Lost your key fob or need to program a new one for your 2013 Ford Focus? Don’t worry, you might be able to do it yourself! As a car repair expert at keyfobprog.com, I’ll walk you through a couple of common procedures for 2013 Ford Focus Key Fob Programming. It’s important to note that these are general methods, and the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your specific vehicle’s options. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions. However, if you don’t have your manual handy, these procedures are a great place to start.
Important Pre-Programming Note: Before attempting any of these procedures, ensure you DO NOT PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL at any point before or during the programming process. This can interfere with the procedure and prevent successful programming.
Procedure A: The Door and Ignition Cycling Method
This method involves using the driver’s side door and ignition to enter programming mode.
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Start with the Driver’s Door: Make sure all doors are closed. Then, open only the driver’s side door. Leave it open. Press the “Unlock” button on the driver’s side door panel while the door is open. Insert your key into the ignition.
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Ignition Cycling: This is the core of this procedure. Turn the ignition key rapidly from the “OFF” position to the “RUN” position eight times within an eight-second timeframe. Make sure the eighth turn ends in the “RUN” position. Listen for the door locks to cycle (lock then unlock). This lock cycling indicates that your 2013 Ford Focus has successfully entered programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle, you’ll need to start over from step 1, ensuring you perform the ignition turns quickly and correctly. “OFF” is the position where you can remove your key, and “RUN” is the position just before starting the engine.
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Program the First Key Fob: Within 10 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the first keyless remote you want to program. The door locks should cycle again to confirm that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, you have 10 seconds after the last confirmation cycle to program the next one. Press any button on the second keyless remote within 10 seconds. The door locks will cycle again. Repeat this step for each additional key fob you need to program.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all your key fobs, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position. The door locks will cycle one last time to indicate that the programming mode has been exited.
Troubleshooting Tip for Procedure A: If this procedure doesn’t work initially, try repeating it with the driver’s side door closed throughout the entire process. Some Ford models respond better with the door closed.
Procedure B: The Fast Ignition Cycling Method
This is another common procedure that relies on rapid ignition cycling, but with a slightly different sequence.
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Prepare the Vehicle: Fasten your seatbelt and ensure all doors, including the trunk or liftgate, are completely closed.
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Rapid Ignition Cycles: Turn the ignition key from the “OFF” position to the “RUN” position four times in rapid succession, within a 3-second timeframe.
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System Confirmation Chime: Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position after the four cycles. Listen carefully for a chime sound. This chime is your confirmation that the system has entered key fob programming mode.
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Program the First Key Fob: Within 10 seconds of hearing the chime, press and HOLD any button on the first keyless remote you are programming. You should hear a single chime to confirm successful programming of that key fob.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Optional): If you have more key fobs to program, within 10 seconds of the last chime, press and HOLD any button on the second keyless remote. You will hear another chime confirming its programming. Repeat this for all additional remotes.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition key to the “RUN” position to exit the key fob programming mode.
Important Notes for Both Procedures:
- Speed and Timing: Both procedures require you to perform the steps, especially the ignition cycling, in fairly rapid succession. If you are too slow, the vehicle may not enter programming mode.
- No Confirmation? Start Over: If you never get the initial door lock cycle (Procedure A) or the chime (Procedure B), it means your 2013 Ford Focus has not entered programming mode. Remove the key from the ignition, open and close the driver’s door, and begin the procedure again from step 1.
- All Remotes Must Be Programmed Together: These procedures typically reset all previously programmed remotes. Therefore, you must program all of your key fobs (both new and existing ones that are still functioning) during a single programming session. Any remotes not programmed during this session will no longer work with your vehicle.
Example Scenario: Let’s say you have a 2013 Ford Focus and you want to program two new key fobs using Procedure A. You would follow each step of Procedure A exactly as outlined, programming both new key fobs in steps 3 and 4. If you had two existing working key fobs and wanted to add one new one, you would need to reprogram all three key fobs (the two existing ones and the new one) during the same programming session to ensure all three continue to function.
By following these steps carefully, you should be able to program your 2013 Ford Focus key fobs yourself and regain full remote functionality. Remember to always double-check your owner’s manual for the most precise instructions for your specific vehicle. If you encounter difficulties, it’s always best to consult with a professional automotive technician or your Ford dealership.
