To program a key fob, you typically need to follow specific instructions for your vehicle, which may involve turning the ignition on and off, pressing buttons on the fob, or other steps. Below are the step-by-step instructions, no matter the year.
Contents
Model Years 1999-2004 Ford Mustangs
- Close all doors
- Place the key in the ignition, turning your car from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, ending the 8th time on RUN.
- The locks will cycle; press any button on the Ford key fob you wish to program.
Model Years 2005-2014 Ford Mustangs
- Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN
- Repeat 8x in 10 seconds; Stop in RUN.
- Within 20 seconds, press any button on the first keyless remote.
Repeat step 2 for any additional key fobs you wish to program, up to a total of 4
Model Year 2015-Present Ford Mustangs
You have to have 2 programmed keys to be able to program any unprogrammed Ford keys.If you don’t have 2 working fobs already programmed, you’ll need to contact a locksmith or dealer.
Before starting, turn off the vehicle, close and keep all doors closed. Complete steps within 30 seconds. Wait for 1 minute if steps are performed out of sequence.
- Remove the rubber covering from the cupholder
- Place the 1st programmed key fob in the slot on the bottom of the cupholder.
- Press the push-button ignition switch once.
- Wait 5 seconds, and then press the push-button ignition switch again.
- Remove the first key.
- Within 10 seconds, put the 2nd programmed key fob in the slot
- Press the push-button ignition switch once
- Wait five seconds, and then press the push-button ignition switch again.
- Now place the unprogrammed fob in the slot
- Push the ignition button once
- Remove the newly programmed key fob and test that it functions
If you have difficulty programming your key fob, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealership for assistance.
How Does a Key Fob Work
A car key fob is a small electronic device that contains a chip that identifies your vehicle.
When you push a button on the key fob, the fob sends a distinct coded signal to the car.
The signal contains a 40-bit code and a function code that tells the car what you want to do (lock the doors, unlock the doors, etc.).
What Happens if the Fob Battery Dies
If the key fob battery dies, there are several things that can happen. The key fob won’t be able to communicate with the car, so using it from a distance isn’t going to be an option.
You should be able to unlock the car by holding the dead fob up against the driver’s door handle or using the mechanical key hidden inside the fob. If you don’t have a replacement battery, you may still be able to start the car by holding the dead fob up against the START button.