Are you tired of your car key digging holes in your pockets? If you own a 2010 Mercury Milan, you might be facing this everyday annoyance. Like many, I was looking for a solution to this problem and stumbled upon an aftermarket flip key fob online. Specifically, I purchased a 2010 Mercury Milan Key Fob from eBay, and after a week of use, I wanted to share my experience and insights for anyone considering a similar upgrade.
My Experience with an Aftermarket 2010 Mercury Milan Key Fob
Initially, I was hesitant about buying automotive parts, especially a key fob, from eBay, particularly from sellers based overseas. However, the affordable price of just $45 for the 2010 mercury milan key fob was too tempting to ignore. The primary reason for my purchase was the sheer discomfort and wear and tear caused by the standard Ford key. The promise of a flip key, similar to those found in more modern vehicles, seemed like a worthwhile upgrade for my 2010 Mercury Milan.
Programming Your New Key Fob: Surprisingly Simple
One of my main concerns was the programming process. Fortunately, programming the transponder for the 2010 mercury milan key fob was surprisingly straightforward. The instructions for transponder programming are conveniently located in the owner’s manual of the Mercury Milan. Furthermore, the key fob I received came with its own set of instructions for programming the keyless entry functions. Even if your key fob doesn’t include instructions, a quick online search will reveal numerous guides and videos detailing the process for Ford and Mercury vehicles of this era. I encountered no issues whatsoever in programming either the transponder or the keyless entry system of my new 2010 mercury milan key fob.
Key Cutting for Aftermarket Fobs: A Locksmith’s Touch
Getting the key blade cut was the only part of the process that required a professional. I visited a local locksmith to have the blade of my 2010 mercury milan key fob cut to match my existing key. It’s worth noting that the aftermarket blade was slightly thinner, and the grooves were a bit wider than the original Ford key. This minor difference initially caused the key to feel a little “sticky” in the ignition. However, the locksmith, with just about five minutes of manual adjustments using a small file, expertly resolved this issue. The key now works perfectly in the ignition and door locks. The best part? The locksmith only charged me a minimal fee of $2 for the key cutting service.
Quality and Durability: Initial Impressions of the Flip Key
After using the 2010 mercury milan key fob for a week, I am impressed with the quality, especially considering the price. A significant advantage of the flip key design is that it remains securely closed in my pocket. Unlike the standard key, there’s virtually no chance of accidental button presses or the key flipping open unintentionally. The button requires a deliberate press to release the key blade, making accidental openings highly unlikely.
Battery and Remote Range: An Unexpected Improvement
One unexpected difference I noticed is the battery configuration. The original factory key for my Mercury Milan uses a single CR2032 3V battery. In contrast, the aftermarket 2010 mercury milan key fob from eBay utilizes two CR2032 batteries in series, resulting in a 6V power supply. The most noticeable impact of this higher voltage is the significantly extended range of the keyless entry system. The remote now works from a much greater distance compared to the original key. Whether this increased range is inherently “better” is subjective, but it’s certainly a notable difference and, in many situations, a convenient improvement.
A Minor Wish: The Ford Logo
If I could suggest one improvement for this aftermarket 2010 mercury milan key fob, it would be the inclusion of a Ford logo sticker for the back of the fob. The key fob comes with a generic sticker, which is perfectly functional, but a Ford logo would provide a more OEM-like appearance and feel, aligning it more closely with the original design of the Mercury Milan.
Final Verdict: A Recommended Upgrade
Overall, my experience with the aftermarket 2010 mercury milan key fob from eBay has been overwhelmingly positive. For a mere $45, it offers a significant upgrade in convenience and pocket-friendliness compared to the standard Ford key. The programming is easy, key cutting is a minor and inexpensive hurdle, and the quality appears to be robust for everyday use. If you’re looking to replace a worn-out key or simply want to upgrade to a flip key for your 2010 Mercury Milan, this eBay option is definitely worth considering. I hope sharing my experience is helpful, and I’m happy to answer any further questions about these keys based on my experience.
