Losing or needing a spare key for your 2000 Ford Taurus can be a frustrating experience. Understanding your options for key and key fob programming is crucial to getting back on the road quickly and affordably. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to handle key programming for your 2000 Ford Taurus, ensuring you know exactly what steps to take whether you have existing keys or not.
Understanding Your 2000 Ford Taurus Key and Key Fob Options
For the 2000 Ford Taurus, key programming involves dealing with two main components: the ignition transponder chip key and the keyless entry remote fob. The transponder chip is embedded in the head of your ignition key and communicates with your car’s immobilizer system. This system prevents the car from starting unless a correctly programmed key is used. Separately, the key fob controls remote locking, unlocking, and sometimes alarm functions.
Programming a 2000 Ford Taurus Ignition Transponder Chip Key
Let’s address the ignition key first. A common question is whether you can program a new key yourself. The answer depends on your current situation:
Scenario 1: Programming a Key When You Have No Working Keys
Question: Can I program a new key myself if I have no working keys for my 2000 Ford Taurus?
Answer: No, unfortunately, if you’ve lost all your working keys for your 2000 Ford Taurus, you cannot program a new transponder key yourself. The vehicle’s security system requires at least one programmed key to initiate the self-programming process for additional keys. Here are your options:
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Preferred Option: Contact a Mobile Automotive Locksmith
This is often the most convenient and efficient solution. A mobile automotive locksmith specializes in vehicle key and security systems. They can come directly to your location, saving you the hassle of towing your vehicle. Locksmiths possess the specialized equipment and expertise to:
- Cut a new ignition key that matches your 2000 Ford Taurus’s ignition and door locks.
- Program the transponder chip within the new key to be recognized by your car’s immobilizer system. This process requires connecting diagnostic equipment to your vehicle’s computer system.
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Towing to a Ford Dealership
Another option is to have your 2000 Ford Taurus towed to your local Ford dealership. Dealerships have certified technicians and the necessary tools to handle key origination and programming. Like locksmiths, they will:
- Cut a new key based on your vehicle’s VIN or lock codes.
- Program the transponder chip using dealership-specific diagnostic tools.
While dealerships can provide this service, it’s often more expensive and less convenient than using a mobile locksmith, especially considering towing costs.
Scenario 2: Programming a Second Key When You Have One Working Key
Question: Can I program a second key myself if I already have one working key for my 2000 Ford Taurus?
Answer: No, even if you have one working key, you still cannot program a second key yourself for your 2000 Ford Taurus. The self-programming procedure is only available for adding a third key and beyond, assuming you already have two functioning keys. For programming a second key, your options remain the same as when you have no working keys:
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Preferred Option: Automotive Locksmith
An automotive locksmith remains the preferred choice for programming a second key. They offer a balance of cost-effectiveness and convenience, coming to your location to program the key.
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Ford Dealership
Visiting a Ford dealership is also an option, but it may be less convenient and potentially more expensive than using a locksmith.
Scenario 3: Programming a Third (or Subsequent) Key When You Have Two Working Keys
Question: Can I program a third key myself if I have two working keys for my 2000 Ford Taurus?
Answer: Yes! If you have two already programmed and working keys for your 2000 Ford Taurus, you can program a third key yourself, after you have had the new key cut by a locksmith or dealership to match your ignition and door locks. Here are the steps:
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for a Third Key (or More):
- Insert First Working Key: Place one of your existing, working keys into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn Ignition to ON and OFF: Turn the ignition cylinder to the ON (RUN) position and then immediately turn it back to the OFF position. Do not start the engine.
- Remove First Key and Insert Second Working Key: Take out the first working key. Within five seconds of removing the first key, insert your second working key into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn Ignition to ON and OFF Again: Turn the ignition cylinder to the ON (RUN) position and then back to OFF. Again, do not start the engine.
- Remove Second Key and Insert New Key: Remove the second working key. Within ten seconds of removing the second working key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition cylinder. Turn the new key to the ON (RUN) position.
- Wait for Security Light: Leave the new key in the ON position for approximately one second, and then turn it back to the OFF position.
- Check Security Light: Observe the security light on your dashboard. It should light up for about three seconds. This indicates that the new key has been successfully programmed to your 2000 Ford Taurus.
If the security light illuminates as described, your new key is now programmed and should start your vehicle. If the security light does not illuminate, repeat the steps carefully, ensuring you adhere to the timing requirements. If you continue to have issues, it’s best to consult with a professional locksmith or Ford dealership.
Programming Your 2000 Ford Taurus Key Fob Remote
For instructions on programming your 2000 Ford Taurus keyless entry remote fob, you can visit ProgramYourRemote.com. This website provides specific programming steps for key fobs, which are separate from the ignition key transponder programming.
Conclusion
Programming keys for your 2000 Ford Taurus requires understanding the limitations of DIY methods and when professional help is necessary. While adding a third key yourself is possible with two working keys, originating new keys or programming a second key necessitates the expertise and equipment of an automotive locksmith or a Ford dealership. Knowing your options ensures you can choose the most convenient and effective solution for your key programming needs.
