Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a real hassle. For 2017 Ford F-150 owners, replacing a key fob might seem like a trip to the dealership is inevitable, but that’s not always the case. If you’re looking to replace a worn-out or lost key fob for your 2017 F-150, you might be surprised to learn that you can program a new one yourself, potentially saving time and money.
DIY Key Fob Programming for Your 2017 F-150 (If You Have Two Existing Keys)
If you are fortunate enough to have two already programmed and working key fobs for your 2017 F-150, you can easily program a third key yourself. This is a handy trick that many F-150 owners utilize to avoid dealership programming fees. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on user experiences:
- Place your first working programmed key in the backup slot (refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location of the backup slot).
- Press the Start/Stop button with your left hand while the first key is in the backup slot.
- Count to three or four seconds.
- Press the Start/Stop button again with your left hand.
- Quickly swap the first programmed key with your second programmed key.
- Press the Start/Stop button again with your left hand.
- Count to three or four seconds once more.
- Quickly swap the second programmed key with the new, unprogrammed key fob.
- Press the Start/Stop button again with your left hand.
- Wait for the door locks to cycle and the dashboard to display “Key Programming Successful”.
Ford Raptor key fob upgrade for 2017 F150
This process, as shared by F-150 owners, allows you to add a new key fob to your vehicle’s system without needing any special tools or a trip to the dealership, provided you start with two functioning keys.
Key Cutting: Locksmiths as a Cost-Effective Alternative
Once you’ve programmed your new 2017 F-150 key fob, you’ll need to get the physical key cut. Dealerships often charge exorbitant prices for this service, sometimes bundling it with programming fees even if you’ve programmed the key yourself. Many F-150 owners have found local locksmiths to be a much more affordable option for key cutting.
Experiences shared online suggest that dealerships might quote upwards of $180 for cutting and programming, which can sometimes be negotiated down, but locksmiths typically offer key cutting services for a fraction of that cost, around $40 in some reported cases. It’s always wise to call around and get quotes from local locksmiths specializing in automotive keys.
Where to Buy a Replacement 2017 F-150 Key Fob
You can purchase replacement key fobs from various sources. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular options, where you can often find new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fobs at competitive prices. Buying an OEM fob ensures compatibility and quality. Just make sure to verify the part number and FCC ID to ensure it’s the correct key fob for your 2017 F-150.
Check out OEM Ford F-150 key fobs on eBay
Important Note: The Spare Tire Lock
One often-overlooked aspect of your F-150 key is that it also operates the lock for the spare tire lowering mechanism located in the bumper. If you’re only getting a key cut and not replacing the entire fob, remember that the physical key is also crucial for accessing your spare tire in case of a flat.
Conclusion
Replacing your 2017 F-150 key fob doesn’t have to be a costly and complicated process. By programming the key yourself (if you have two existing keys) and using a local locksmith for key cutting, you can save a significant amount compared to dealership services. Exploring online marketplaces for OEM key fobs can also lead to cost savings. Always ensure you are getting the correct key fob for your vehicle and consider all functions of the physical key, including spare tire access.
