Program new key fob

[Maverick7689]

I recently purchased a 2021 explorer ST which only came with one fob. I bought a new OEM ST key online much cheaper than the local dealer. Is there a way for me to program myself or do I still have to pay the dealer ~$150? I’m new to Ford vehicles, from what I have researched there’s not a way around dealer programming if you only have one key.

It seems there is also still a second key associated with the vehicle (under mykey in the touch screen), is there a way to erase that key from programming while I’m at?

 

[Dale5403]

You can try this. Not sure if it works as I haven't tried it,
https://www.metrofordny.com/service/service-and-parts-tips/how-to-program-ford-key-fobs/

 

[Maverick7689]

Thanks, I was not able to remove the second key that way.

 

[DaveG ST]

Any chance that you can contact the previous owner to see if they have the other key? Also, make sure that the other key isn't in the key slot. This would be in the center armrest console, down in the front.

 

[Maverick7689]

Bought from a dealer with only one key. It’s not in the key slot. Do I really have to go to the dealer to have it programmed?

 

[Dale5403]

Did some more digging and it does have to be programmed by a professional. If you have a locksmith near you that does car keys they should be able to do it also.

 

[Maverick7689]

Thanks, that is what I found as well. Just got forscan all set up and have been learning about different settings. Cannot program new fobs through forscan from what I have read

 

[Ryno12]

I programmed one (a third) myself but I had the two original FOBs with me.
I’m not sure about the process if you only have one though.

 

[Maverick7689]

Yeah third one can be done yourself if you already have two programmed

 

[john1978]

I found Tom's Key Company worked great and saved like $300 from the what the stealereship wanted to charge for my key. tomskey.com. I saw this hidden camera video where they went to the dealer for a key.

 

[Nabuei]

I programmed one (a third) myself but I had the two original FOBs with me.
I’m not sure about the process if you only have one though.

Can you pls share the procedure u have performed to self program the 3rd key fob? Which year was ur explorer?

Thank you.

 

[Nabuei]

I was able to do it myself! (2022 model)

1. Remove the key blade from the smart key remote.

2. Open the center console lid. With the buttons facing upward and the unlock button facing the front of your vehicle, place the first smart key into the backup slot.

3. Press the push button ignition switch to turn on (do not press brake).

4. Wait five seconds (or until the chime sound stops), and then press the push button ignition switch again to turn off.

5. Remove the smart key.

6. Within 10 seconds, place a second programmed smart key in the backup slot and press the push button ignition switch (to turn on).

7. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch again (to turn off)

8. Remove the smart key.

9. Wait five seconds, then place the unprogrammed smart key in the backup slot and press the push button ignition switch ( to turn on)

Programming is now complete. Check that the remote control functions operate and your vehicle starts with the new smart key.

If programming was unsuccessful, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 7.

 

[Nabuei]

Added video!

Here are the steps:-

1. Open the center console lid. With the buttons facing upward and the unlock button facing the front of your vehicle, place the first smart key (already programmed one) into the backup slot.

2. Press the push button ignition switch to turn on (do not press brake).

3. Wait five seconds (or until the chime sound stops), and then press the push button ignition switch again to turn off.

4. Remove the smart key.

5. Within 10 seconds, place a second programmed smart key in the backup slot and press the push button ignition switch (to turn on).

6. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch again (to turn off)

7. Remove the smart key.

8. Wait five seconds, then place the unprogrammed smart key in the backup slot and press the push button ignition switch ( to turn on)

Programming is now complete. Check that the remote control functions operate and your vehicle starts with the new smart key.

If programming was unsuccessful, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 6.


Apologies the video cut out right after successful programming of the key fob