Losing or needing a spare key fob for your 2013 Ford Fusion can be a stressful situation. The good news is that Ford has included a procedure in your owner’s manual that allows you to program a spare key fob yourself, potentially saving you a trip to the dealership and unnecessary costs. This guide will walk you through the steps to program a new integrated keyhead transmitter for your 2013 Ford Fusion, directly referencing the official procedure and expanding on user experiences to ensure a successful outcome.
Understanding Your Ford Fusion Key System
Your 2013 Ford Fusion utilizes the SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System. This system requires coded keys to start your vehicle. According to the owner’s manual, specifically page 59 for the 2013 model year, you can program up to eight coded keys for your vehicle, all of which can be integrated keyhead transmitters. This DIY programming is possible for both engine immobilizer keycodes and the remote entry functions of the key fob.
It’s crucial to only use integrated keyhead transmitters or standard SecuriLock® coded keys that are designed for your vehicle. Using aftermarket or incorrect keys may lead to programming failures or system malfunctions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 2013 Ford Fusion Key Fob
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Your 2013 Ford Fusion vehicle.
- Two (2) previously programmed, working coded keys. If you don’t have two working keys, you will need to visit an authorized Ford dealer for programming.
- The new, unprogrammed Ford Fusion 2013 Key Fob.
- Take a moment to read through all the steps below to understand the entire process before you start.
Here is the programming procedure outlined in the owner’s manual:
- Insert First Programmed Key: Place your first previously programmed, working key into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON: Switch the ignition from the OFF position to the ON position. Important: The “ON” position is before starting the engine. For Energi models or similar, ensure you are just turning the ignition to “ON” without engaging the starter. 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 to the OFF position and remove the first key from the ignition.
- Insert Second Programmed Key: Within ten seconds of turning the ignition off (but wait at least three seconds), insert your second previously programmed, working key into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON Again: Switch the ignition from the OFF position to the ON position with the second key. Again, keep it in the ON position for at least three seconds, but no more than ten seconds.
- Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Second Key: Switch the ignition to the OFF position and remove the second programmed key.
- Insert New Unprogrammed Key: Within ten seconds of switching the ignition off (and waiting at least three seconds), insert your new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
- Turn Ignition ON for Programming: Switch the ignition from the OFF position to the ON position with the new key. This time, keep the ignition in the ON position for at least six seconds. This longer duration is crucial for the programming process to complete for the new key.
- Remove New Programmed Key: Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition.
Confirmation of Successful Programming:
- Engine Start: Attempt to start your Ford Fusion with the newly programmed key. If the programming was successful, the engine should start.
- Remote Entry System: If your new key is an integrated keyhead transmitter (key fob with remote buttons), test the remote entry functions (lock, unlock, etc.). These should now operate correctly.
If the key does not start the engine or the remote functions do not work, the programming was likely unsuccessful. Wait ten seconds and carefully repeat steps 1 through 8. Ensure you are precisely following the timing and ignition positions.
Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
Users have reported encountering issues during this process, sometimes receiving a “no key found” message, even when following the procedure correctly. Here are some potential reasons and troubleshooting tips:
- Timing Sensitivity: The timing in each step is crucial. Ensure you are accurately counting the seconds and inserting/removing keys within the specified timeframes. Using a timer might be helpful.
- Ignition Position: Double-check that “ON” refers to the ignition position just before starting the engine, not the “Start” position. For models like the Energi, be especially careful not to engage the starter.
- Dealer Intervention: There are discussions suggesting that some dealerships may disable the DIY key programming feature, requiring customers to pay for dealership programming services. While this is not officially confirmed by Ford, it’s a possibility if you consistently fail to program the key yourself despite following the correct procedure.
- Key Compatibility: Verify that the new key fob you purchased is indeed compatible with your 2013 Ford Fusion. Check part numbers or consult with a reputable key supplier to ensure compatibility.
The Value of Spare Keys and When to Seek Professional Help
Having spare keys is highly recommended. As one user wisely suggested, obtaining a third key immediately after purchasing your car is a proactive step. This ensures that if you lose one key, you still have two working keys to program another spare, avoiding the need for dealership programming in a pinch.
If you are unsuccessful in programming your Ford Fusion 2013 key fob after several attempts, or if you do not have two previously programmed keys, your next step should be to visit an authorized Ford dealer. They have specialized equipment to program keys even when the DIY method is not possible or when all keys are lost.
While aftermarket key programming services exist, using a Ford dealer ensures compatibility and security for your vehicle’s SecuriLock system. If your car is new and under warranty, programming issues might be covered, so contacting your dealership should be your first step in such cases.
