I have an XLT, not a Lariat or above, so I am running off of memory here from when I read the manual over a year ago. It seems to me that I remember reading that the pocket of which you speak is in one of two places. Either under the rubber mat at the bottom of the front drink holder in the center console, or at the rear, inside the center console. The two places definitely are described in the manual though.

You do know that you can't self program any keys unless you have two working keys in hand, don't you?

 

I actually did not know that I needed two working keys. I assumed one would be needed which I do have and was planning on buying a 2nd (to be programmed) off ebay. So is it fair to say I would need THREE keys total, with TWO currently fully functioning and paired? Damn that's unfortunate news.

 

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Here is the key fob you need. $80.00. This is an Ford OEM Part.

https://northcoastkeyless.com/shop/f...-bb-164-r8166/

I lost one of my keys traveling a couple weeks ago. If you currently only have one fob, you cannot program it yourself. The dealer must program it. No way around it. If you have two working fobs, you can program a third yourself. But not if you only have one fob. However, my dealer programmed my key for free so you might be able to do that. Also, the key blank inside the key is a high security cut. It requires a special machine. I called 4 lock smiths around Austin, Texas and each one want between $50.00-$75.00 dollars to cut the key. No way around that either unless the dealer will cut it for free, which I highly doubt.

Either way, it's still cheaper than purchasing directly from the dealer. Dealers in Austin wanted $195.00

 

It is under the cup holder mat in the console. Think Fords secret hiding spot got out about the place under the mat. One needs 2 fobs to program a spare FOB, one will not work. Dealer or locksmith is your option with only one FOB.

Below is the link to programming instructions, entry # 16 in the post gives the directions for self programming, Statement 2 on placement of FOB is now in the cup holder, orientation of FOB's can be important.


https://www.f150forum.com/f118/progr...296095/index2/

 

Great this is really helpful. Do I need to get that blank key cut for it to actually work? Or can I save that $50-$70 and keep my cut from my original key?

 

You don't "need" to get the key cut for the fob to work BUT you cannot insert the key blank into the fob without it being cut. It will not fit as there are no indentations on the key blank. The key blank is also the "keychain" portion of the key so if you intent to attach the fob to a keychain, you won't be able to. See pictures. I bought two extra fobs and both are spares so I am not in a rush to get the keys cut but I will get it done at some point.

 

That 2018 Lariat keyfob in the two pictures doesn't look like my 2017 Lariat keyfob.

I programmed a third keyfob (purchased off e-bay) for my 2017 Lariat. You don't need to get the new key cut for a 2017.

Also do NOT try to follow the instructions in the manual for programming your keyfob. Those instructions are completely mixed up. I think whoever wrote them accidentally blended together two different sets of instructions. Instead, follow the steps in the link earlier in this thread.

 

I bought 2 spare keys for my XLT and programmed them myself (I had 2 working keys). I had the dealer cut the keys. He charged me $5 per key. He even apologized for charging me at all. He said he wouldn't have, but they had to buy this new, expensive, machine.