Can't program new key fob - tricks?
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Key FOB Programming Success in 2012
Greetings all,
Just confirming the successful programming instructions for my 2003 EB Expedition 4X4 in June of 2012.
1) Have your remotes with you.
2) Enter the vehicle and close all doors
3) Lock and unlock using the door/window control panel (driver's left)
4) Insert key into ignition lock
5) Rapidly rotate the key from off to run (max turn w/o starting) 8 times
within 10 seconds.
You will hear/see the locks engage and disengage
6) Press the lock button on the first FOB to be programmed.
You will hear the locks cycle.
7) Press the lock button on the next FOB to be programmed.
Again, you hear the lock cycle to confirm.
8) Repeat step 7 up to a maximum of four remotes
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
Oh, prior to starting the process, I started the vehicle and turned off everything I could, e.g., A/C, radios, other electronics, etc. to avoid possible surges from damaging relays...blah blah blah. After several attempts using other failed programming methods, I sat listening to the A/C firing up at each rapid turn of the key thinking; oh boy, I can just see A/C and other relays freaking out and getting fried. Just my emotional issue; but it can't hurt. I did not need to discon the vehicle's battery.
Anyway, I ran the above instructions twice to confirm their accuracy.
They're good-2-go (at least for my machine).
Enjoy!
mike
Just confirming the successful programming instructions for my 2003 EB Expedition 4X4 in June of 2012.
1) Have your remotes with you.
2) Enter the vehicle and close all doors
3) Lock and unlock using the door/window control panel (driver's left)
4) Insert key into ignition lock
5) Rapidly rotate the key from off to run (max turn w/o starting) 8 times
within 10 seconds.
You will hear/see the locks engage and disengage
6) Press the lock button on the first FOB to be programmed.
You will hear the locks cycle.
7) Press the lock button on the next FOB to be programmed.
Again, you hear the lock cycle to confirm.
8) Repeat step 7 up to a maximum of four remotes
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
Oh, prior to starting the process, I started the vehicle and turned off everything I could, e.g., A/C, radios, other electronics, etc. to avoid possible surges from damaging relays...blah blah blah. After several attempts using other failed programming methods, I sat listening to the A/C firing up at each rapid turn of the key thinking; oh boy, I can just see A/C and other relays freaking out and getting fried. Just my emotional issue; but it can't hurt. I did not need to discon the vehicle's battery.
Anyway, I ran the above instructions twice to confirm their accuracy.
They're good-2-go (at least for my machine).
Enjoy!
mike
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Tried it all
Hi - I have a '97 expedition that originally came with remote entry, but doesn't have it now. The procedure for the '97 (only) that I got from the company where I got the remotes, says the sequence is 5 turns to Run instead of 8, but I have tried both 5 and 8. I have checked the connections to the RKE box (they're connected), and I have disconnected the battery for several minutes, and turned off all accessories. I'm glad there were all of these other things to try, but I still don't have remotes that work. The truck doesn't enter programming mode. The locks function correctly otherwise. Any new suggestions? 
New User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CZ
The same problem.
My 2005 Excursion also refuses to enter programing mode. I tried to turn OFF - ON 7,8,9 times, slow and fast, also tried to disconnect the battery and to lock/unlock doors while doors open/closed, also tried to unlock by code.
I suppose I tried all the tricks that are posted without positive result.
Any idea where´s the catch?
I suppose I tried all the tricks that are posted without positive result.
Any idea where´s the catch?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
I have a 2004 F250 (4-door) and I had the darnedest time figuring this out, but if you first get in the drivers side and lock the doors, then unlock all the doors before putting the key in the ignition to perform the 8 cycles of off/on in 10 seconds (leaving the key in the "on" position on the 8th turn, the doors will lock and unlock, at which time you have 20 seconds to press any key on your fob or fobs to program them. Finally, turn the key to the off position and your key fob(s) should be programed. The dealer was of no real help on this, unfortunately. I hope this helps some folks out! Good luck!
New User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
truck will not enter programming mode
None of these solutions work for me. I am having the same problem where I cannot access the fob programming mode at all. I've made sure the box thingy under the dash is plugged in. I've locked then unlocked the doors before and after putting the key in the ignition. I've disconnected and reconnected the battery then tried it. I've turned the ignition slowly and quickly. Absolutely nothing is working to get it into programming mode. An aftermarket security system has never been installed. I am so frustrated. My username couldn't be truer. Please, anyone help me!
2002 F150 King Ranch
2002 F150 King Ranch
New User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I really hope not. The keypad under the exterior door handle works fine. Would that confirm the correct operation of the keyless entry module or does that have nothing to do with it?
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Ok, this seems weird - I have two fobs for my '96 Ranger, but apparently can program only one at a time! When I program the other, the first does not work! And vice-versa, back and forth! Both have the same FCC ID code on the back. Any idea what gives? Kinda defeats the whole idea of having a second fob! btw, neither key works the door locks - that's why I need fobs...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Greetings all,
Just confirming the successful programming instructions for my 2003 EB Expedition 4X4 in June of 2012.
1) Have your remotes with you.
2) Enter the vehicle and close all doors
3) Lock and unlock using the door/window control panel (driver's left)
4) Insert key into ignition lock
5) Rapidly rotate the key from off to run (max turn w/o starting) 8 times
within 10 seconds.
You will hear/see the locks engage and disengage
6) Press the lock button on the first FOB to be programmed.
You will hear the locks cycle.
7) Press the lock button on the next FOB to be programmed.
Again, you hear the lock cycle to confirm.
8) Repeat step 7 up to a maximum of four remotes
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
Oh, prior to starting the process, I started the vehicle and turned off everything I could, e.g., A/C, radios, other electronics, etc. to avoid possible surges from damaging relays...blah blah blah. After several attempts using other failed programming methods, I sat listening to the A/C firing up at each rapid turn of the key thinking; oh boy, I can just see A/C and other relays freaking out and getting fried. Just my emotional issue; but it can't hurt. I did not need to discon the vehicle's battery.
Anyway, I ran the above instructions twice to confirm their accuracy.
They're good-2-go (at least for my machine).
Enjoy!
mike
Just confirming the successful programming instructions for my 2003 EB Expedition 4X4 in June of 2012.
1) Have your remotes with you.
2) Enter the vehicle and close all doors
3) Lock and unlock using the door/window control panel (driver's left)
4) Insert key into ignition lock
5) Rapidly rotate the key from off to run (max turn w/o starting) 8 times
within 10 seconds.
You will hear/see the locks engage and disengage
6) Press the lock button on the first FOB to be programmed.
You will hear the locks cycle.
7) Press the lock button on the next FOB to be programmed.
Again, you hear the lock cycle to confirm.
8) Repeat step 7 up to a maximum of four remotes
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
Oh, prior to starting the process, I started the vehicle and turned off everything I could, e.g., A/C, radios, other electronics, etc. to avoid possible surges from damaging relays...blah blah blah. After several attempts using other failed programming methods, I sat listening to the A/C firing up at each rapid turn of the key thinking; oh boy, I can just see A/C and other relays freaking out and getting fried. Just my emotional issue; but it can't hurt. I did not need to discon the vehicle's battery.
Anyway, I ran the above instructions twice to confirm their accuracy.
They're good-2-go (at least for my machine).
Enjoy!
mike
Dude, awesome!
I tried to separately program two fobs, but each one would 'cancel' out the other - till I followed your instructions! Thanks!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Ok, I know this is an old thread, but I am having a problem with programing my 2 key fobs. I go into programming mode the door locks cycle like they are supposed to I press the lock button on each fob one at a time and the lock cycles for each one. When I return the key to the off position position(3) the locks cycle. When I turn the key back to remove it and try the key fob neither work. A few months ago both fobs worked then one day one of them stopped so I thought it was the battery in the remote so I changed it. still did not work. I gave up thinking the remote was bad. Today my second remote just did the same thing. 06 F250 Any Ideas?
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The only thing I see you did that's different from what I did is:
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
You mentioned after both fobs seemed successfully programmed that you turned the key to , what, position 3? These instruct the key to be turned to the 'off' position...
Hope that helps.
9) Turn the ignition to off position for a final confirmation of success.
You mentioned after both fobs seemed successfully programmed that you turned the key to , what, position 3? These instruct the key to be turned to the 'off' position...
Hope that helps.
New User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I have a 2004 F250 (4-door) and I had the darnedest time figuring this out, but if you first get in the drivers side and lock the doors, then unlock all the doors before putting the key in the ignition to perform the 8 cycles of off/on in 10 seconds (leaving the key in the "on" position on the 8th turn, the doors will lock and unlock, at which time you have 20 seconds to press any key on your fob or fobs to program them. Finally, turn the key to the off position and your key fob(s) should be programed. The dealer was of no real help on this, unfortunately. I hope this helps some folks out! Good luck!
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Solved after searching internet for hours
I have a 2004 F250 (4-door) and I had the darnedest time figuring this out, but if you first get in the drivers side and lock the doors, then unlock all the doors before putting the key in the ignition to perform the 8 cycles of off/on in 10 seconds (leaving the key in the "on" position on the 8th turn, the doors will lock and unlock, at which time you have 20 seconds to press any key on your fob or fobs to program them. Finally, turn the key to the off position and your key fob(s) should be programed. The dealer was of no real help on this, unfortunately. I hope this helps some folks out! Good luck!
I've been reading solutions to this problem for hours - but, never found one that included your extra step: First lock and unlock the doors
I guess that step is only necessary on some Fords?
New User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 Ford Explorer Key Fob
I had an issue with the current Ford Explorer key fob that I was given at the dealership where I purchased my used 2007 Ford Explorer. I ordered a new one from S&I Remotes through Amazon to make sure the old key fob was not the issue. When I was able to program the new key fob with no issues. Following the instructions of turning the key in the on position as far as I could go without starting the vehicle and then off 8 times and making sure the key was in the on position by the 8th time. The door locks locked and unlocked and then I pressed the button on the key fob remote and the locks in the car locked and unlocked again (I had no other key fobs I needed to program) so then I turned the key in the off position and the doors locked and unlocked once more. I removed the key but the key fob still would not work. So looking at this thread I realized one user said to disconnect the battery from the battery cable for 10 minutes and then connect the battery cable back up. After doing this, I tried the key fob remote and it worked like a charm. Now I wish I had also programmed another remote I had been given by the dealership. But that's ok, I can worry with this later. I got one working and I'm a happy girl!!!