Alright, I admit defeat. I am trying to program a 3rd flip fobik key for a 2018 F450 XL. I am following the instructions in the manual to no avail. I have both original keys. When I put the 3rd new key in and turn it, I get "No Key Detected". I am very frustrated. I had no issues programming a 3rd key using this method on my 2017 F350. I cannot get this blasted truck into programming mode! I tried cycling the ignition 8 times in 10 seconds and then the second original key and I was able to get the "Program Successful" message (and the locks cycling) for one of the original keys, which was already programmed. The closest I got was getting "Key Program Failure" messages on the dash. I have tested the chip in the new 3rd key and it is the same chip present in the two originals. I've spent an hour or two googling and searching these forums to no avail. Can anyone help!?

Truck info:
2018 F450 XL 6.8L V10
OEM Ford VSS Remote Start module installed and functioning. The OEM unit, not aftermarket at all. Uses factory key fobs.
...it's a tow truck.


Thanks in advance to anyone with the answer!

 

I just walked in from trying to do the same thing on my 2019 with same results as you. "No Key Detected" with new 3rd key. Like you, I was able to program other keys on my 2017. How do you 'test' the chip in the new key?

 

Well I'm glad I'm not alone. I actually have a tablet based vehicle programming software with an OBDII interface. Part of the business at my day job is that we cut and program car keys, including new sidewinder, prox keys, etc. (yet another reason why I'm so frustrated by this!) and I used the software to check the key chips.

 

Sounds familiar, I too had problems doing this on my 2018 F350 back this past Spring. See my thread for more info. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-program.html

Finally had to resort to the dealer to get it done. The instructions in the manual leave something to be desired IMHO.

 

These replies are sadly consistent with what I've found. My key programming software's tech support has no answers. I have one more trick to try tomorrow before I give up. What a giant pain in the rear! Hate to tell him to go to the stealership to get it done!

 

Please update after your trick.

 

I don't have high hopes so I'm not even going to write it up unless it works!! But I'll update either way!

 

I agree ford owner manual instructions are terrible. I bought 2 keys on Amazon they must be a perfect match in all appearances except lacking Ford logo. One reviewer orovided detailed install instructions that i followed. Everything works on the 2 original keys and the 2 extras I bought from amazon.

first program chip to start truck. Then, once you know that works, program to operate functions like door locks and remote start. Two separate steps.

full details can be found at:
Https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XS3351F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1#custom erReviews

If you search by your model fob on Amazon, there may be detailed instructions for 2018.

I know the fob on an 18 is different from the big key with all functions including remote start that I have, but here goes.

July 10, 2018
Color: 4-btn rsVerified Purchase
Programmed easily on my 2012 F-150. I had 2 original keys, one of which only worked the ignition, so with those two, I could program everything myself.
1. I first took the keys to Ace Hardware and had them both cut for $6!
2. Then I programmed the keyhead transmitter. This you can DIY if you have two working keys.
3. Finally, I programmed the fobs. Took less than 10 minutes to program the keyhead / fob. The fobs you can program with only 1 working key.

Instructions below
Keyhead transmitter programming (if your keyhead transmitter doesn’t program, the keys will turn but the starter will not engage and turn the engine over).
1. Insert the first previously programmed coded key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position.
Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the first coded key from the ignition.
4. Within ten seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position, insert the second previously coded key into the ignition.
5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the second previously programmed coded key from the ignition.
7. Within twenty seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the new unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition.
8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least six seconds. The locks will cycle to indicate successful programming.
9. Remove the newly programmed coded key from the ignition. If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s engine and will operate the remote entry system (if the new key is an Integrated Keyhead Transmitter). The theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and then go out to indicate successful programming.

Door fob programming
1. Close all doors, then open your driver side door and press the Unlock button on the drivers door while it is open.
2. Turn ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, with the 8th time ending in RUN. The door locks will lock and unlock to confirm that you have entered programming mode(Off is the position where you can remove your key, RUN is the position just shy of starting your car. If the door locks do not cycle you should try it again but faster. If they still do not cycle, your vehicle may not have keyless entry)
3. Within 8 seconds press any button on the first keyless remote to be programmed. Door locks will cycle to confirm programming. If you only have one remote then skip to step 5.
4. Within 8 seconds, press any button on the second keyless remote. Door locks will cycle again to confirm programming. Repeat step 4. for all other remotes.
5. Turn ignition to OFF. Locks will again cycle to indicate end of programming mode.
Read less

 

Thanks John.

Those are the exact procedures I am following on my 2019 but fail to get the The locks will cycle to indicate successful programming part. The 2019 owners manual contains these same steps as well as Owners @ Ford.com. I was able to program keys via this routine to my 2017.

 

I just watched this video and few things I will try this afternoon.

1. Lock the doors before I start
2. Use the two dings as the timer
3. Remove the third key after the two dings vs waiting a while.

 

Nope, no luck with this routine either.

 

Yup, total failure. Again succeed in "programming" the original keys. Locks cycled and flashers flashed. No dice with the new one. Really wish there was a way around this!

 

Are y'all's 3rd key OEM or aftermarket?

 

Mine's OEM.

 

I have done both OEM and aftermarket (Duracell) on my '17. The '18 F450 in question has been attempted with both an OEM and an aftermarket Duracell. For what it's worth, Duracell's actually buys OEM keys wholesale and redistributes. But anyway, both worked on my '17, neither have worked on this '18.