Replacing or reprogramming your 2012 Ford Explorer Key Fob Battery can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process whether you’re dealing with a dead battery or need to program a new key fob. This guide provides clear instructions to help you handle both scenarios efficiently. Understanding your key fob and its battery is crucial for maintaining access and security for your vehicle.
Programming a 2012 Ford Explorer Key Fob (Remote Only)
If you have a new remote or need to reprogram your existing one, follow these steps. This procedure is specifically for the remote control functions of your key fob.
- Start by turning your Ford Explorer’s ignition from OFF to RUN quickly eight times within 10 seconds. Make sure the eighth turn ends in the RUN position. You should hear the door locks cycle; this indicates that your Explorer has entered programming mode. (OFF is where you can remove the key; RUN is just before engine start.)
- Within 20 seconds of the 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 remote, proceed to step 4.
- If you have additional remotes, within 20 seconds of the last confirmation, press any button on the next keyless remote. Again, the door locks will cycle to confirm programming. Repeat this step for all remaining remotes you need to program.
- Finally, turn the ignition to the OFF position. The locks will cycle one last time, signaling the end of the programming mode.
Programming a 2012 Ford Explorer Remote Key Combo (Transponder Chip)
This set of instructions is for programming the transponder chip within a remote key combo. This is necessary if you need to program a new key to start your vehicle. Note that this method requires you to have two previously programmed, original Ford keys.
- Insert your first, already programmed, and working coded key into the ignition of your 2012 Ford Explorer.
- Turn the ignition from the LOCK position (position 1) to the RUN position (position 3). Keep it in the RUN position for a minimum of 3 seconds, but do not exceed 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition back to the LOCK position (position 1) and remove the first key from the ignition.
- Within 10 seconds of removing the first key and turning the ignition to LOCK, insert your second, already programmed, and working coded key into the ignition.
- Turn the ignition from LOCK to RUN again. Hold it in the RUN position for 3 to 10 seconds, similar to step 2.
- Turn the ignition back to the LOCK position and remove the second programmed key.
- Now, within 20 seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key (this could be a new key or a valet key) into the ignition.
- Turn the ignition from LOCK to RUN. This time, hold it in the RUN position for at least 6 seconds.
- Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition.
If the new key is not programmed correctly, repeat steps 1 through 4. If the remote functions are not programmed but the key starts the vehicle, use the “Remote Only” procedure described above to program the remote functions of your remote head key.
Note on Key Fob Battery: While these programming steps are crucial for key fob functionality, remember that a failing or dead 2012 Ford Explorer key fob battery will prevent the remote from working altogether. If you are experiencing issues with remote functions, replacing the battery should be your first step before attempting reprogramming. A fresh battery can often resolve issues without needing to reprogram the fob. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct battery type for your 2012 Ford Explorer key fob. Regularly replacing the 2012 Ford Explorer key fob battery ensures uninterrupted access and convenience.
