1 system can be programmed with this method, we would recommend verifying the type of key with a locksmith or an additional reliable source that it is the right key.

 

D. There are a few transponder keys (H72-PT, H73-PT, H74-PT, H86-PT, H92-PT, H94-PT) that work on Ford models. You must have the right type of transponder key that matches your model and year.

Otherwise, the key will not program. You can check the right key for the exact make and model here.

 

E. Most H72-PT and H73-PT are used for PATS1 systems(older models, usually 96-99). The rest are used for PATS2-5 systems.

Need Help? Call Us Now: 800-223-1453 

Or Click to Get a New Key online

Back to top

 

Here is the procedure you should follow to program a new Ford TRANSPONDER  key – without the original for PATS1 cars only:

1. Insert the new cut and unprogrammed key you have into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the “ON” position. Make sure you look at the dash as the security/theft light should flash as you turn the key. If the security light doesn’t illuminate it means you have a problem with your battery and you should charge or replace it.
2. Once the security light flashes, it will stay on for fifteen minutes. We suggest you have a stopwatch as well because the next step will have to happen within three minutes and you don’t want to miss that.
3. After the first 15 minutes, the security light will stop flashing, within three minutes, you should turn the ignition cylinder into “OFF” position and then back to “ON” again. The security light on the dash should flash for an additional fifteen minutes and then go off.
4. Within three minutes, turn the ignition cylinder into “OFF” position and then back to “ON” again. The security light on the dash should flash for an additional 15 minutes and then go off.
5. Once the security light goes off after the 3^rd time (total 45 minutes) the new key should be programmed and start the car. Keep in mind, ALL other keys will not work anymore. Now you can start the car. We highly recommend making a copy of the key.

Back to top

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

Or Click to Get a New Key online

 

I already have a working key, I just want to make a duplicate. What is the procedure of programming an extra duplicate key?

The process of making a duplicate key, when you already have two or more working keys is fairly easy and therefore we recommend doing so.

Once again, there is a difference between PATS1 system and PATS2-5.

The more common models are PATS 2-5 and we will start with those keys first.

 

Here is what you will need to add a duplicate Ford key for PATS2-5:

1. Two already programmed and working keys.
2. A cut key that you wish to program – make sure it has the right transponder value as your other key.
3. You can program up to eight additional keys for each vehicle using the PATS2-5 system.

 

Here are the steps you should take to program an additional Ford key:

1. insert your first original key – One of the two keys that currently you are able to start the car with into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to “ON” position for one second and after to “OFF” position.
3. Remove the first original key from the ignition cylinder.
4. Repeat step 2 with the second already programmed key.
5. Now you have five seconds to do the next step.
6. Insert the key you want to duplicate into the ignition cylinder and turn it to “ON” position.
7. Take a look at the security light. It should go on for about 2 seconds which will indicate the new key has been successfully programmed.
8. repeat steps 1-7 for each additional key you would like to duplicate.

 

Here is what you will need to add a duplicate Ford key for PATS1:

1. One already programmed and working key.
2. A cut key that you wish to program – make sure it has the right transponder value as your other key.
3. You can program up to sixteen additional keys for each vehicle using the PATS1 system.

Here are the steps you should take to program an additional Ford key:

1. insert your original key – The key that currently you are able to start the car with into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to “ON” position for one second and after to “OFF” position.
3. Remove the original key from the ignition cylinder.
4. Now you have five seconds to do the next step.
5. Insert the key you want to duplicate into the ignition cylinder and turn it to “ON” position.
6. Take a look at the security light. It should go on for about 2 seconds which will indicate the new key has been successfully programmed.
7. repeat steps 1-6 for each additional key you would like to duplicate.

Back to top

 

 

How to program Ford key fobs or remotes?

Ford remote car keys, also known as key fobs, smart keys or push to start keys, are the latest generation of security car keys.

Therefore, onboard programming or self-programming is not available for these type of keys or remotes and additional equipment or programming/coding machine is necessary to complete this process.

An automotive locksmith or the dealer will have to connect this machine to the car’s computer and only then a duplicate or a new key can be made.

Below, a few examples of Ford remote key fobs that require programming machine:

 

Below, an example of programming machines, used by the dealer or an automotive locksmith to program Ford remote key fobs:

 

 

Back to top

 

How can I save money on getting a duplicate or a new Ford key/remote made?

As we explained above, the process of getting a new key involves cutting the new key and program it.

When you call a locksmith or the dealer, they will charge you for a service call, the actual key, the labor of cutting the key and programming.

Fortunately, you can save the money of the key by ordering it online, and only have them cut and program it. This alone will save you about $50-$100 as the locksmith or the dealer make a profit by selling you the key as well.

True, it may take a longer time to get the key from Amazon but if you are not in a big rush or need a key ASAP, we recommend you do that. This is especially true if you only need a duplicate made.

Bottom line, how and what should I do?

1. Order your key online – Make sure you get the right key. In case you get the wrong key or remote programming will not be possible. You can look up your exact key for your Ford model Here. Simply choose your model and year and get it online. You can order your key here.
2. Call the dealer or locksmith – Explain to them you already have the key/remote and would only like it to be cut and/or programmed. Ask them for the quote on this procedure only.
3. In addition, keep in mind, the process usually costs somewhere between $80-$150, depends on the type of key/remote you have.
4. Finally, schedule a time with them to have it done. Remember to provide them with the exact year, make and model, VIN number and make sure you have proof of ownership.

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

Or Click to Get a New Key online

Back to top

 

Ford remote programming cost – How much does it cost to program a new Ford transponder key and remote.

As stated above, getting your Ford key online and having the dealer or an automotive locksmith program it for you can save you a lot of money. If you need to order your key, you can do it HERE.

Programming a new Ford key, assuming you already have a blank key, basically involves two phases:

 

1. Cutting the key or remote so it will fit your car’s ignition.

Before the key can be programmed, it needs to be cut to fit your car. The way an automotive locksmith or the dealership do that is by “pulling” the key code, using your VIN from the database. This costs them money and therefore, they charge you for it. (Unlike when you already have a cut key and just need a duplicate)

 

2. Program the key or remote – To actually start the car.

The programming procedure is simply a process to let your car know that the new key is “authorized” to start the car. That being done by connecting a programming machine to your car’s computer.

Both the dealer and an automotive locksmith will have to do the same thing, however, the prices vary:

Cost of programming Ford key by the dealer:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Ford car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $80

Programming the key: Usually around $100

In addition, you will have to two your car to the dealer which is an additional expanse of $70(estimate)

Total estimated cost: $250

 

Cost of programming Ford key by an automotive locksmith:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Ford car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day, etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, the same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $70

Programming the key: Usually around $90

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50

Total estimated cost: $210

In conclusion, as you can see, the price of replacing and programming your Ford key is not cheap and therefore we highly recommend making an extra key while replacing your key as it is much cheaper than making a new one in case you lost all your keys.

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

Or Click to Get a New Key online

Back to top

 

I already have a programmed key or remote, I just need a duplicate – Ford duplicate key /remote cost

 

As stated above, some Ford keys for older models can be self-programmed. However, newer generation keys and remotes can only be programmed or duplicated with a programming machine.

The price of making a duplicate Ford key is cheaper than making an original key when all keys are lost for two main reasons:

1. You already have a cut key – That means no need to “pull” code from the database.
2. Your car’s computer already “knows” that one key is authorized to start the car and therefore we can use that key to add some more. (Note that not in all models and years it’s possible)

 

Here is the average cost of getting a duplicate Ford key by the dealership and an automotive locksmith:

Cost of duplicate a Ford key by the dealer:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Ford car.

Cutting the key: Usually around $10

Programming the key: Usually around $100

Total estimated cost: $110

 

Cost of duplicate a Ford key by an automotive locksmith:

These are average costs, as it really depends on the year and model of your Ford car, your location(as a locksmith will come to you) time of day, etc.

We checked the prices during regular business hours, the same as we did with the dealer, and here are the results:

Cutting the key: Usually around $10

Programming the key: Usually around $90

In addition, an automotive locksmith usually charges a service call or a trip charge which is usually about $50 or you can drive your car to the locksmith shop and save this expanse which we obviously recommend

Total estimated cost: $100

Back to top

Call Now: 800-223-1453 

Or Click to Get a New Key online

 

Useful links:

Ford main page

Order online