Lost or need to replace your 2012 Lincoln Mkx Key Fob? Reprogramming a new key fob for your Lincoln MKX might seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s a process you can handle yourself. This guide provides straightforward methods to program your 2012 Lincoln MKX key fob, ensuring you regain full access and control of your vehicle. While your owner’s manual is the best resource for the precise procedure for your vehicle, these general Ford key fob programming methods are a great starting point.
Remember, never press the brake pedal during or before any of these programming procedures.
Procedure A: 8-Cycle Ignition Programming
This procedure is a common method for programming Ford key fobs and may work for your 2012 Lincoln MKX.
-
Begin by closing all doors on your Lincoln MKX. Open only the driver’s side door. Ensure the driver’s door is unlocked by pressing the Unlock button on the door panel while it is open. Now, insert your key into the ignition.
-
The next step requires cycling the ignition from OFF to RUN eight times within an 8-second period. Finish with the ignition in the RUN position. (OFF is the position where you can remove your key; RUN is the position right before starting the engine.) If successful, the door locks will cycle, indicating that your 2012 Lincoln MKX has entered programming mode. If the locks do not cycle, you’ll need to remove the key and repeat from step 1, ensuring each step is followed precisely.
-
Within 10 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the first keyless remote you wish to program. The door locks should cycle again to confirm successful programming of this remote. If you are only programming one 2012 Lincoln MKX key fob, proceed to step 5.
-
If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat step 3 for each one. Make sure to perform this step within 10 seconds of the previous fob being programmed.
-
To exit programming mode, turn the ignition to OFF. The door locks will cycle one last time, signaling the end of the programming sequence.
*If Procedure A does not work initially, try repeating it with all doors completely closed throughout the process.
Procedure B: 4-Cycle Ignition Programming
If the 8-cycle method doesn’t work, this 4-cycle procedure is another common approach for Ford vehicles, and might be the correct one for your 2012 Lincoln MKX key fob programming.
-
Fasten your seatbelt and ensure all doors, including the trunk or liftgate, are fully closed on your Lincoln MKX.
-
Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN four times in quick succession within 3 seconds.
-
Turn the ignition back to OFF. You should hear a chime sound, indicating that your vehicle has successfully entered key fob programming mode.
-
Within 10 seconds of the chime, press and hold any button on the first keyless remote you are programming. You should hear a chime once more, confirming that the 2012 Lincoln MKX key fob has been programmed.
-
If you have a second key fob, repeat step 4 within 10 seconds. Another chime will confirm programming of the second remote.
-
Finally, turn the ignition to the RUN position to exit the key fob programming mode.
Remember, these steps need to be performed relatively quickly. If you don’t get the initial door lock cycle or chime, it means the vehicle hasn’t entered programming mode. Remove the key, open and close the driver’s door, and start again from step 1 of the chosen procedure.
For 2012 Lincoln MKX models equipped with push-button start ignition systems, the key fob programming procedure may be different.
Image: Example of a smart proximity key, which may require a different programming procedure for 2012 Lincoln MKX models with push-button start.
For programming instructions specific to smart proximity keys and push-button start systems, please visit our detailed guide on KEY PROGRAMMING. This dedicated resource will provide in-depth steps tailored to these advanced key systems, ensuring you can successfully program your 2012 Lincoln MKX key fob regardless of your vehicle’s ignition type.
