Losing or damaging your key fob can be a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to your 2012 Ford Explorer. Fortunately, replacing your key fob, or adding an extra one, doesn’t necessarily require an expensive trip to the dealership. This guide provides straightforward instructions on how to program a new key fob for your 2012 Ford Explorer, covering both remote-only fobs and remote key combos. Whether you’re looking to replace a lost remote or simply want a spare, understanding the programming process can save you time and money.
Programming a Replacement Remote for Your 2012 Ford Explorer
If you only need to program the remote functions of your new key fob – the buttons for locking, unlocking, and panic alarm – and your existing key still starts your vehicle, follow these simple steps. This procedure is designed for programming the remote portion of your key fob and is applicable to adding new remotes or reprogramming existing ones. Make sure you have all the remotes you intend to use with your vehicle before starting this process, as you’ll need to program them all at once.
-
Enter Programming Mode: Begin by turning your ignition from the OFF position to the RUN position eight times in rapid succession within a 10-second timeframe. Crucially, the eighth turn should end in the RUN position. The OFF position is where you can remove your key from the ignition, while the RUN position is just before you start the engine. Successful entry into programming mode will be indicated by the cycling of your door locks – you should hear them lock and unlock.
-
Program the First Remote: Within 20 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the first keyless remote you wish to program. Upon successful programming of this remote, the door locks will cycle again to confirm.
-
Program Additional Remotes (If Applicable): If you have more than one remote to program, you have 20 seconds after the locks cycle in step 2 to program the next one. Press any button on the second keyless remote. The door locks will cycle again to confirm. Repeat this step for each additional remote you need to program.
-
Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all your remotes, or if you only had one, turn the ignition to the OFF position. The door locks will cycle one last time to signal the end of the programming mode.
Programming a Replacement Remote Key Combo for Your 2012 Ford Explorer
If you have a remote key combo, which includes both the remote functions and a transponder chip that allows the key to start your 2012 Ford Explorer, programming the transponder chip requires a different procedure. This procedure necessitates that you already have two original, working Ford keys. This method programs the transponder chip within the key, enabling it to start your vehicle.
-
Insert the First Original Key: Insert your first previously programmed and working Ford key into the ignition cylinder.
-
Turn to RUN Position and Hold: Turn the ignition from the LOCK position (position 1) to the RUN position (position 3). Keep the ignition in the RUN position for a duration of at least 3 seconds, but do not exceed 10 seconds.
-
Remove the First Key: Turn the ignition back to the LOCK position (position 1) and remove the first key from the ignition.
-
Insert the Second Original Key: Within 10 seconds of removing the first key, insert your second previously programmed and working Ford key into the ignition.
-
Turn to RUN Position and Hold (Second Key): Turn the ignition from the LOCK position (position 1) to the RUN position (position 3) with the second key. Again, hold it in the RUN position for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
-
Remove the Second Key: Turn the ignition back to the LOCK position (position 1) and remove the second key from the ignition.
-
Insert the New Key: Within 20 seconds of removing the second original key, insert your new, unprogrammed key (this could be a new key or a valet key) into the ignition.
-
Turn to RUN Position and Hold (New Key): Turn the ignition from the LOCK position (position 1) to the RUN position (position 3) with the new key. Hold it in the RUN position for at least 6 seconds.
-
Programming Completion: Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition. Your new key should now be programmed to start your 2012 Ford Explorer.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues and the new key does not successfully program, carefully repeat steps 1 through 4 of the remote key combo programming procedure. If the key starts the vehicle but the remote functions are not working, then perform the “Programming Instructions for Remote Only” procedure outlined earlier to program the remote portion of your remote head key.
By following these instructions, you should be able to successfully program your 2012 Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement. Always double-check each step to ensure accurate programming. If you continue to experience difficulties, consulting a professional locksmith or your Ford dealership may be necessary.
