Key Fob Programming

[mkbruce]

Any advice on who can cut the key blank? Do I need a specialty shop or can any locksmith do it?

 

[ccw]

Any advice on who can cut the key blank? Do I need a specialty shop or can any locksmith do it?

Can’t answer that question, but something to consider is purposefully leaving it uncut depending on your needs. Can act as a “valet” key of sorts. Means you can lock your glove box and rear seats to get some secure storage and someone with that “valet” key can’t open them, but can still drive the vehicle.

Useful for actual valets or anytime your truck is in some sort of shop (mechanic, detailer, accessories, etc).

Still leaves you with a third programmed key so that if one is destroyed you can program you own replacement without going to the dealer.

It’s what I did so wanted to throw it out there for you and anyone else browsing the thread as an option to consider.

 

[mkbruce]

Can’t answer that question, but something to consider is purposefully leaving it uncut depending on your needs. Can act as a “valet” key of sorts. Means you can lock your glove box and rear seats to get some secure storage and someone with that “valet” key can’t open them, but can still drive the vehicle.

Useful for actual valets or anytime your truck is in some sort of shop (mechanic, detailer, accessories, etc).

Still leaves you with a third programmed key so that if one is destroyed you can program you own replacement without going to the dealer.

It’s what I did so wanted to throw it out there for you and anyone else browsing the thread as an option to consider.

Yep - definitely keeping one of the new keys uncut for exactly the reasons stated, but would like a third fully functional key as well.

 

[ccw]

Yep - definitely keeping one of the new keys uncut for exactly the reasons stated, but would like a third fully functional key as well.

Ah nice! Makes sense.

 

[RedZilla]

Any advice on who can cut the key blank? Do I need a specialty shop or can any locksmith do it?

Good question. I took mine to an Ace Hardware and a person I would consider a stock boy messed my key up as fast as he started grinding it. They replaced it with an OEM but it took several days to come in, and they got it right the second time.

My point is, anybody that can cut new car keys should be able to do it right if they are experienced, and you can get a replacement key by itself if needed. Just take it to a reputable locksmith or a hardware with a seasoned key guy to do the grinding.

Also do the key grind before you program the fob and make sure the physical key works in your locks. Not sure but I think the key contains a chip that is part of the programming. If you have to replace the key blank you may have to reprogram. Someone else may know the facts about this.

 

[ECC]

Check with your sales person from dealer. They somtimes have a hookup. I ordered my 2 extra keys online. But for some reason the truck would not go into program mode. So my sales rep hooked me up with third party. They meet me at the dealer cut and programed them. Was told later some of the 2022 super duty's got a new security update. That was the reason I couldn't do it myself.

 

[NitroTremor]

Check with your sales person from dealer. They somtimes have a hookup. I ordered my 2 extra keys online. But for some reason the truck would not go into program mode. So my sales rep hooked me up with third party. They meet me at the dealer cut and programed them. Was told later some of the 2022 super duty's got a new security update. That was the reason I couldn't do it myself.

Uh oh, just ordered my fob yesterday. When was your build date on your ‘22? Mine was early August, wondering if I’ll have the same security upgrade issue.

 

[stubby]

Can’t answer that question, but something to consider is purposefully leaving it uncut depending on your needs. Can act as a “valet” key of sorts. Means you can lock your glove box and rear seats to get some secure storage and someone with that “valet” key can’t open them, but can still drive the vehicle.

Uncut keys can be used as bump keys to easily unlock, please be careful with this method. There are many videos out there that show how this vulnerability works, but I would not rely upon the uncut key keeping people out of anything.

 

[ccw]

Uncut keys can be used as bump keys to easily unlock, please be careful with this method. There are many videos out there that show how this vulnerability works, but I would not rely upon the uncut key keeping people out of anything.

It’s a good call out, though I think the level of security matches the physical security of the rear seats and glove box. Ultimately we’re talking about a bunch of plastic lol so my expectations aren’t too high.

 

[ECC]

Uh oh, just ordered my fob yesterday. When was your build date on your ‘22? Mine was early August, wondering if I’ll have the same security upgrade issue.

My '22 was built in November/ December. Don't know when the change was made. Even the dealer was surprised. Before I found out I tried both the ways in the manual as printed and digital manual in the truck Sync4. Plus one that was shown here in the forums. I would try programing first yourself. Weird thing the truck knew they where in the truck just would not go into programming them. If you have already set up Ford-pass. You will get points for buying your truck. You can use them for the services center at the dealer to program them and cut. If you can't find someone cheaper. The Locksmiths in Dallas told me they could cut them but they didn't have the software to program them. They only had 2020 software. Got lucky with my sales rep knowing someone cheaper.

 

[NitroTremor]

My '22 was built in November/ December. Don't know when the change was made. Even the dealer was surprised. Before I found out I tried both the ways in the manual as printed and digital manual in the truck Sync4. Plus one that was shown here in the forums. I would try programing first yourself. Weird thing the truck knew they where in the truck just would not go into programming them. If you have already set up Ford-pass. You will get points for buying your truck. You can use them for the services center at the dealer to program them and cut. If you can't find someone cheaper. The Locksmiths in Dallas told me they could cut them but they didn't have the software to program them. They only had 2020 software. Got lucky with my sales rep knowing someone cheaper.

Thanks for the reply. I’ll give it try when it arrives and report back the outcome.

 

[c-ne-elk]

I received my key from NorthCoast yesterday and programmed it per @RedZilla directions on my 2021.

It seems odd to put the key facing forward as it does not fit into the cutout but I did and it programmed my new 3rd key successfully the first time!

This is the way I positioned all 3 keys during programming.

Thanks for the great directions @RedZilla!

 

[Alpoba]

Got my OEM fob from Northcoast Keyless. It's identical to the fobs that came from the factory, with battery installed - $64.94 including shipping and no sales tax.

View attachment 28199View attachment 28200

The instructions they provide have a slight error in steps 10 and 11 for the 2021 Super Duty. I have attached the instructions below with a modification for those steps in yellow print. When done according to this it works perfectly.

You will know your truck is in "key program mode" when the second fob is connected to the truck and your vehicle key code comes up on the instrument screen, step 7. At this point the new fob can be programmed which is step 9. You will know the new fob programs if the door locks cycle while you are holding the start button down.

Hope this helps anyone that decides to add an extra fob to their truck.

Note: If programming fails at end of process, wait at least 60 seconds to retry the program process.
You can only program a total of 4 key fobs to the system.

Key Fob Programming:

1 - Confirm First Programmed Smart Key

PLACE the first programmed smart key in the backup slot in the center console.

The key ring MUST be at the top with the buttons facing toward the rear of the vehicle.

2 - Confirm First Programmed Smart Key

PRESS the START/STOP button on the vehicle.

3 - Confirm First Programmed Smart Key

WAIT 5 seconds and PRESS the START/STOP button on the vehicle AGAIN.

4 - Confirm First Programmed Smart Key

REMOVE the first programmed key from the center console.

5 - Confirm Second Programmed Smart Key

Within 10 seconds, PLACE the second programmed smart key in the backup slot in the center console.

6 - Confirm Second Programmed Smart Key

PRESS the START/STOP button on the vehicle.

7 - Confirm Second Programmed Smart Key

WAIT 5 seconds and PRESS the START/STOP button on the vehicle AGAIN.
Confirmation on the instrument screen when this step completes (key code on screen).

8 - Confirm Second Programmed Smart Key

REMOVE the second programmed key from the center console.

9 - Program New Smart Key

WAIT 5 seconds and PLACE the NEW un-programmed smart key in the backup slot in the center console.

10 - Program New Smart Key

PRESS the START/STOP button and HOLD till door locks cycle. Door locks cycle indicates fob has been added to the system.

TEST all remotes. Programming is complete.

Thank you @RedZilla ! Instructions worked like a charm, on my 7th try i can confirm for anyone wondering if this works on a 2022, on my first 6 tries i was thinking that maybe it doesn’t, but i likely didn’t follow the protocol exactly as stated above.

 

[RedZilla]

Thank you @RedZilla ! Instructions worked like a charm, on my 7th try i can confirm for anyone wondering if this works on a 2022, on my first 6 tries i was thinking that maybe it doesn’t, but i likely didn’t follow the protocol exactly as stated above.

Wow, I'm glad to know that this is still working for the newer trucks. At some point it may not but I'm sure the new instructions will soon be available to share at that time.

I put the edited instructions on here because I too had to perform several attempts to get my new fob to program. The supplier instructions are a little vague on the timing part of the programming and that is where we get tripped up. The instructions are written in an odd format with a title line that repeats for each step, but I didn't want to change the format, just emphasize the needed steps to clarify. I've done one more program since this was posted and it worked the first time on the new fob.

One key to remember is to wait a full minute between attempts if the fob fails to program. If you move too fast the system will still remain in the failed attempt when you start over and it will not program again. Give it plenty of time and follow the steps exactly.

I don't know if it's valuable or not but when the key code displays on the dash, I write it down in the front cover of my manual, referencing which FOB corresponds for future needs.

One other point of caution for folks looking to buy additional FOBs. There are OEM FOBs available from other sources, including Amazon and EBAY. There are many knock offs on those other sites as well. The best I can tell you is if it doesn't have the blue Ford Oval emblem on the back of the FOB, it's certain to be a knock off. There may be after markets with the blue emblem but if it's not on there I wouldn't buy it.

 

[surfnmoto2]

Thanks for sharing this information. I picked up a fob for my 2022 Lariat Ultimate and the instructions posted here worked great! It took me three attempts but it was still just a 10 minute job.

 

[KH_2021Tremor]

After many many failed attempts, (my fault) I have success and finally programmed my new fob for a 2021. The instructions listed are accurate, but all steps must be taken literal. Any tiny misstep in timing or directions will be logged as a failure. Don’t give up, it will work; Reread, and keep trying and it will happen. I just must be a slow learner.

 

[RedZilla]

After many many failed attempts, (my fault) I have success and finally programmed my new fob for a 2021. The instructions listed are accurate, but all steps must be taken literal. Any tiny misstep in timing or directions will be logged as a failure. Don’t give up, it will work; Reread, and keep trying and it will happen. I just must be a slow learner.

So glad it worked for you. The reason I put an edited version of the instructions on this thread is because I'm easily confused by slightest vagueness in written instruction and get tripped up every time. I don't know that my attempt was that great but I knew it needed some tweaking.

I hope others take the opportunity to add a third (backup) FOB to their Tremor set, as it is sure to save time, frustration and money down the road if, and likely when, an original FOB is lost or destroyed. Remember that you can only program a new FOB yourself if you have two functional programmed FOBS in hand. Also having to go to a dealership for this service will probably cost $300-$400 and waiting on them to get you scheduled in.

P S - If you experience a failure, make sure to wait a full minute between attempts. Starting a new attempt too quickly will automatically cause another failure, even if you do all the step right!

 

[Bodaway]

Do I read correctly that you have to have two programmed keys before you can program another one?

I have lost one of my two original keys, does this mean I cannot program a new one?
thanks,
John

 

[MiTremor906]

Do I read correctly that you have to have two programmed keys before you can program another one?

I have lost one of my two original keys, does this mean I cannot program a new one?
thanks,
John

Correct, the dealer should be able to still do it but just more costly.

 

[RedZilla]

Just wanted to bump this up for new owners/members. Take time to read through the thread. You can get a extra Key FOB on line and program it yourself much cheaper than you can at a dealer. Why would you want a third FOB? If you have two programmed FOBs in hand you can program a third one yourself without paying the dealership a couple hundred dollars for a 10 minute job you can do for free. But you can't do this without two FOBs. By purchasing a third FOB and programming it to your truck, you can keep it as a spare with all your extra keys. Then if you loose or destroy one of your originals, you can repeat the process using the two FOBs you have remaining and a $65 replacement you can pick up from the link provided. These are exact OEM FOBs that are made by the company that is supplying Ford as well. Detailed instructions in the thread for programming. I have no skin in this product or web site, just passing on what I've learned.

2017-2022 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty 5-Button Smart Key Fob Remote Start Tailgate Release (M3N-A2C93142600, 164-R8166)

Looking for a 2017-2022 Ford F-250 F-350 Keyless Entry Remote? NorthCoast Keyless has New & Pre-Owned remotes for 70% off Dealer prices!

northcoastkeyless.com

Also just a heads up, there are lots of knock-offs out their that look OEM. If you buy from Amazon or EBay, etc, you are rolling the dice. If it doesn't have he blue oval on the back side of the FOB, it most assuredly is a counterfeit.