2018 Trouble programming 3rd smart key
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 17
From: Huntsville, AL
The 40/20/40 seat has a different backup slot. i tried the methods listed on here (and tried with metal key in the fob, out of the fob, buttons facing back, buttons facing forward, etc). no luck. i chatted with Ford service last night. after an hour, they found the directions in the manual. 
they are going to have a SME look into it and get back to me. it SEEMS like it should be an easy process.....
they are going to have a SME look into it and get back to me. it SEEMS like it should be an easy process.....
rtball
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 667
Likes: 346
From: Central Florida & East Texas
After MANY, MANY attempts over months of trying, I followed the procedure that mbrick had posted. It worked, but not on the first try. I think my issue was the timing. 5 sec/10 sec rule must be followed. The IA FOB must face forward, and as I did, remove any protective case from the FOB. Years back, one of the requirements was for the doors and windows to be closed (don't know why) so I went with that. I programmed a $25 FOB that was sold to me by a person who sold his '18 F-250 and bought a Chevy YUK, so it had been programmed before. Now my one year+ desk ornament is a working FOB. It is my fourth one, so no more. For $25 I couldn't pass it up.
Swordmaster said it took him 2 minutes. Seriously, if it works, it can be done in 20 seconds. I was surprised when the flashers flashed back at me!
Swordmaster said it took him 2 minutes. Seriously, if it works, it can be done in 20 seconds. I was surprised when the flashers flashed back at me!
Last edited by rtball; Feb 18, 2022 at 01:57 PM. Reason: additional info
5 Year Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 581
Likes: 171
After MANY, MANY attempts over months of trying, I followed the procedure that mbrick had posted. It worked, but not on the first try. I think my issue was the timing. 5 sec/10 sec rule must be followed. The IA FOB must face forward, and as I did, remove any protective case from the FOB. Years back, one of the requirements was for the doors and windows to be closed (don't know why) so I went with that. I programmed a $25 FOB that was sold to me by a person who sold his '18 F-250 and bought a Chevy YUK, so it had been programmed before. Now my one year+ desk ornament is a working FOB. It is my fourth one, so no more. For $25 I couldn't pass it up.
Swordmaster said it took him 2 minutes. Seriously, if it works, it can be done in 20 seconds. I was surprised when the flashers flashed back at me!
Swordmaster said it took him 2 minutes. Seriously, if it works, it can be done in 20 seconds. I was surprised when the flashers flashed back at me!
If it helps anyone my truck never displayed "programming mode" iI knew it worked when the door locks activated by themselves.
I also had the doors closed and waited until the 8" display went dark before beginning
Last edited by Swordmaster; Feb 18, 2022 at 05:45 PM.
5 Year Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 849
From: Southeast PA
I bought a spare smart key / intelligent access key from ebay so I can have 3 and program another myself later if I lose one (since 2 are required to program).
The directions in the owners manual are clearly wrong (talk about inserting a key, etc).
I fould a pretty helpful thread here from ford-trucks.com. It provided two details I was looking for:
1. After inserting second key, it will show the keyless entry code to verify you are in programming mode.
2. After 3rd key is programmed, doors lock/unlock and turn signals flash.
I think the key needs be installed with the keyring facing up and keys facing back of the truck? Does the key orientation matter? I tried facing back and front of the truck.
One time I was able to get into programming mode and see the keyless entry code. I also did this back when I first got the truck to get the master code so I could program my own.
When I did get into program mode one time, it did not successfully learn the 3rd key.
Now, I am no logner able to get into programming mode.
Is there a timeout or delay before you can enter it again? Or is there some timing that is not explicitly written that I am messing up? It seems straightforward.
So I am stuck. Any tips? And can a used key of the exact same part number be re-programmed with this method?
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Correct Directions for Programming a Spare Intelligent Access Key on my 2019 F-150 Lariat
When placing an intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot (A) in the center console (Type One), position it upside down (unlock button at the bottom) with the buttons facing forward
1. Place the first programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
2. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch. [OFF]
3. Remove the first intelligent access key (Fob).
4. Within 10 seconds, place the second programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
5. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch. [OFF]
6. Remove the second intelligent access key (Fob).
7. Place the un-programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, and then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
The flashers will flash if successful.
The directions in the owners manual are clearly wrong (talk about inserting a key, etc).
I fould a pretty helpful thread here from ford-trucks.com. It provided two details I was looking for:
1. After inserting second key, it will show the keyless entry code to verify you are in programming mode.
2. After 3rd key is programmed, doors lock/unlock and turn signals flash.
I think the key needs be installed with the keyring facing up and keys facing back of the truck? Does the key orientation matter? I tried facing back and front of the truck.
One time I was able to get into programming mode and see the keyless entry code. I also did this back when I first got the truck to get the master code so I could program my own.
When I did get into program mode one time, it did not successfully learn the 3rd key.
Now, I am no logner able to get into programming mode.
Is there a timeout or delay before you can enter it again? Or is there some timing that is not explicitly written that I am messing up? It seems straightforward.
So I am stuck. Any tips? And can a used key of the exact same part number be re-programmed with this method?
-----
Correct Directions for Programming a Spare Intelligent Access Key on my 2019 F-150 Lariat
When placing an intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot (A) in the center console (Type One), position it upside down (unlock button at the bottom) with the buttons facing forward
1. Place the first programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
2. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch. [OFF]
3. Remove the first intelligent access key (Fob).
4. Within 10 seconds, place the second programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
5. Wait five seconds and then press the push button ignition switch. [OFF]
6. Remove the second intelligent access key (Fob).
7. Place the un-programmed intelligent access key (Fob) in the backup slot, and then press the push button ignition switch. [ON]
The flashers will flash if successful.
I got a reconditioned fob with blank off the 'bay, it looked new to me. After many tries I found that Ford in their infinite wisdom disabled the ability to duplicate a key in the vehicle midway through the 2018 MY run. My truck was built in September, looking at your forum join date I'd say you missed the cut off. I had a local locksmith cut the key but He wasn't able to program it. I asked at the dealer where I bought the truck in company of both the sales and service managers, $70 to program. I went to another dealer in town and asked, they told me to bring it in after lunch. I showed up and even though quite busy at the time the shop foreman got the laptop and had me out of the parking lot in fifteen minutes.
Last edited by Wicked ace; Feb 19, 2022 at 02:39 PM.
rtball
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 667
Likes: 346
From: Central Florida & East Texas
I believe that since you did not have the IA FOB, aka keyless system that you were up against the wall. I had an '18 for a while and went through the expensive way to get the extra one programmed. It hurt a few $$$ worth, but was the only way, and I didn't go through the dealer.