Is your 2017 Ford F-150 key fob looking a little worse for wear? Or perhaps you’re just looking to add a touch of personalization and upgrade its functionality without breaking the bank at the dealership. You’re in the right place. Many Ford F-150 owners, just like you, have explored cost-effective and surprisingly simple solutions to replace or upgrade their key fobs. Let’s dive into how you can enhance your 2017 Ford F-150 key fob experience.
One Ford F-150 owner decided to replace their standard 2017 key with a newer Raptor style key fob. They purchased a brand new OEM Raptor key fob online from eBay. Buying online can often save you a significant amount compared to dealership prices. The key they chose even boasted the “Raptor” logo, adding a touch of flair.
After acquiring the new key fob, the next step is programming it to work with your 2017 Ford F-150. The good news is, if you already have two working programmed keys, you can easily program a new one yourself, without needing to visit a dealer or locksmith for programming. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on user experiences:
- Place your first working programmed key in the backup position of your vehicle.
- Press the Start/Stop button.
- Wait for approximately three to four seconds.
- Press the Start/Stop button again.
- Quickly swap the first programmed key with your second programmed key.
- Press the Start/Stop button once more.
- Again, wait for three to four seconds.
- Swiftly swap the second programmed key with the new, un-programmed key fob.
- Press the Start/Stop button.
- You should see the door locks cycle, the dashboard lights will illuminate, and a message on your dashboard console should confirm “Key Programming Successful”.
This DIY programming method is a significant advantage for Ford F-150 owners as it avoids potentially hefty programming fees from dealerships. Some dealerships might quote around $180 just for programming, which can sometimes be negotiated down, but doing it yourself is the most budget-friendly option.
However, programming is only half the battle. The physical key inside the fob also needs to be cut to match your vehicle’s ignition and door locks. While dealerships can cut the key, they often charge a premium for this service as well, sometimes bundled with programming even if you’ve done it yourself. Locksmiths are generally a more affordable option for key cutting. One user reported getting their key cut by a locksmith for around $40, significantly less than dealer quotes. It’s worth calling a few local locksmiths to compare prices and ensure they have the capability to cut your specific type of Ford key.
A point to consider: the physical key isn’t just for the ignition and doors. As one user discovered, on some models, the key also unlocks the spare tire lowering mechanism in the bumper. If you keep your spare tire in the truck bed, this might be less of a concern, but it’s a good reminder of the key’s utility beyond just starting the engine.
What if you only have one working key? In that situation, the DIY programming method above won’t work. You would typically need to visit a dealership or a locksmith for programming. However, some users suggest that tools like FORScan might offer a solution for programming a new key even with only one existing key, though this might require more technical knowledge and equipment.
Upgrading or replacing your 2017 Ford F-150 key fob can be a straightforward process. By purchasing a new key fob online and utilizing DIY programming, you can save a considerable amount of money. Just remember to get the key cut by a locksmith and you’ll have a fresh, functional, and potentially even upgraded key fob for your Ford F-150.
