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Help Programming 3rd Key

Old Aug 29, 2025 | 06:55 PM
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Default Help Programming 3rd Key

Hey guys I have two factory switchblade keyfobs for my 2020 XLT with remote start that are all working well, and I bought a third key to have as another backup. It's a ford OEM non-remote start key with only lock/unlock/panic buttons--I figured I never used the remote start feature and disabled it in setting so less useless buttons==win.

Anyway I had the dealer cut the key and then I programmed the key so that it starts the truck per the usual method (inserting the two good keys and then the third), however, none of the buttons on the fob work.

I put in a new CR2032 battery just to try that and no dice.

Any ideas? The new key was purchased from ebay but is supposedly an OEM ford part: (NEW OEM 2015-2022 FORD F-150 F-250 SERIES REMOTE FLIP KEY FOB ASSY 164-R8130).

I have forscan if there's something that needs programming.

Last edited by surfnbike; Aug 29, 2025 at 07:13 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 11:01 AM
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I am not sure if this is your issue but my key fobs do not use a CR2032 battery. IIRC, my fob used a 2054 battery (thicker than 2032). You might want to check what battery is in your other fob. Just a thought.
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by surfnbike
Hey guys I have two factory switchblade keyfobs for my 2020 XLT with remote start that are all working well, and I bought a third key to have as another backup. It's a ford OEM non-remote start key with only lock/unlock/panic buttons--I figured I never used the remote start feature and disabled it in setting so less useless buttons==win.

Anyway I had the dealer cut the key and then I programmed the key so that it starts the truck per the usual method (inserting the two good keys and then the third), however, none of the buttons on the fob work.

I put in a new CR2032 battery just to try that and no dice.

Any ideas? The new key was purchased from ebay but is supposedly an OEM ford part: (NEW OEM 2015-2022 FORD F-150 F-250 SERIES REMOTE FLIP KEY FOB ASSY 164-R8130).

I have forscan if there's something that needs programming.
After programming the keys.....(I take it the key works but not the buttons )
Fob buttons have to be programmed as well as each fob has it's own unique code & has to be programmed !!.......
insert a key & turn on ignition on then off 8 times .ending in run/on (do not start).....door locks should cycle lock/unlock.......now should be in programming mode
press any fob button........locks should cycle again......Do this for all fobs right now.....
You may have to insert each key & turn on then press any button
locks should cycle each time if successful......turn key off & test all fobs............they should work!!
Going from memory for above instructions....if they don't work google is you friend

Reply with the fix that worked plz as it helps everyone !!! THKS !!

Last edited by maco; Aug 30, 2025 at 02:20 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 02:18 PM
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Wrong Frequency? Dead battery?
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by digitaltrucker
Wrong Frequency? Dead battery?
If you reread the post you will realize he replaced /changed the battery ?
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by maco
If you reread the post you will realize he replaced /changed the battery ?
I did! I have bought new defective batteries. Have a good day!
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 06:26 PM
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Tried this and no dice. Its my understanding that the 2nd programming step isn't required for Gen13 trucks. Watched a video of a guy do it and the button worked right away. My truck flashed the hazards and cycled the door locks just like it did in the video. I can start the truck but none of the buttons work. I guess I just got a bad key? I paid the bucks for OEM but I guess I'll just get a cheap one from Amazon.
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 06:49 PM
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Also I saw some people saying that 3 and 4 button fobs may operate on different frequencies, but Google AI says they are on the same (315mhz).

Yes, both the 3-button and 4-button key fobs for a 2020 Ford F-150 operate on the same frequency (typically 315 MHz) as they are programmed for the same vehicle. The primary difference is the functionality of the extra button on the 4-button fob, which adds the remote start feature.

Who knows I will try a cheap amazon key, get it cut again, and see if I have any luck.
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Old Aug 30, 2025 | 07:49 PM
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I don't think you would need to get another key cut. Just swap the blade you just had cut over the the new fob.
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Old Aug 31, 2025 | 01:47 AM
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I would not assume that a fob of a different design than the originals would work. Different systems may use different frequencies or codes. I don't know if that's your problem, but I've purchased and programmed a spare fob for each of my last 3 vehicles without any problems. I made sure I got an OEM fob matching the 2 that came with the vehicle. Good luck.
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