Losing the ability to remotely lock or unlock your 2013 Ford F-150 can be a major inconvenience. Luckily, programming a new or replacement key fob for your Ford F-150 is often something you can do yourself, saving time and money. This guide provides you with straightforward procedures to program your 2013 Ford F-150 key fob, ensuring you regain full remote access to your vehicle.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that these procedures are designed to reset all remotes for your vehicle. This means that any existing, functioning remotes will also need to be reprogrammed during this process. Make sure you have all key fobs you intend to use with your F-150 present before starting. Also, ensure you do not press the brake pedal at any point during or before either procedure.
Here are two common methods for programming your 2013 Ford F-150 key fob. If one procedure doesn’t work, try the other. It’s also advisable to check your owner’s manual for the most accurate procedure specific to your vehicle’s trim and features.
Procedure A: Cycling the Ignition
This method involves turning the ignition key a specific number of times to enter programming mode.
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Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure all doors are closed. Open only the driver’s side door. Press the Unlock button located on the driver’s side door panel while the door is open. Insert your key into the ignition.
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Enter Programming Mode: Turn the ignition from the OFF position to the RUN position eight times within 8 seconds. Crucially, the eighth turn must end in the RUN position. (OFF is where you can remove the key; RUN is the position just before starting the engine). If successful, the door locks will cycle (lock then unlock) to confirm that your 2013 Ford F-150 has entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, you’ll need to start over from step 1, ensuring you perform the ignition turns quickly and correctly.
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Program the First Key Fob: Within 10 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the first keyless remote you wish to program. The door locks should cycle again to confirm that this key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (If Applicable): If you have more than one key fob to program, within 10 seconds of the last confirmation cycle, press any button on the next keyless remote. The door locks will cycle again to confirm programming. Repeat this step for all remaining key fobs you wish to program.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the OFF position. The locks will cycle one final time, indicating that your 2013 Ford F-150 has exited programming mode.
*If Procedure A does not work, try repeating it with all doors closed throughout the process.
Procedure B: Fast Ignition Cycling with Chime Confirmation
This alternative procedure uses a faster ignition cycle and relies on a chime to indicate programming mode.
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Vehicle Setup: Fasten your seatbelt and ensure all doors are completely closed.
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Initiate Programming: Turn the ignition key from the OFF position to the RUN position four times within 3 seconds. This needs to be done rapidly.
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Confirmation Chime: Turn the ignition to the OFF position. Listen carefully for a chime sound. This chime indicates that your 2013 Ford F-150 has successfully entered key fob programming mode. If you do not hear a chime, you will need to repeat from step 1, ensuring the ignition cycling is fast enough.
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Program Key Fobs: Within 10 seconds of hearing the chime, press and hold any button on the first keyless remote you are programming. The system will chime once to confirm the programming of this remote.
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Program Subsequent Key Fobs: Within 10 seconds of the confirmation chime for the previous remote, press and hold any button on the next keyless remote you wish to program. The system will chime again to confirm. Repeat this for all key fobs.
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Exit Programming: Turn the ignition to the RUN position to exit the key fob programming mode.
Remember, for both procedures, it’s crucial to perform the steps in rapid succession. If you don’t receive the initial door lock cycle or chime indicating programming mode entry, remove the key, open and close the driver’s door, and begin the procedure again from the start.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2013 Ford F-150 key fob and restore the convenience of remote access to your vehicle. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting your Ford F-150 owner’s manual or contacting a professional locksmith or Ford dealership may be necessary.
