Hi. I just bought a used 1999 explorer. The two factory keys I have work fine in the ignition. They also work fine in the keylock on the rear liftgate. However neither key budges either front door lock. Is there some sort of secret as to how to get the keys to open the front doors?

2) The person who sold me the car did not have the owners manual or the door code. Is there any way I can program the door to a code of my choice without having these?

Thanks!

 

Your door locks, heck, maybe both doors, have probably been replaced.

You may be able to have them re-keyed, or at least have keys made for them.

Do you have the remotes for remote lock/unlock and the panic alarm?

You have a keypad on the door, right?

QUICK CHECK: Keep your keys handy. Close all the doors, leaving the vehicle unlocked. Press the 7/8 and 9/0 buttons together. The vehicle should lock.

Next step, go to the back of the truck, driver side. There is a panel in the rear area where the jack is. There is a "RAP" module in there IF IF IF your vehicle originally came with the remotes.
(RAP = Remote Antitheft Personality)

The code is in there, on the module. I am going to give you a link with more specifics and pictures of this module etc.

All you need to know about keyless entry - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

If you don't have a module in there, and you don't have a pigtail for it, you are sunk for the keypad or factory remotes. I just went through this with my "new" '99. I had an aftermarket alarm installed, which came with the remotes. It locks/unlocks, and also autolocks the doors. So far so good, but it is chirping randomly, so pick you vendor carefully. Mine is a Viper. Seems like a good unit, but I have to hold off recommending it 'til I run the chirp down.

 

Thanks! They make the module pretty freaking hard to get to. But i managed to sneak a look in sideways ;-)

 

Also, you can download a PDF copy of the owner's manual here: Fleet Ford Owner's Manuals

In there will be steps to program a 5-digit code of your choosing IN ADDITION TO the factory code you just located. The factory code will always work, but you can also program a personalized code.

-Rod