How to Save $$ Money $$ on Keys by Programming Yourself -- From a Locksmith and Owner :)

[Jrgillespie630]

Struggling to get this to work.
have a 22 lariat without key fob remote start. (3 button fob)
Filling directions on here but the third fob never programs. Every time I get to the second fob the screen displays my factory door entry code.
what am I missing?

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[Hcopter]

Are these the steps you're following?

--Credit to Redneck Garage for the programming instructions:--

- Open center console and remove felt bottom
- Place first existing fob in fob shaped depression in bottom of console
- Push and release start button (without foot on brake)
- Count to 3, Remove fob, Push and release start button (without foot on brake)

- Repeat above steps with second existing fob in depression

- Put new fob in depression, push AND HOLD start button (without foot on brake) - you should get a message right away on the instrument screen that key programming was successful.

 

[iam2sam]

I surf, and would like to have one of the "mechanical" keys that isn't subject to water damage to leave on the beach with my bag, or possibly secure on my person. As a new owner (2025 XL) I do have a question. I thought i saw something somewhere that suggested that the computer won't allow the truck to lock if it senses that one of the key fobs has been left inside. Is that correct? I would like to leave the OEM key/fob locked inside and carry only the mechanical key.

 

[Lugnut]

Leaving the key fob in truck has no effect on door locks. You can have your dealer install a keypad, then you can leave your key in your truck and use the keypad to open doors.

 

[iam2sam]

There has been many questions on the keys for our beloved trucks and as a locksmith I can say if you lose all your keys you will more than likely have to tow it back to the dealer until our software is updated...

The no-transponder emergency key link no longer seems to work. I found what I hope is a workable alternative (the compatibility list only goes to 2024, I haven't seen anything that suggests that Ford changed the basic key shaft for 2025).
https://tinyurl.com/2j4n7dd2

 

[HeyBales]

I surf, and would like to have one of the "mechanical" keys that isn't subject to water damage to leave on the beach with my bag, or possibly secure on my person. As a new owner (2025 XL) I do have a question. I thought i saw something somewhere that suggested that the computer won't allow the truck to lock if it senses that one of the key fobs has been left inside. Is that correct? I would like to leave the OEM key/fob locked inside and carry only the mechanical key.

You cannot press the door Lock all button - it'll beep at you and unlock all the doors.
For the keyless entry/push-button start fob.

Process.
Hide key. Confirm you have spare.
Open driver door in case that unlocks all doors due to setting.
Close.
Lock all button.
Open again.
Push lock lever (not button) to manually lock that door.
Get out - close door.
Done.

That may be simplified if you do NOT have the setting to unlock all doors on driver door open.
If you have it set to no auto-unlock others - then skip that section of actions.

 

[HeyBales]

Leaving the key fob in truck has no effect on door locks. You can have your dealer install a keypad, then you can leave your key in your truck and use the keypad to open doors.

It does for keyless entry / pushbutton start trims.

 

[iam2sam]

Leaving the key fob in truck has no effect on door locks. You can have your dealer install a keypad, then you can leave your key in your truck and use the keypad to open doors.

Thanks. I guess I misunderstood what I read.

 

[iam2sam]

You cannot press the door Lock all button - it'll beep at you and unlock all the doors.
For the keyless entry/push-button start fob.

Process.
Hide key. Confirm you have spare.
Open driver door in case that unlocks all doors due to setting.
Close.
Lock all button.
Open again.
Push lock lever (not button) to manually lock that door.
Get out - close door.
Done.

That may be simplified if you do NOT have the setting to unlock all doors on driver door open.
If you have it set to no auto-unlock others - then skip that section of actions.

Thanks. I think I'll need to experiment a bit.

 

[Quest]

Question for you about this, but different models.

My daughter had her 2016 XLT Explorer totaled out. She still has the second switchblade key at the house.

Would it be possible to program the electronic portion of that key to work as an emergency backup for my Lariat when it comes in?

I thought about trying to reprogram it for the 2015 XLT F150 shes got now, but not sure if the blade can be changed for recutting the key portion.

I'd have to take it in if that's the case as my key cutting machine doesn't do the side cuts. (I work maintenance and rekey buildings among other things, so while not a locksmith I do have some experience, just not with vehicles in particular)

You would need to check the frequency of the keys already programed to the vehicle & the frequency of the key you want to program, they must match

 

[Gullzway]

Struggling to get this to work.
have a 22 lariat without key fob remote start. (3 button fob)
Filling directions on here but the third fob never programs. Every time I get to the second fob the screen displays my factory door entry code.
what am I missing?

Similar issue here with my 2022 Lariat with Remote Start.

Except I get Key Program Failure on the 3rd key.

@Redneck Garage

Followed OP directions exactly. Also tried 3 seconds instead of 5 as someone else mentioned.

I've tried about 10 times, but have given up for now.
Is there a way to do this with Forscan, without deleting current keys?

3rd key is identical to existing two keys.

https://a.co/d/aeRjOq8

 

[grumpyunk]

Similar issue here with my 2022 Lariat with Remote Start.

Except I get Key Program Failure on the 3rd key.

I recall getting a failure when I tried to add a third fob. I even took the new one apart to check for presence of a battery. It was from aliexpress...
It had a battery. I put the thing back together and gave it another shot.
Memory says you must be very deliberate in your insertion and turning the key. Count out loud if you have to, and give it time to recognize the key. Remove and repeat for the 2nd key. Then remove the 2nd and insert the new key.
My experience was that the process is somewhat time sensitive. I do not have the instrux in front of me, but I think it indicates a certain amount of time for each action.
Try again is all I can say. Do make sure the first two keys are both recognized and functioning. If still no go, open the new fob, and check the battery charge. It couldn't hurt...
tom

 

[Gullzway]

I recall getting a failure when I tried to add a third fob. I even took the new one apart to check for presence of a battery. It was from aliexpress...
It had a battery. I put the thing back together and gave it another shot.
Memory says you must be very deliberate in your insertion and turning the key. Count out loud if you have to, and give it time to recognize the key. Remove and repeat for the 2nd key. Then remove the 2nd and insert the new key.
My experience was that the process is somewhat time sensitive. I do not have the instrux in front of me, but I think it indicates a certain amount of time for each action.
Try again is all I can say. Do make sure the first two keys are both recognized and functioning. If still no go, open the new fob, and check the battery charge. It couldn't hurt...
tom

Thanks.

I tried a half dozen times this morning with the same results, "Key Program Failure."

Mine is push-button start, so no key to enter. I use the slot in the console and Push the Start button per the sequence.

Both factory keys work fine, and the 3rd Amazon key, linked in OP, has a red light that comes on when you press a button. So I assume the battery is good.

 

[grumpyunk]

Oh, sorry. I was not aware it was a push button start. The keyed fob did require paying attention to the time suggested, and you could not 'rush it'. I think the first time I was afraid of missing the 'window' where it would keep the recognition of the first, and rushed to put the second key in, and then rushed to program the new fob.
beyone that, I got nuthin'.
I think I would go to a regular locksmith before going to a dealer. Most dealers want a good chunk for their labor, actually use a locksmith, and mark up his/her services.
Might as well pay the locksmith direct, and avoid the 'travel time' cost. Additionally to get dealer service in many cases you must make an appointment for a specific time, and then you get to leave your vehicle until they 'get around to it'. The appointment time is just a facade. Get the customer vehicle on the lot, and feed the work to the techs as they become available, having NOTHING to do with any sort of appointment time. It seems you show up to avoid any inconvenience for the dealer shop. Later, if they got the job done, they may call so you can pick up your truck in late afternoon when all the rush hour traffic is out on the road. Here's hoping your experience is better.
tom

 

[253David]

There has been many questions on the keys for our beloved trucks and as a locksmith I can say if you lose all your keys you will more than likely have to tow it back to the dealer until our software is updated. HOWEVER I have confirmed on board programming works if you have the original two keys ( two programmed keys ) - you can program them yourself - that has been mentioned here before. Do this NOW !!! before you loose one of the two keys LOL.

On the XL or XLT trucks you can either add a flip remote or just a standard key ( possibly you might want to add two cheaper keys as a backup ) On the Lariat only the fob will work however the emergency key is not required. I thought I would put links to which keys to purchase and you can take them to a local locksmith just to have cut - as long as you maintain two extra you are in good shape adding in the future.

XL and XLT Keys - I have posted multiple links in case one is out of stock -
Remote headed Keys - $23.99-https://amzn.to/40xtAk7 or $29.95 https://amzn.to/3RpQJAH or $23.99 https://amzn.to/3WVGxAX

If yours has a remote start it would be this key - 49.99- https://amzn.to/3wNgDVG 89.95 2 Pack - https://amzn.to/3jsaBq7 45.29 - https://amzn.to/3WUcmdl

Plastic Headed Keys -
16.95 for 2 - https://amzn.to/3HNZe5h 43.21 Ford Factory Blank ( same Chip ) https://amzn.to/3jklzOD If you are wanting to do a "hide-a-key" this one is the one to use due to it being waterproof.

To program you insert the existing first key, turn on ignition, count to three, take out put in existing second key turn on ignition - count to three - take new third key - turn on ignition - leave on - you should hear a chirp and a message key was successful.


For the Lariat -
58.95 - https://amzn.to/3XT89b7 109.95 - 2 Pack - https://amzn.to/40m014U 37.95 - https://amzn.to/3XaDs0h For the Fob to work / be programmed it doesn't matter if the key is cut or not - it only opens the door if the battery is completely dead.

If your Fob does not have remote start for the 2023 Lariat it is this one - 38.99 - https://amzn.to/40ihWsZ

To program - open center console. Pull up felt cover - place first existing fob in depression - push start button ( without foot on brake ) ignition comes on- count to 5 - remove fob - push ignition off - put second existing fob in depression - push ignition on - count to five - remove fob - push ignition off. take new fob - put in depression push AND HOLD start button down - you should hear chirp and message - key programming successful.


All in all pretty simple procedures and a few dollars and effort now can save you hundreds later !

These instructions are not working for me. I have a 2024 Lariat. I bought the new fob from the dealer. I was hoping I didn’t need to spend $125 to have them program it.

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