Is your 2008 Ford Taurus Key Fob malfunctioning or did you recently replace it? Luckily, programming the keyless entry remote for your 2008 Ford Taurus can often be done right at home, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to get your key fob working again.
Programming Your 2008 Ford Taurus Keyless Entry Remote
This procedure is designed to program the remote control functions of your key fob. Please note that this will not program the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) transponder chip within the key, which is needed to start the engine (covered in the next section).
Here’s how to program the remote portion of your 2008 Ford Taurus key fob:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure all doors are closed. Open only the driver’s side door and leave it open. Press the “UNLOCK” button located on the driver’s side door panel and leave the door open. Insert your key into the ignition.
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Enter Programming Mode: Cycle the ignition from the “OFF” position to the “RUN” position eight times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds). The eighth time should end in the “RUN” position. You will hear the door locks cycle (lock then unlock) to confirm that your vehicle has entered programming mode.
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Program the First Remote: Within 20 seconds of the locks cycling, press any button on the first keyless remote you wish to program. The door locks will cycle again to confirm successful programming of this remote.
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Program Additional Remotes (Optional): If you have a second remote to program, within 20 seconds of the last lock cycle, press any button on the second keyless remote. The door locks will cycle again to confirm programming. You can repeat this step for up to four remotes.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position. The door locks will cycle one last time to indicate that the programming mode has been exited.
Your keyless entry remote functions should now be programmed for your 2008 Ford Taurus. Test all buttons on each programmed remote to ensure they are working correctly.
Programming the Key Portion of Your 2008 Ford Taurus Key
Programming the key portion, which allows you to start your 2008 Ford Taurus, is a different process and requires either two already programmed, working keys or specialized equipment.
If You Have Two Working Keys:
- Insert First Working Key: Insert an existing, working key into the ignition cylinder.
- Cycle Ignition: Turn the ignition from “OFF” to “RUN” and then back to “OFF”.
- Insert Second Working Key: Remove the first working key and, within five seconds, insert a second working key. Turn the ignition to “RUN” and then back to “OFF”.
- Insert New Key: Remove the second working key. Within ten seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to “RUN” for at least one second, and then back to “OFF”.
- Verify Programming: The security light on your dashboard will illuminate for three seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.
If You Only Have One Working Key:
If you only have one working key, or if you do not have any working keys, you will need professional assistance to program a new key for your 2008 Ford Taurus. Consider contacting a qualified locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program car keys. Alternatively, you can explore purchasing a programmer designed for Ford vehicles to program the key yourself. However, using a programmer often requires technical knowledge and careful adherence to instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to program your 2008 Ford Taurus key fob and, if you have two working keys, even program a new key for your vehicle.
