Programming keyfob remotes

[REDH0TR0D]

Picked up a couple of extra remotes on eBay but the programming instructions seem to be incomplete. Anyone know how to program them (other than by taking it back to the dealer)?

I was able to program extra remotes for my PT Cruiser by cycling the ignition (and a few other steps). I looked at the service manual CD that I have for my Bird ('02) but it looks like you have to have some sort of special programmer (that a dealer would have) rather than by utilizing a "cycle ignition" process.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dave

[DavidA]

The owner's manual shows how to do it. If I remembeer correctly, you can program 4 remotes. It's a sequence of off/on with the ignition key I think.

[yelobird2002]

I have not looked at the manual REDHOTROD, but all Fords in the past have been on the key cycle method. Ford uses 3 different methods based on different models. Everything is the same with the excepection of the amount of cycles. All the cycles I have seen on Fords is either 5, 8, or 10. Within 10 seconds you cycle the key from off to on 5, 8, or 10 times leaving the key in the on position at the end of the correct cycle. You know when you have hit the correct cycle because the door locks will cycle lock / unlock when the correct cycle is reached. Then push any of the buttons on the key FOB's one FOB at a time up to 4. With the push of the button on each FOB the door locks will cycle. When done turn the key to the off position and the door locks will cycle once more signaling that the programing is complete. In the cycling of the switch, delay just a little bit on the 5th, 8th, or 10th cycle because you don't want to pass up the correct cycle and have to start over again. Hope this helps.

[REDH0TR0D]

Thanks

The programming procedure IS in the owner's manual. I initially tried the eight-time off-run cycle (based on information provided by the seller) but it didn't work. Should have checked the manual to be sure - must not have done it fast enough. I wasn't real comfortable turning the key on and off so many times so fast...I'll give it another shot tomorrow.

Thanks again.

[DrtiBird]

Hi RHR,
When I took delivery of my '02 Yellow Bird I inquired about programming the Bird to accept my Expedition remote so that I wouldn't have to carry two. The service guy was adamant that it "Won't work".

Well, being a grumpy, hard-headed old man, I decided to try for myself. The manual says to turn the switch into the "run" position then cycle on/off eight (8) times within ten (10) seconds ending in the "run" position. (you will get the door lock/unlock cycle to let you know you are in the program mode) Then you push any button on your remote within twenty (20) seconds and then push a button on each of the others you want to include.

When you do this, you have to have all the remotes available, because when you do this, it erases all memory of previous remotes. Basically, you can't just add a remote, you have to reprogram the car to recognize three or four remotes. After the last remote turn the switch to "Off".

I currently have two "T-Bird" remotes and two "Expedition" remotes that will work either vehicle. I carry one, Sue carries one and there is a spare (with a key) in each of the vehicles. The Expedition is great because it has the key-pad entry on the driver's side; I really want that on my Bird; never get locked out.

My next project is to have one key work both cars. Since each key is cut twice you can cut one side for one car and the other side for the other car. Programming the car to accept the keys is similar to programming for the remotes. The only glitch I see is that one of the keys is just slightly longer than the other. I think that the dealer's ability to "punch" the keys rather than "grind" them will solve the problem of cutting the longer key with the shorter key pattern.

I'll let you know how that works out for those of you that may want one key to work two vehicles.

[taflocks]

i have a whole seperate key ring with only the fob and the key on it as not to scratch baby.
i put all my other keys in the trunk before getting in the car.........

[BLUNBIRD]

taflocks -

Your post here really belongs under the thread "Who is the most psychotic".

[REDH0TR0D]

Tried it out...

Got all four remotes programmed...one of the new ones had a dead battery. Replaced it and it works fine.

Now I need to get a couple of spare keys!

Thanks for the help.

Dave

[FUN X 3]

taflocks- You're not alone, I keep my "other" key ring in the ashtray that sits in the cup holder. I also keep spare change and the gas cap key there also. I didn't want that worn spot that develops where your keys bang against the dashboard [or steering wheel on other cars] constantly while driving. It may seem psychotic to some, but that's okay with me.

[BLUNBIRD]

Fun x 3:

Psychotic is an OK thing on this forum!

[Red]

Programming the keys is a whole different matter. I just get a regular one cut to open the door if I lock the original inside the car. That way it doesn't have to be the security key that will start the car.

[TBird02]

DrtiBird - Thanks for sharing that info. I think I will try that soon!

[NC2k2TBird]

DrtiBird - I have a Sport Trac and will be reprogramming those two fobs so that I don't have to use a separate one for each vehicle!

I can't believe the amount of knowledge that I get from this site.


TBN RULES!

[yelobird2002]

Bad thing about programming the FOB's the same for two cars is that if they are parked close enough together you car unlock both cars unknowingly, or open the trunk on the car in the garage by accident when opening the trunk on the car in the driveway. Then when you get home you find the car in the garage has a dead battery because the trunk has been open all day.

[NC2k2TBird]

Lon

My fob for the Sport Trac doesn't have a trunk button. It only has a lock. unlock and panic button. Will that still be a problem, other than locking, unlocking the doors? Just asking.... It would be nice to cut down on the number of key chains that I have to keep up with. Then there might be the problem as to which key is the right one for which car.