I encountered a frustrating issue while trying to program a second key fob for my 2003 Ford Escape. Initially, I had one working key fob and a spare key that, while functional for ignition, had a non-working remote. Aiming to have two operational remote key fobs, I attempted a programming sequence I found online.
Following the steps, I closed all doors, opened the driver’s side door, and pressed the UNLOCK button. Then, as instructed, I cycled the ignition from OFF to RUN eight times. At this point, the doors did lock, supposedly indicating entry into programming mode. I pressed a button on the remote I wanted to program. The door locks cycled as expected. However, when I attempted to program the second remote, there was no response – the locks did not cycle again. Turning the ignition OFF concluded the process, but only one key fob was working.
After several unsuccessful attempts to program the second fob, I encountered an even bigger problem. The system seemed to stop entering programming mode altogether. Now, neither remote fob works. Worse still, one of my ignition keys also stopped working! When using the faulty key, the theft light blinks, and the engine refuses to start.
To investigate, I downloaded Forscan, an OBD-II diagnostic software. Surprisingly, Forscan reported no errors. Navigating to the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) section, I found two keys listed. Thinking I could rectify the key issue, I added the non-working key as a third key using Forscan. This action successfully restored functionality to both keys for starting the car. However, the remote key fob programming issue persists. I am still unable to enter remote fob programming mode, and neither key fob remote operates the door locks.
As a last-ditch effort before seeking professional help, I disconnected the car battery for an hour, hoping to reset the system. Unfortunately, even after reconnecting the battery, the programming sequence still fails to initiate. The system simply will not enter programming mode for the key fobs.
In hindsight, I regret trying to program the second key fob. Everything was working adequately with just one remote. Now, I’m left with no working key fobs and a lingering question: does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my 2003 Ford Escape back into key fob programming mode? I’m eager to get at least one remote working again.
P.S. To eliminate the obvious, I did verify that the batteries in both remote key fobs are new and functioning correctly. I even tested both new batteries in the single key fob that was working initially to confirm their charge. The issue is definitely not battery related.
