FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Ford/Explorer/Fifth Generation (2011-2019)/my Ford Explorer's key fob is not working, how do I reprogram it

my Ford Explorer's key fob is not working, how do I reprogram it

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium1 hour
3 min read
443 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to reprogram your Ford Explorer key fob with this step-by-step guide. Troubleshoot symptoms and follow diagnostic steps for a quick fix.

Component
Electrical
Repair Time
1 hour

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Ensure the vehicle is in 'Park' and the ignition is off before performing any procedures.

Symptoms

  • •Key fob buttons do not respond
  • •Vehicle does not unlock or lock remotely
  • •Engine does not start with the key fob present
  • •Warning light on the dashboard related to the key fob
  • •Inability to activate panic alarm

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Check the battery in the key fob for voltage using a multimeter.
  2. 2Replace the battery if it is low or dead and test the key fob again.
  3. 3Ensure that the key fob is within the proper range of the vehicle.
  4. 4Verify if there are any stored error codes using an OBD-II scanner.
  5. 5Check if the vehicle's battery is charged and functioning properly.
  6. 6Inspect the key fob for physical damage or wear.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools: OBD-II scanner, flathead screwdriver, small Phillips screwdriver, replacement battery (if needed).
  • Ensure the vehicle's battery is charged and the key fob battery (if replaced) is installed correctly.

2. Enter Programming Mode

  1. Sit in the driver's seat and close all doors.
  2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it from "Off" to "Run" (not starting the engine) eight times within 10 seconds, ending in the "Run" position. The locks should cycle to indicate programming mode is activated.

3. Program the Key Fob

  1. Press any button on the key fob within 30 seconds of entering programming mode. The locks should cycle again to confirm that the fob has been programmed.
  2. Repeat the button press for additional key fobs if needed (up to 4 key fobs can typically be programmed).
  3. Turn the ignition off to exit programming mode.

4. Test the Key Fob

  • Test all functions of the key fob, including locking/unlocking the doors and starting the engine.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Small Phillips screwdriver

Parts Required

  • Replacement key fob battery

Additional Information

Component

Electrical

Repair Time

1 hour

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

3 items

Parts

1 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why is my Ford Explorer making a grinding noise when braking

    Learn how to diagnose and fix grinding noise when braking in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •Grinding noise when applying brakes
    • •Pulsation felt through the brake pedal
    • +{count} more
  2. my Ford Explorer makes a hissing sound when I accelerate, what's causing this?

    Learn to diagnose and fix the hissing sound during acceleration in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instr...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Hissing noise during acceleration
    • •Reduced engine performance
    • +{count} more
  3. my Ford Explorer makes a whining noise when driving what could it be

    Learn how to diagnose and fix whining noise in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Steering
    Symptoms
    • •Whining noise that increases with vehicle speed
    • •Noise may vary with acceleration and deceleration
    • +{count} more
  4. my Ford Explorer makes a hissing noise when I accelerate what does it mean

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the hissing noise during acceleration in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instruc...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Hissing noise during acceleration
    • •Decreased engine performance
    • +{count} more
  5. my Ford Explorer makes a strange burning smell when I turn on the AC, what could it be?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix a burning smell when activating AC in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructio...

    Component:HVAC
    Symptoms
    • •Burning smell from the vents
    • •AC not cooling effectively
    • +{count} more
  6. my Ford Explorer makes a popping noise when turning how do I fix it

    Learn how to diagnose and fix popping noise when turning in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Popping noise during turns
    • •Increased vibration while turning
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation