Hello,
I purchased two new key fobs for a 2003 Ford F150 Lariat truck. I have been trying to get them programmed via the instructions found on YouTube. Generally speaking, you turn the key on and off eight times and the truck enters the programming mode with the sound of the locks locking and unlocking. Some instructions show the door closed, some open. Lock and then unlock the door via the driver door button before cycling the key eight times. I've tried every combination of these methods but the truck will not enter programming mode.
I only have one key and it does not have a Ford logo on it. I think it may be a duplicate someone had made sometime in the past.
That being said, is it possible that not having the original key would cause the truck to not enter into the programming mode? Or is there any other reason that the truck will not enter programming mode?

Any suggestions are welcome! Dave

2003 F150 Lariat 4.6

 

Are you cycling it 8 times in under 10 seconds?

 

Sure am. And have tried it about 50 times with the door open, closed, locked, and unlocked. What if someone is sitting in the passenger seat? Would that inhibit the procedure? I kind of suspect that not having a key with the Ford logo may be the issue. Do these keys have a chip in them? I suspect the key is a duplicate but I don't know since this was a used truck and only has one key.

 

Are you turning the key from OFF to ON, ending in the RUN position?

Hope this helps!

 

I have a 2010 Explorer that I had a remote starter installed. The guy went to program the fobs to make it work and said the computer only has 4 spaces in it. I had to go to the Ford dealer and have the computer reflashed so the fobs could be set. If there were old fobs that were set to the computer and you are trying to replace them, you may have to explain to the dealer or someone else who can reset the computer to accept the new fobs. FYI, I had this done when the new remote starter was installed and my wife bought new fobs for me because I did not have one.(I did, but I don't carry it because sometimes when I would bend the wrong way, the car would start. I therefore, stopped carrying the fob). When I went to program the new fob, it either took the place of the old fob or it did not program. I don't know if the 2003 had that same technology, but that could be your issue. All of your spaces on the computer might be used up. I know it sounds stupid, because when the installer told me that, I was like "I think you're full of it. I found the cheapest dealer price I could find and took it to them and the reset the computer. Guess what? It worked. I now only have one remote that works for the explorer, even though I have about 5 or 6 around the house because I don't want to get the computer reset. The dealer I went to at the time charged $100, I think. There was a closer dealer that wanted $125 or $150. They charge by the hour and said it took about an hour. This is probably the issue you are dealing with. Good luck and let us know what you find.

 

Yes I believe I am doing it correctly. Will try again later and let you all know what happens.

 

Are you trying to program a key or a fob? If it is a key, you said you only have one, you need the help of someone with IDS software.

If it is a FOB, you should be ok. One thing I noticed in reading is to make sure you don't have your foot on the brake. It does seem second nature to put your foot onthe brake when turning the key.

 

It is a key fob not the key. Yes, I am not touching the brake pedal when trying to program the fob.
If i wanted to get a duplicate key, would it have to be programmed? That would imply there there is a chip in the key. If a chip is necessary to start the car, then it follows the key I have must be correctly programmed.

 

Do you have any fobs that do work?

 

I don't have advice on why the fob wont program, sorry.

Yes, if you wanted another key (it does have a chip in it) a locksmith or dealer would need to program it. Programming a key requires two working keys or the IDS software.