How to Reset the Remote Key Fob on a Ford
by Allen Moore
The remote entry fob from Ford Motor Company is a convenience device that allows you to lock or unlock your Ford’s doors from a distance without a key. The remotes work on a preprogrammed radio signal that transmits to a receiver inside the vehicle. It is possible for the remote to lose its program, which will render it useless. In this event, you will need to reprogram the fob to once again communicate with your Ford.
Step 1
Place the key in the ignition and leave it in the beginning position, known as the off position. Make sure that you have all the fobs for this vehicle before continuing, as any fobs that are not reprogrammed at this time will not work with the vehicle until they are reprogrammed with the other fobs.
Step 2
Lock and unlock the doors from the door lock master switch on the driver door. This activates the lock system. You will have ten minutes to complete the reprogramming from this point. If you do not successfully reprogram all the fobs before that time is up, you will need to cycle the locks again.
Step 3
Turn the key from the off position to the run position (the position right before you actually crank the starter) and then back to the off position seven times. You will need to use a rhythm here, making each forward and backward motion occur in roughly the same amount of time. On the seventh cycle, leave the key in the run position. The door locks should all cycle now, as if you pushed the lock and unlock button. Once this occurs, the lock system is in program mode.
Step 4
Push either the lock or unlock button on the first fob you wish to program. The locks should respond to that command. Repeat this with each fob you have until all have been programmed.
Step 5
Turn the key back to the off position and then test each fob to make sure that they work the locks. If one doesn't work, repeat the procedure.
Tips
- Different models and years may require the key to be turned back and forth as few as four times and as many as eight, however seven is the predominant number.
- This procedure works with the majority of Ford models of various years. A limited number cannot be reprogrammed in this manner. If your vehicle does not respond to this programming, you will need to visit a Ford dealer to have the fobs reprogrammed.
Things You'll Need
- Remote fobs
- Ignition key
Writer Bio
Allen Moore's career includes awards in poetry and creative fiction, published lyrics, fiction books and nonfiction articles as well as a master certification in automotive service from the Ford Motor Company. Moore is a contributing writer for RF365.com and various other websites, a ghostwriter for Rainbow Writing and has over a dozen works of fiction currently in print.
