Having trouble with your 2013 Ford Escape key fob? It can be frustrating when your key fob stops working, especially when you just want to get on the road. You might find that your key fob will start your car but the buttons for locking, unlocking, or the panic alarm are unresponsive. Before you assume you need to buy a new expensive key fob or visit a dealership, there’s a simple reprogramming procedure you can try right at home. This guide will walk you through the steps to reprogram your 2013 Ford Escape key fob buttons and potentially save you time and money.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogram Your Key Fob Buttons
Before diving into the reprogramming process, it’s always a good idea to rule out the simplest issue: a dead battery.
Check Your Key Fob Battery
The first thing you should do is replace the battery in your 2013 Ford Escape key fob. Low battery power is a common culprit for key fob malfunctions. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct battery type (usually a CR2032) and instructions on how to open your key fob case. After replacing the battery, test the buttons. If they still don’t work, proceed with the reprogramming steps below.
Reprogramming Procedure
This procedure will help you reprogram the buttons on your 2013 Ford Escape key fob. Make sure you have all your key fobs present in the vehicle, as this process may erase previously programmed fobs.
- Get Inside Your Ford Escape: Enter your 2013 Ford Escape with all the key fobs you want to program.
- Driver’s Door Lock/Unlock Cycle: Open the driver’s side door. Perform two lock/unlock cycles using the power door lock switch on the door panel. Specifically, push the lock button, then the unlock button, then lock again, then unlock again. Leave the door open.
- Ignition Cycle (No Brake): This is crucial: ensure your foot is off the brake pedal so that you don’t start the engine. Press the “Start/Stop” button eight times to turn the ignition “on” and seven times to turn it “off”, ending with the ignition in the “on” position (meaning the car’s electronics are powered but the engine is not running). This entire sequence of 15 button presses (8 on, 7 off) must be completed within 10 seconds.
- Confirmation Tone: If you have successfully entered programming mode, you should hear an audible tone from your Ford Escape. This tone indicates that the vehicle is ready to learn the key fob signals.
- Program Key Fob 1: Take your first key fob and press the “lock” button. You should hear another tone, confirming that this key fob has been programmed.
- Program Remaining Key Fobs: Repeat step 5 for each additional key fob you want to program. Press the “lock” button on each fob, and listen for the confirmation tone after each press.
- Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition off by pressing the “Start/Stop” button one last time. This will exit the key fob programming mode.
Now, test the buttons on all of your programmed key fobs. They should now be working correctly to lock and unlock your 2013 Ford Escape, as well as activate other functions like the panic alarm if your fob is equipped with it.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your 2013 Ford Escape key fob buttons not working. This reprogramming method is a simple fix you can try before seeking professional help. If you continue to experience problems after trying this procedure, there may be a more significant issue with your key fob or your vehicle’s receiver module, and it would be advisable to consult with a qualified automotive locksmith or Ford dealership for further diagnosis and repair. Let us know in the comments below if this procedure worked for you!
