Remote start key fobs offer unparalleled convenience, especially on chilly mornings or sweltering afternoons. Being able to start your car from a distance to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin is a luxury many modern vehicles offer. However, sometimes you might need to program a new or existing key fob to work with your vehicle’s remote start system. Whether you’ve purchased a new key fob, or are simply troubleshooting, understanding how to program it is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, focusing on the steps you can typically take for systems similar to Ford factory remote starts.
Programming Your Remote Start Key Fob
For many vehicles equipped with a factory or aftermarket remote start system, programming a new key fob can often be done right in your driveway. The following steps are generally applicable, particularly for Ford factory remote start systems, and provide a solid starting point for many makes and models.
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Preparation is Key: Begin by ensuring your vehicle’s security system is disarmed and the ignition is turned off completely. For this procedure to work, you’ll also need to open the driver’s side door.
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Ignition Cycle: Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “on” position. This is the position right before you would crank the engine to start.
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Engage Programming Mode: Locate the programming or override button. This is often found under the instrument panel, typically near the steering column or fuse box area. Press and hold this button. Keep it pressed for approximately 15 seconds. After this duration, you should hear the horn chirp three times. This audible signal indicates that your vehicle’s system has successfully entered the remote control programming mode, ready to learn new key fobs.
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Time to Program: Release the programming/override button. Now, take the remote control (key fob) you wish to program and press any button on it. Upon pressing a button, listen for a single chirp from the horn or siren. This single chirp confirms that the system has “learned” and recognized the signal from your key fob.
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Programming Additional Remotes: If you have more than one key fob to program, repeat step 6 for each additional remote. The system usually allows for multiple remotes to be programmed, often up to eight.
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Exit Programming Mode: To finalize the programming process, turn the vehicle ignition off. This action will exit the programming mode.
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Test Your Remotes: Thoroughly test all programmed remote controls to ensure they are working correctly. Check both the remote start function and the lock/unlock functionalities to confirm successful programming.
Deleting and Reprogramming Remotes
In situations where a remote is lost or stolen, or if you encounter issues, you might need to delete all previously programmed remotes and start fresh. Here’s how you can typically do it:
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Method 1: Reprogramming All Slots: By going through the programming procedure and reprogramming all the remotes you currently possess, you effectively overwrite the memory slots, thus deleting any previously programmed remotes that you do not reprogram.
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Method 2: Using Factory RKE (if equipped): If your vehicle has factory-installed Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), there’s often a quicker way to erase all learned transmitters. While the PowerCode system is in transmitter learn mode (step 4 in the programming procedure above), pressing the vehicle’s door-mounted “unlock” switch can erase all learned transmitters. After this, you will need to reprogram all the key fobs you intend to use, following the steps in the “Programming Your Remote Start Key Fob” section.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve followed the programming steps and your remote start key fob still isn’t working, consider these common issues:
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Check the Battery: A dead or weak battery in your new remote is a frequent culprit. Ensure you install a fresh battery of the correct type in your key fob.
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Verify Compatibility: In some cases, especially if you’re replacing a remote, ensure that the back cover or internal components of the remote are compatible with your specific remote start system. Swapping components between incompatible remotes can lead to programming failures.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully program your key fob to work with your remote start system and enjoy the convenience it offers.
