Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2011 Ford Taurus? Programming a new key fob for your Ford Taurus can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can accomplish at home, saving you time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for programming your 2011 Ford Taurus key fob, covering both the standard remote/key combo and the smart key systems.
Programming Your 2011 Ford Taurus Remote/Key Combo System
This method applies if your 2011 Ford Taurus uses a traditional key that combines the remote functions and the ignition key into one unit.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Two Previously Programmed, Working Keys: This is crucial for the DIY programming method. If you only have one working key, you’ll need to visit a locksmith or dealership for programming.
- Your New, Unprogrammed Key: Make sure the new key is compatible with your 2011 Ford Taurus.
- Access to Your Vehicle’s Ignition.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps precisely to program your new key fob:
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Insert the First Working Key: Place your first previously programmed key into the ignition cylinder.
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Turn Ignition ON: Switch the ignition from the “off” position to the “on” position. Leave the ignition in the “on” position for a duration between three and ten seconds.
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Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Key: Switch the ignition back to the “off” position and remove the first programmed key from the ignition.
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Insert the Second Working Key: Within three to ten seconds of removing the first key, insert your second previously programmed key into the ignition.
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Turn Ignition ON Again: Switch the ignition from the “off” position to the “on” position with the second key. Keep it in the “on” position for another three to ten seconds.
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Turn Ignition OFF and Remove Second Key: Switch the ignition off again and remove the second programmed key from the ignition.
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Insert the New Unprogrammed Key: Within three to ten seconds after removing the second programmed key, insert your new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
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Turn Ignition ON for Programming: Turn the ignition to the “on” position with the new key. Keep it in the “on” position for at least six seconds. This step initiates the programming sequence for the new key.
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Verify Programming: Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition. To check if the programming was successful, attempt to start your 2011 Ford Taurus with the new key. Also, test the remote entry functions (lock, unlock, panic) if your new key fob has these features. If the car starts and the remote functions work, you have successfully programmed your 2011 Ford Taurus key fob. If it doesn’t work, wait ten seconds and carefully repeat steps 1 through 8.
Programming Your 2011 Ford Taurus Smart Key System
If your 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a smart key system, programming a new key fob follows a different procedure. Smart key systems offer keyless entry and ignition, often identified by a start/stop button on the dashboard.
Important Note: For the smart key system, you can program a maximum of four smart keys to your 2011 Ford Taurus.
Crucial Requirement: Just like the remote/key combo system, you must have two previously programmed and functioning smart keys to program a new one yourself. If you lack two working smart keys, you will need to seek professional help from a qualified locksmith or a Ford dealership.
Before You Begin Programming
- Vehicle State: Ensure your 2011 Ford Taurus is completely turned off before starting the programming process.
- Doors Closed: Make sure all doors of your vehicle are fully closed and remain closed throughout the entire procedure.
- Timing is Key: Perform each step exactly as described and within 30 seconds of initiating the sequence. If you deviate from the sequence or exceed the time limit, stop, wait for at least one minute, and then begin again from step 1.
- Read Thoroughly: It’s highly recommended to read and understand all the steps completely before you start the programming process.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Smart Key
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Place New Smart Key in Center Console Pocket: Locate the utility compartment inside your center console. Place the new, unprogrammed smart key into the designated pocket within this compartment.
Alt Text: The center console utility compartment of a Ford Taurus, highlighting the pocket where the smart key is placed for programming.
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Press Unlock Button Three Times: Use the power door unlock control (either on the driver or passenger side door panel) and press the unlock button three times in quick succession.
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Press and Release Brake Pedal Once: Locate the brake pedal and press it down fully one time, then immediately release it.
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Press Lock Button Three Times: Use the power door lock control (driver or passenger side) and press the lock button three times in quick succession.
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Press and Release Brake Pedal Again: Press the brake pedal down one time and immediately release it again.
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Check for Programming Mode Indication: Observe the Start/Stop button on your dashboard. The indicator light on the Start/Stop button should begin to flash rapidly. This rapid flashing indicates that your 2011 Ford Taurus has successfully entered programming mode and has detected the presence of two programmed smart keys within the vehicle.
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Press Start/Stop Button: Within one minute of entering programming mode (indicated by the flashing Start/Stop button), press the Start/Stop button one time.
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Verify Message Center Display: Look at your vehicle’s message center display (usually located in the instrument cluster). A message should appear confirming that the new smart key has been successfully programmed. The message might read something like “KEY PROGRAMMING SUCCESSFUL” or similar. If you have already programmed the maximum of four smart keys, a message “MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED” will be displayed, indicating that you cannot program any more keys without deleting an existing one (which usually requires professional equipment).
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Exit Programming Mode: Remove the newly programmed smart key from the center console utility compartment. Press the lock or unlock button on the newly programmed smart key. This action should exit the programming mode.
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Test New Smart Key: Verify that the remote entry functions (lock, unlock, remote start if equipped) are working correctly with the new smart key. Also, ensure that you can start your 2011 Ford Taurus using the new smart key by pressing the Start/Stop button while the key is inside the vehicle.
By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to program a new key fob for your 2011 Ford Taurus. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or don’t have two working keys, seeking assistance from a qualified locksmith or Ford dealership is recommended.
