Ford Smart Key Programming: Lock and Unlock Button Sequence
Updated 2026 33 vehicles 2013–2019
This procedure covers 33 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 2013 to 2019. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.
Need the fob itself?
Pick your vehicle to see replacement fobs on Amazon. Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.
Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.
If your Ford has push-button start, you can add a new smart key yourself when you already have two working smart keys. You'll have 30 seconds to complete the sequence, so read it through first. Up to 4 smart keys total.
Before you start
- Two already-programmed, working smart keys
- Your new, unprogrammed smart key
- Engine off and all doors closed (keep them closed throughout)
- 1Place the new smart key, buttons facing out, in the center-console pocket.
- 2Press the driver or passenger power-unlock button three times.
- 3Press and release the brake pedal once.
- 4Press the power-lock button three times.
- 5Press and release the brake pedal once. The Start/Stop button starts flashing — programming mode is active and the two working keys were detected.
- 6Within one minute, press the Start/Stop button. The message center confirms the new key was programmed. (If you see MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED, four keys are already programmed and you can't add more.)
- 7Take the new key out of the pocket and press Lock or Unlock on it to exit programming mode.
- 8Test that the new key locks, unlocks, and starts the vehicle.
Tips & troubleshooting
- If any step is out of sequence, stop and wait at least one minute before starting again.
- No two working smart keys? A dealer or automotive locksmith will need to program the spare.
Which fob does your vehicle take?
These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.
Vehicles this procedure covers
These steps apply to the 33 vehicles below — 8 models across 2 makes. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.
| Make | Model | Years covered |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Escape Shop fobs for the Ford Escape on Amazon | |
| Ford | Expedition Shop fobs for the Ford Expedition on Amazon | |
| Ford | Flex Shop fobs for the Ford Flex on Amazon | |
| Ford | Focus Shop fobs for the Ford Focus on Amazon | |
| Ford | Taurus Shop fobs for the Ford Taurus on Amazon | |
| Lincoln | MKS Shop fobs for the Lincoln MKS on Amazon | |
| Lincoln | MKT Shop fobs for the Lincoln MKT on Amazon | |
| Lincoln | Navigator Shop fobs for the Lincoln Navigator on Amazon |
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Rather pay someone to do it?
What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright: