As a Ford F-150 owner, you might love the convenience of keyless entry, but the stock key fob can feel bulky. Like many, I considered a 3D-printed case to slim it down, but the fear of damaging my original fobs led me to explore alternatives. Purchasing an aftermarket fob online seemed like a smart move to experiment without risking my primary keys. Websites like carandtruckremotes.com offer fobs at a reasonable price, and with two working keys, programming a third should be straightforward, right?
Initially, following online guides and videos for programming the new key fob proved unsuccessful. Seeking help from the seller, I was directed to a locksmith, who quoted exorbitant prices – up to $280 – just for programming and cutting a backup key. That’s far from a cheap key fob solution! Determined to avoid these costs, I persevered and eventually discovered a programming method that worked, with minor adjustments to the standard user manual instructions. If you’re looking for a way to program your own Cheap Key Fobs and save money, this DIY guide is for you.
DIY Programming Steps for Your Ford F-150 Key Fob
Here’s a step-by-step guide to program your own Ford F-150 key fob at home, potentially saving you a significant amount compared to locksmith or dealership fees. This method worked for me after facing initial programming failures, and it closely mirrors the official procedure, with a few key tweaks that might make all the difference.
- Ensure your truck is completely off, and all doors are securely closed.
- Locate the backup key slot by removing the cup holder cover.
- Take your first working key fob (key #1), remove the battery cover and the physical backup ‘hard key’. Place it into the backup key slot with the button side facing towards the frunk.
- Without pressing the brake pedal, push and release the ignition button once to enter accessory mode.
- Wait for the ‘dinging’ sound to stop, then press and release the ignition button again (approximately 5 seconds after the dinging stops).
- Remove key #1 from the slot.
- Within 5 seconds, insert your second working key fob (key #2), also with the battery cover and hard key removed, into the backup key location.
- Again, without pressing the brake, press and release the ignition button to enter accessory mode for the second time.
- After the ‘dinging’ sound ceases, press and release the ignition button.
- Remove working key #2 from the slot.
- Immediately insert your new, unprogrammed key fob (with the battery cover and hard key removed) into the backup key location.
- Without pressing the brake pedal, press and release the ignition button to enter accessory mode for the third time.
- Success! You should see the hazard lights flash and a confirmation message on the driver display indicating successful key programming.
- After the ‘dinging’ stops, press and release the ignition button one last time to turn the truck off.
You should now have a fully functional, newly programmed key fob! By following these steps, you can potentially avoid the high costs associated with professional programming services and enjoy the convenience of your new, cheap key fob.
Troubleshooting Tip: If these steps don’t work on your first try, double-check that all your key fobs have fresh batteries. In my experience, the precise orientation of the fob, battery cover removal, and hard key removal were crucial for successful programming. It might take a few attempts, but persistence can pay off, saving you a significant sum on cheap key fobs programming.
Hopefully, this guide helps you successfully program your own cheap key fobs for your Ford F-150 and avoid unnecessary expenses.
