Programming your Ford car remote can seem daunting, but with the right instructions, it’s a straightforward process you can complete yourself. This guide focuses on programming System 100 keyless entry and remote start systems, commonly found in Ford vehicles. Whether you have a one-way or two-way remote, this article will walk you through each step to get your remote working seamlessly with your Ford.
Understanding Your System 100 Remote Start
The System 100 remote start system typically comes with two types of remotes: one-way and two-way. A one-way remote usually has a single LED indicator and a button with a key symbol. When you press the button, it sends a command to your vehicle. A two-way remote, on the other hand, provides confirmation back to the remote, often indicated by an LCD screen or additional LEDs. Knowing which type you have is the first step in understanding the programming process.
Before you begin, it’s important to locate the override button for your remote start system. This button is crucial for entering programming mode. It’s often a small, discreet button installed during the system’s installation, typically found under the dashboard near the steering column. You may need to remove the lower panel beneath the steering wheel to access it. Locating this button beforehand will make the programming process smoother.
Entering Programming Mode
To begin programming your Ford car remote, you need to put your vehicle’s system into ‘Transmitter Learn Mode’. Follow these steps carefully:
- Ensure all doors and the hood of your Ford are completely closed. This is essential for the system to enter programming mode correctly.
- Press and hold down the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal throughout the next steps until instructed to release it.
- Insert your key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON/RUN position. Do not start the engine, just turn the key to the position where the dashboard lights illuminate.
- Locate the override button for your remote start system and press and hold it for 10 seconds. After holding the button for ten seconds, you should hear the horn honk three times and see the lights flash three times. This confirms that your system has successfully entered Transmitter Learn Mode.
- Release both the brake pedal and the override button. Your system is now ready to learn the signal from your remote transmitter.
Programming Transmitter Options (Bank 1 & Bank 2)
Once in Transmitter Learn Mode, you can program your remote fobs and configure various system options. The System 100 system uses ‘banks’ of options that you can customize.
Programming Remotes:
- To program your remote transmitter (fob), press the Lock button (key symbol) on a one-way remote or the Start button on a two-way remote once. The system can learn up to 8 transmitters. A brief press is sufficient; holding the button too long might revert the system to default settings.
Accessing Option Banks:
- After programming remotes, press and release the override button once. The horn will honk four times, and the lights will flash four times, indicating you are now in “Bank 1” of the programming options.
- To advance to “Bank 2” programming options, press and release the override button one more time. The horn will honk five times, and the lights will flash five times, confirming you are in “Bank 2”.
Navigating and Changing Options:
- Within each bank, you can navigate through programmable options by pressing and releasing the brake pedal. Each press of the brake pedal advances to the next option. The horn will honk and the lights will flash a corresponding number of times to indicate the option number (e.g., one honk and flash for the first option, two for the second, and so on).
- To change an option’s setting (ON or OFF), press the Lock button on a one-way remote or the Start button on a two-way remote. The LED indicator (if you can locate it) will typically turn on and off to reflect the change in option status. Remember that options in BOLD in the chart below are the factory default settings.
Option Programming Chart:
Bank 1
| Option | Description | LED (Default) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tachometer Learn | |
| 2 | Door Trigger Polarity | Positive / Negative |
| 3 | Key-In-Sense Polarity | Positive / Negative |
| 4 | Extended Horn Honk | ON / OFF |
Bank 2
| Option | Description | LED (Default) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blind Crank | ON / OFF |
| 2 | Crank Time | 8 Sec / 1 Sec |
| 3 | Run Time | 10min / 15min |
| 4 | 1 Press to Start (2 press if OFF) | ON / OFF |
| 5 | Diesel Mode | ON / OFF |
| 6 | Horn Start Confirmation | ON / OFF |
| 7 | Not Used (Door Open Shutdown) | ON / OFF |
| 8 | Not Used | ON / OFF |
Note: For 1-Way Remote Start Systems, the factory default for option 4 in Bank 2 is “Press and Hold for Start.” For 2-Way Remote Start Systems, it is “2 Presses for start.” Option 7 in Bank 2, although listed as “Not Used”, may control the “Door Open Shutdown” feature. If set to ON, the engine might shut down if a door is opened after remote start – be cautious when changing this, especially if using Ford’s MyKey system for teen drivers.
Important Notes and Tips
- Locating the LED: The instructions mention an LED connected to the remote start harness. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find. If you cannot locate the LED, you can still program the options by logically assuming the current state (ON or OFF) and toggling it by pressing the remote button.
- Accessing the Override Button: As mentioned earlier, you might need to remove the panel under the dashboard below the steering wheel to easily access the override button. Typically, this involves removing a few 7mm bolts at the bottom edge of the panel. The top part is usually secured with push connectors. Remember to pull the hood release lever to fully remove the panel and ensure the hood is closed before programming. The override button is generally a small button (around 1/4″ in diameter) connected to the remote start wiring harness, often located near the steering column.
- Completing Programming: Once you have finished programming your remotes and options, turn the ignition off to exit programming mode.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your Ford car remote and customize the settings of your System 100 remote start system. If you encounter any difficulties, it’s always recommended to consult the professional installer or a qualified automotive technician.
