Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your 2011 Lincoln Town Car can be an inconvenience. Fortunately, programming a new keyless entry fob can often be done yourself, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to program a new key fob for your vehicle, ensuring you regain convenient access and control.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Your 2011 Lincoln Town Car
- At least two existing, working key fobs (master keys, not valet keys) for your vehicle. This is crucial for the onboard programming method.
- The new, unprogrammed key fob that is compatible with your 2011 Lincoln Town Car. Ensure it is the correct frequency and type for your vehicle.
Once you have gathered these items, follow these steps to program your new key fob:
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Enter the Vehicle and Prepare: Get into your 2011 Lincoln Town Car and close all doors. Make sure the gear shift is in the “Park” (P) position.
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Cycle the Ignition with the First Working Key: Insert your first existing, working key into the ignition. Turn the ignition from the “Off” position to the “On” position (where the dashboard lights up, but you do not start the engine). Do this a total of eight times, ending in the “On” position. Do this in a relatively quick manner, within about 10 seconds.
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Listen for the Door Locks to Cycle: After the eighth ignition cycle and leaving the key in the “On” position, the door locks should cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that the vehicle has entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, repeat step 2, ensuring you are performing the ignition cycles quickly and correctly.
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Remove the First Key and Insert the Second Working Key: Once the door locks have cycled, remove the first working key from the ignition. Immediately insert your second working key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position.
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Door Locks Cycle Again: The door locks should cycle again, confirming that the system is ready to program a new key fob.
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Remove the Second Key and Press a Button on the New Fob: Remove the second working key from the ignition. Now, take your new, unprogrammed key fob and press any button on it (like the lock or unlock button).
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Door Locks Cycle One Last Time: The door locks should cycle one final time to confirm that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Test the New Key Fob: Test all the buttons on your newly programmed key fob to ensure they are working correctly. Lock, unlock, and panic buttons should all function as expected.
Important Considerations:
- Two Working Keys Required: This procedure typically requires two existing, functioning master keys. If you only have one working key or only valet keys, you may need to visit a dealership or a qualified locksmith for programming.
- Valet Keys: Valet keys are designed for limited access and may not always be compatible with DIY programming procedures. Ensure you are using master keys for this process. The original forum post inquired about using a valet key in this process. While it might be possible in some scenarios if you have a master key as the second key, it’s generally recommended to use two master keys for the most reliable programming.
- Key Fob Compatibility: Always ensure the new key fob you purchase is specifically designed for your 2011 Lincoln Town Car. Using an incompatible fob will not work.
- Troubleshooting: If the programming process fails, double-check that you have followed each step correctly and that you have two working master keys. If issues persist, consult your Lincoln Town Car owner’s manual or seek professional assistance.
Programming a keyless entry fob for your 2011 Lincoln Town Car can be a straightforward process when you have the necessary working keys. By following these steps, you can quickly add a new fob and maintain the convenience and security of your vehicle’s keyless entry system.
