Ford
Ford Lost Car Key Replacement – All The Information You Need To Know About Ford Replacement Key Fobs, Keyless Entry, Ignition Problems, Cost, Programming, Battery and More.
We specialize in making replacement car keys for Ford when you don’t have a spare or need a remote fob, Ignition repair and replaced and more.
Want to get some useful tips before you call a locksmith? Read out blog post Locksmith near me
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Ford keys replacement near me – Things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer
Calling an automotive locksmith or a dealer near your location when you need a key replacement is probably the most common thing to do. Based on your location, an automotive locksmith can come to you, or you may choose to tow the car to the dealer.
We outline a few points to remember, to help you save some time and money regardless of which option you choose:
- First, always ask for a quote. Describe the problem in detail and give the automotive locksmith all the details, even if you think they may not be relevant.
- Moreover, If the locksmith has all the details, it can speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. Remember to give them your exact location to prevent a long waiting period. It may also affect the price.
3. In addition, tell the locksmith/dealer if the ignition was changed before, as far as you know. A previous ignition change may result in different keys for the ignition and doors.
4. Most Ford models today are equipped with chips or transponders, so make sure you mention the exact year, make and model and ask the locksmith if they have the necessary tools in their truck to code the key. Not all locksmiths have a key coding machine to program those keys.
5. In addition, it’s important to have the VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.
6. Finally, remember that for most Ford models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. An automotive locksmith should be able to make you a new car key on site.
What you should do when your Ford car key is lost and how to get a replacement:
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- First, call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Acura cars. We can help you with that.
- Second, tow the car to the dealer.
- Third, order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program (if necessary) it for you.
For a more detailed explanation including tips on how to SAVE TIME AND MONEY please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key
Below are some additional tips:
- First, make sure you don’t have a spare key. Many of us put one away as a backup for when we lose our key. Take a deep breath and try to remember where it is. Need some ideas of where your key might be? Take a look at this blog post on how to find your lost Ford keys.
- Second, if you decided to call an automotive locksmith, remember to provide the exact year, make and model, e.g “I lost my keys to my 2019 Ford F150, 2017 Ford Escape, 2018 Ford Explorer, 2015 Ford Escape” etc. This is important so the locksmith can check if he or she has the right key blank/ transponder key/ remote key fob.
- Remember to ask if the key needs to be programmed or coded, some models do – e.g., a replacement key for 2016 Ford Fusion will need to be programmed, whereas a 1996 Ford Mustang won’t.
- If you think you need a new ignition switch/ lock cylinder, first make sure you don’t simply need a new key. Changing the ignition for Ford cars is more expensive than buying a replacement key and it will mean that you will have one key for the doors and another for the ignition.
- When calling a dealer to get a Ford replacement key, ask if you can pick up the new key yourself, or whether you have to tow the car there.
- In addition, if the key won’t turn in the ignition, mention if this is something that has happened for the first time or is an ongoing problem.
- Moreover, if you have previously changed the ignition cylinder, tell the locksmith or dealer as it may prevent them from cutting you a new key by code.
- Finally, make sure you have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car and relevant documents to show ownership of the car. The title certificate, registration papers, your ID and proof of insurance, etc.
Q: Ford key replacement cost – How much will it cost to replace a Ford key without the original? What is the average price?
The answer below is a short explanation. For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement cost
A: In a nutshell, replacing a Ford key can cost anywhere between $60 and $450. The price you pay depends on several factors:
- The type of key
- The car’s year of manufacture
- The day of the week, the time of day (or night!) & your location
- Where you get the key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
- Availability of the code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are maybe the most important factors.(chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key). The newer the car is, the better security features the key had and therefore you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Choose your Ford model (from the drop-down menu) and the type of key you had for a more accurate price and information.
In addition,
It depends on where you get a key replacement. The dealer, automotive locksmith or get it online. Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
The dealer usually charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith would for the key. However, most chances you will have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote, and therefore the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore,
Consider that if you are looking to have a locksmith to come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may go up.
Finally,
In case your Ford ignition cylinder was changed before (usually with older cars), that probably means that the code for the key may not be useful and the key will have to be either cut manually by a locksmith or to change the ignition again which in this case the dealer can’t be of help.
Q: How can I know if my Ford key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed and some don’t?
A: A good rule of thumb is that a key that had a plastic cover at the top and/or the was made after the year 1996, most chances had a chip in it.
Hence, in case you lost your Ford key and the key had a chip in it, it will have to be programmed on-site in order to start the car.
An automotive locksmith for Ford keys replacement can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car will have to be towed there.
Below, an example of the different types of Ford keys & remote key fobs:
Fob car key – Fob remote “push to start” car key: Usually looks like some sort of remote. This fob car key has a chip and therefore will need to be programmed.
The next image is of a Ford key that has a transponder chip in it and therefore NEEDS to be coded. The chip is located inside the cover at the top.
The next image is of a Ford key that doesn’t contain a chip and therefore DOES NOT NEED to be coded. It’s a simple metal key.
Q: Can I get a Ford key replacement by VIN?
A: That depends on the year of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN allows the dealer or an automotive locksmith the option to access the key code on file, i.e. to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process very fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- For vehicles older than 10 years: Ford dealers don’t keep a record for vehicles older than 10 years. Therefore, an automotive locksmith is your only option to get a replacement key.
- For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or remote/ intelligent key/ fob key: Codes are available. However, programming is necessary and therefore you will have to either tow the car to the dealer or have an automotive locksmith come and program the key on-site.
For more information about VIN
Q: I Lost my 2013 Ford F150 smart “push to start button” car key fob and have no spare or AAA. Can an automotive locksmith make a replacement Ford key on-site or do I have to tow the car to the dealer?
A: Sure, an automotive locksmith can make a replacement key or fob for Ford cars.
However, not all automotive locksmiths have the necessary equipment to cut and program the key and therefore it would be wise to verify with the locksmith he can cut and program the key.
Q: How long does it take to make a replacement key for a 2010 Ford Explorer? I lost my original and have no spare.
A: Generally speaking, for a new Ford key or fob, the process should take between one hour to two, depending on the year make, and model of the car.
If codes are available, this process is even faster.
In addition, we offer 24/7 complete automotive locksmith services for all Ford models including Emergency lockout service, car keys replacement, ignition repair, and more.
Q: My 2012 Ford Expedition ignition key won’t turn, what is the reason, and can you change my ignition for me?
A: There may be a few reasons why the ignition key won’t turn. Worn out key, stuck, rusted ignition, or broken wafers. An automotive locksmith for Ford cars can determine the reason on-site and the solution. We can help you with that.
In addition, in case you lost your Ford ignition key, please remember that in most cases, there is no need to change the ignition.
For more information please visit: My ignition key won’t turn
Q: My Ford key will not start the car. The battery is good, the lights are on and the radio works. What may be the reason?
A: There may be a few reasons why the key won’t start the car. A mechanical problem or key related problem. Please visit: My ignition key won’t start the car for more information.
Q: Can you explain why there is a difference in the cost of replacement keys between Ford models? What would be the price for a newer model at the dealer VS an automotive locksmith?
A: The price for Ford key replacement varies according to the year of manufacture and the model. In the main, there are two different types of Ford keys when it comes to replacement key cost:
- Non-transponder chip key – there is no need to code the key.
- Transponder chip keys – the key needs to be coded.
Here’s an example of the price you can expect to pay for a key replacement:
Non-transponder replacement key cost –
From a Dealer –
If no coding is needed, you can call the dealer and have him cut you a new replacement key, which you can pick up at your convenience.
However, if the ignition was changed in the past, as may happen with older models, the codes the dealer has on file will not work and so the key won’t turn in the ignition.
It is also important to remember that the dealer only has codes on file for the original ignition and up to a certain year. If the car is too old, it may be difficult to get a replacement key from the dealer.
Estimated cost: Usually around $60 for a new key.
From an Automotive Locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key.
You can therefore expect to pay more than the dealer would charge. However, since the cost of a non-transponder chip key is minor, you shouldn’t pay much more than the dealer charge and you have the convenience of a solution at your location as many locksmiths offer a mobile service.
Estimated cost: Usually around $130.
Transponder chip / “push to start” / fob / remote Ford replacement key cost:
From a Dealer –
Keys of this type have to be coded in order to start the car and therefore the car will have to be towed to the dealership which will result in an additional cost.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $150 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $350 for a new key.
From an Automotive locksmith:
A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key so you can expect to pay more than the dealer would charge.
However, an automotive locksmith operating a mobile service can make the key on site and therefore save you time and money and the hassle of towing the car to the dealer.
The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $310 for a new key.
An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $430 for a new key.
Q: Ford key cutting – Who can cut and program a new key for my car? Can I get it done at any hardware store or should I go to an automotive locksmith or dealer? What is the procedure and how much does it cost?
A: There are many different types of Ford keys. Some can be cut with a basic cutting machine (mostly for older models made before 2010) and some, such as laser cut keys, can only be cut with a more advanced machine, which not all locksmiths carry, and definitely not hardware stores. Therefore, you should do your research before you decide where to get your Ford key cut.
The next image is of a non-transponder key on a regular cutting machine:
In addition, there are a few things to consider:
First, you have to remember that cutting a new Ford key probably won’t be enough for you to start your vehicle as most Ford models made after 1998 requires coding in addition to cutting the key. Saying that, you will have to take care of coding the keys as well AFTER you had your key cut. Learn more about coding Ford fobs, remotes and transponder keys
The next image is of a cut key(or key fob) and a programming machine for Ford Key:
Second, try to get the key code, which makes the process of cutting a new key very fast, from your dealer. They should be able to provide it for you after verification that you are the owner. Once you have this code, any locksmith should be able to cut you the key within minutes, and it would be cheaper as well.
How much should you expect to pay for cutting your Ford key? (Not including coding/programming)
Laser-cut keys or remote emergency keys – About $50 if you have the key code. (If not about $80)
Regular key, transponder keys – about $20 if you have the key code. (If not about $50)
Q: I called my Ford dealer as I need a replacement key for my 1996 Ford Ranger. Unfortunately, they told me they can’t make me a replacement key as they don’t have the information on file. Can you explain why is that, where can I get a replacement key and how much should it cost?
A: Yes. Ford dealers, like other car brand dealers, use a code to cut a replacement key. These types of codes are available only for limited years, usually about 10 years or so.
Therefore, if your Ford model is older than ten years ago, you may have a problem of getting a replacement key from the dealer. In this case, an automotive locksmith would be your best option. The estimated cost should be around $125.
Here is the complete list of Ford models we can help you with:
Aspire, CMax, Cobra, Contour, Crown Victoria, Edge, Ecosport, Escape, Escort, Festiva, Fiesta, Five Hundred-500, Flex, Focus, GT, Freestyle, Fusion, LTD, Mustang & Mustang GT, Probe, Taurus, Tempo, Thunderbird.
Ford trucks:
Aerostar, Bronco – Bronco II, Econoline Van & Club Wagon, E-Series, Excursion, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250 & F-350 Series, F-450, F-650, F-750, Freestar, Ranger Pickup, Super Duty Series, Transfer Heavy Trucks 6000-9000-CF7000, Transit, Transit Connect, Windstar, ZX2