Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience. For 2013 Ford Fusion owners, the good news is that programming a replacement key fob can often be done yourself, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership and unnecessary expenses. This guide will walk you through the steps of programming a new 2013 Ford Fusion Key Fob Replacement, explore potential issues you might encounter, and provide helpful tips to ensure a smooth process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your 2013 Ford Fusion Key Fob
Ford has made it possible to program spare key fobs directly using a procedure outlined in your owner’s manual. This method, designed for Integrated Keyhead Transmitters, is straightforward if you have two already programmed keys. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Your Keys: Ensure you have two working, previously programmed keys for your 2013 Ford Fusion, along with your new, unprogrammed key fob.
- Insert First Programmed Key: Place your first working key into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON: Switch the ignition from the “off” position to the “on” position. It’s important to note that “on” position means the car’s electronics are active, but the engine is not started. Keep the ignition in the “on” position for at least three seconds, but no longer than ten seconds.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key: Switch the ignition back to the “off” position and remove the first key.
- Insert Second Programmed Key: Within ten seconds of removing the first key, insert your second working key into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON Again: Switch the ignition to the “on” position with the second key. Again, keep it in this position for three to ten seconds.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key: Switch the ignition off and remove the second programmed key.
- Insert New Key Fob: Within ten seconds, insert your new, unprogrammed key fob into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON and Wait: Switch the ignition to the “on” position with the new key fob. Keep it in the “on” position for at least six seconds.
- Remove New Key Fob: Remove the newly programmed key fob from the ignition.
If the programming was successful, your new 2013 Ford Fusion key fob replacement should now start the engine and operate the remote entry system. Test both functions to confirm successful programming. If it doesn’t work on the first try, wait ten seconds and carefully repeat steps 1 through 8.
Troubleshooting: Why Your 2013 Ford Fusion Key Fob Programming Might Fail
While the procedure seems simple, some 2013 Ford Fusion owners have reported difficulties programming their key fobs. Here are a few potential reasons why you might be facing issues:
- Incorrect Ignition Position: A common mistake is misunderstanding the “on” position. Ensure you are turning the ignition to the position right before starting the engine. For Energi models, which don’t have a traditional engine start in the same way, focus on activating the vehicle’s electronics. The message “no key was found” suggests the system isn’t recognizing the key at all, possibly due to incorrect ignition timing or position.
- Dealer Deactivation of DIY Programming: Some discussions suggest that dealerships might disable the self-programming feature in certain vehicles, forcing customers to return to them for key programming services. This practice, though not officially confirmed by Ford, could explain why the outlined procedure isn’t working for some users.
- Faulty New Key Fob: Although less likely, the new key fob itself could be defective. If you purchased a non-OEM or aftermarket key fob, ensure it is compatible with your 2013 Ford Fusion model.
- Insufficiently Programmed Existing Keys: The procedure relies on having two correctly and fully programmed existing keys. If one or both of your original keys have underlying programming issues, it could prevent the system from accepting a new key.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your 2013 Ford Fusion Key Fob
If you’ve carefully followed the programming steps multiple times and are still unable to program your 2013 Ford Fusion key fob replacement, it’s time to consider professional assistance.
- Dealership Visit: Your local Ford dealership has the specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to program key fobs, even if the DIY method is disabled or if you don’t have two existing programmed keys. While this will likely incur a cost, it guarantees a working key fob.
- Automotive Locksmith: Many automotive locksmiths are also equipped to program car keys and fobs. They may offer a more convenient and potentially less expensive alternative to the dealership.
The Importance of Spare Keys
As highlighted in user experiences, having spare keys is crucial. It’s strongly recommended to obtain a third key fob as soon as you purchase your vehicle. This proactive step provides a safety net: if you lose one key, you still have two working keys to program a replacement yourself, avoiding the inconvenience and expense of emergency key replacement services.
Conclusion:
Replacing a 2013 Ford Fusion key fob replacement can often be handled at home using the self-programming procedure if you have two existing working keys. However, if you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a Ford dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. Taking preventative measures, like having spare keys readily available, can save you significant hassle and expense in the long run.
