Programming your Ford car remote can seem daunting, but it’s often a straightforward process you can complete yourself. Whether you’re dealing with a new remote, or your existing key fob has simply lost its programming, this guide will walk you through the steps to program your Ford car remote, focusing on aftermarket systems similar to the System 100 Keyless Entry Remote Start System.
Understanding Your Remote System: 1-Way vs. 2-Way
Before you begin, it’s important to identify the type of remote system you have. A common type is the System 100 Keyless Entry Remote Start System, which comes in both 1-way and 2-way versions.
1-Way Remote: If your key fob has one LED and a single button with a KEY symbol, you likely have a 1-way system. These remotes typically provide basic lock/unlock and remote start functionality.
2-Way Remote: 2-way systems usually have more buttons and often include an LCD screen or additional LEDs to provide confirmation back to the remote when commands are sent to the vehicle.
While the specific remote in the original article is not explicitly for Ford, the programming steps are applicable to many aftermarket remote start and keyless entry systems installed in Ford vehicles. This guide is based on those general principles and the information provided for the System 100.
Entering Programming Mode on Your Ford
To begin programming your Ford car remote, you’ll need to put your vehicle’s system into ‘Transmitter Learn Mode’. Here are the steps to enter programming mode, based on the System 100 instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle. Ensure all doors and the hood of your Ford are completely closed.
Step 2: Locate the Override Button. The override button is a crucial component for programming. It’s often a small, discreet button installed with the aftermarket remote start system. You may need to locate it. According to notes from users, this button is often found under the dashboard, near the steering column. You might need to remove the lower dash panel (typically held by a few 7mm bolts and push connectors) for easier access. The override button is usually a small (approximately 1/4 inch diameter) black button connected to the remote start wiring harness.
Step 3: Initiate Programming Sequence.
- Press and hold the BRAKE PEDAL. Keep the brake pedal depressed throughout the next steps until instructed to release.
- 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 and press the remote start system override button for 10 seconds. Continue holding the override button for the full duration.
- Wait for Confirmation. After approximately 10 seconds, the horn should honk 3 times, and the lights should flash 3 times. This indicates that your Ford’s system has successfully entered Transmitter Learn Mode.
- Release both the brake pedal and the override button. Your system is now ready to learn new remote transmitters (key fobs).
Programming Your Ford Remote Transmitters (Key Fobs)
Once your system is in Transmitter Learn Mode, you can program your remote transmitters (key fobs).
Step 5: Program the Transmitter.
- For 1-Way Remotes: Press the Lock button (the button with the KEY symbol) on the remote fob one time.
- For 2-Way Remotes: Press the Start button on the 2-way remote fob one time.
Important Notes on Transmitter Programming:
- Brief Push: Press the button briefly. Holding the button down for too long might cause the system to revert to default settings.
- Multiple Transmitters: You can program up to 8 transmitters to your Ford’s system. Repeat Step 5 for each additional remote you want to program.
- Confirmation: After pressing the button on the remote, the system may provide an audible or visual confirmation (like a horn honk or light flash – though not explicitly mentioned in this step of the original instructions).
Step 6: Accessing Option Programming Banks
After transmitter programming (or if you only need to adjust system options), you can access the programming option banks.
- Press and release the remote start system override button one time.
- Confirmation for Bank 1: The horn will honk 4 times, and the lights will flash 4 times, indicating you are now in “Bank 1” of the programming options.
Navigating and Adjusting Programmable Options (Bank 1 & Bank 2)
Your Ford’s remote start system likely has programmable options organized into banks. Bank 1 and Bank 2 contain different settings you can customize.
Step 7: Selecting Options within a Bank.
- Press and release the brake pedal one time.
- Confirmation for Option 1: The horn will honk 1 time, and the lights will flash 1 time, indicating you are at the first programmable option within the current bank (Bank 1 initially).
Step 8: Moving to the Next Option.
- To advance to the next option within the current bank, press and release the brake pedal.
- Confirmation for Option 2 (and subsequent options): The horn will honk 2 times, and the lights will flash 2 times (for option 2), 3 times for option 3, and so on. Repeat this to scroll through the options in the current bank.
Step 9: Accessing Bank 2.
- To move from Bank 1 to Bank 2 programming options, press and release the remote start system override button one time.
- Confirmation for Bank 2: The horn will honk 5 times, and the lights will flash 5 times, indicating you are now in “Bank 2”.
Step 10: Programming Options in Bank 2.
- Repeat Step 7 and Step 8 to navigate and select options within Bank 2, if necessary.
Step 11: Exiting Programming Mode.
- Once you have completed all desired programming changes, turn off the ignition. This will exit the programming mode.
Understanding Programmable Options: Bank 1 and Bank 2
Here’s a breakdown of the options available in Bank 1 and Bank 2, based on the provided “Option Programming Chart”. Remember that BOLD items are typically the factory default settings.
Bank 1 Options:
| Option Number | Description | LED Indicator (ON/OFF) | Possible Settings | Default Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tachometer Learn | N/A | Learn Tachometer Signal | N/A |
| 2 | Door Trigger Polarity | ON/OFF | Positive / Negative | Negative |
| 3 | Key-In-Sense Polarity | ON/OFF | Positive / Negative | Negative |
| 4 | Extended Horn Honk | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | OFF |
Bank 2 Options:
| Option Number | Description | LED Indicator (ON/OFF) | Possible Settings | Default Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blind Crank | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | ON |
| 2 | Crank Time | ON/OFF | 8 Sec. / 1 Sec. | 8 Sec. |
| 3 | Run Time | ON/OFF | 10min / 15min | 10min |
| 4 | 1 Press to Start (2 press if OFF) | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | OFF |
| 5 | Diesel Mode | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | OFF |
| 6 | Horn Start Confirmation | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | ON |
| 7 | Door Open Shutdown | ON/OFF | OFF / ON | OFF |
| 8 | Not Used | ON/OFF | ON / OFF | ON |
Changing Option Settings:
- To change an option from its default setting, while on the desired option number (using the brake pedal to navigate), press the Lock button (1-Way) or Start button (2-Way) on your remote one time.
- The L.E.D. indicator (if visible for your system – as noted in the original article, it might be hard to find) will turn ON or OFF, indicating the changed option status. Refer to the chart to understand whether LED ON or OFF corresponds to the desired setting.
Important Considerations & Notes:
- LED Location: As noted in the original article, finding the system’s LED indicator can be challenging. If you can’t locate it, you may need to rely on logical deduction – if a function isn’t working as expected, try toggling its corresponding option.
- Override Button Location: Be prepared to spend some time locating the override button under your dash. Refer to user notes for common locations.
- Option 7 (Door Open Shutdown): Option 7 in Bank 2, “Door Open Shutdown”, is crucial if you use Ford’s “MyKey” system to restrict teen drivers. Leaving this option OFF (default) is recommended if you use MyKey, as turning it ON could potentially bypass some MyKey restrictions related to remote start and door operation.
- 1-Press vs. 2-Press Start: For 1-Way remote start systems, the factory default is “Press and Hold to Start”. 2-Way systems are typically set to “2 Presses to Start” by default. You can adjust option #4 in Bank 2 to change this behavior.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your Ford car remote and customize the settings of your aftermarket remote start system. Always refer to the specific documentation for your exact remote start system if available, as variations may exist.
