Losing or damaging your Ford Taurus key fob can be a stressful situation, especially when you need to get going. While key fobs offer convenience, being unable to use one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stranded. Understanding how to start your Ford Taurus without a key fob can save you time and money. This guide will explore practical methods, from using a physical key to understanding your car’s emergency start features, and when professional help might be necessary.
Understanding Your Options When Your Key Fob Fails
Modern Ford Taurus vehicles come equipped with various features, but the primary method for starting is usually the key fob. However, there are backup plans. The most straightforward way to start your Ford Taurus without a functioning key fob depends on whether your model includes a traditional physical key and the specific technology installed in your car.
Option 1: Using the Physical Key (If Available)
Many Ford Taurus models, even those with keyless entry, include a physical key hidden within the key fob. This key can be used to manually unlock the driver’s side door.
How to use the physical key:
- Locate the physical key: Examine your key fob for a release switch or button. This usually allows you to slide out or detach a physical key blade.
- Manually unlock the door: Insert the physical key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder and turn it to unlock the door, just like a traditional car key.
- Starting the engine: Once inside, insert the physical key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to start the engine. Some models might have an ignition cylinder on the steering column, while others could have it on the dashboard.
Note: If your Ford Taurus is a push-button start model without a visible ignition cylinder, this method will only allow you to unlock the door. Starting the engine will require a different approach.
Option 2: Starting a Push-Button Start Taurus with a Non-Functioning Fob
If your Ford Taurus has push-button start and your key fob is not working (dead battery, damage, etc.), there’s often an emergency method to start the vehicle. This usually involves using the fob itself to interact with a specific spot on the steering column or dashboard to bypass the electronic key verification.
Emergency Start Procedure (check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model year):
- Locate the emergency start location: Consult your Ford Taurus owner’s manual to find the exact location for emergency key fob start. This is often on the steering column or near the push-button start button.
- Position the key fob: Place the key fob against the identified emergency start location. The car’s system is designed to detect the RFID chip in the fob when it’s very close to this spot, even if the fob battery is dead.
- Press the start button: While holding the key fob in place, press the push-button start button as you normally would. The vehicle should recognize the key fob’s presence and start the engine.
Important: This emergency start method is intended for situations where the fob battery is low or the fob is malfunctioning but still contains its RFID chip. It will not work if the fob is completely missing or if the car’s immobilizer system is faulty.
Reprogramming a Ford Taurus Key Fob
If your key fob is working intermittently or you want to have a spare, reprogramming a new or existing fob might be an option. The original article mentions a cost-effective approach using a locksmith or DIY methods if you have two working keys.
Option 3: DIY Key Fob Reprogramming (with two existing keys)
As mentioned in the original text, if you have two already programmed keys that start your Ford Taurus, you might be able to program a third key yourself without needing professional tools.
Steps for DIY Programming (based on general Ford procedures, confirm with your owner’s manual):
- Insert the first working key: Place an existing, working key into the ignition cylinder.
- Turn ignition ON and OFF: Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) for at least one second, then turn it back to “OFF.”
- Insert the second working key: Within ten seconds of removing the first key, insert the second working key into the ignition cylinder. Turn it to “ON” and then back to “OFF,” again for at least one second but no more than ten. Remove the key.
- Insert the new key: Before twenty seconds elapse, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn it to the “ON” position and leave it for at least one second. Then turn to “OFF.”
- Check for successful programming: The security light on your dashboard should illuminate for about three seconds, indicating successful programming of the new key.
Limitations of DIY Programming:
- Requires two working keys: This method only works if you already have two functioning, original keys. Cloned keys may not work for this procedure.
- Limited to adding keys: This process typically adds a key. Erasing all keys and reprogramming, or programming when you have fewer than two working keys, usually requires professional equipment.
Option 4: Professional Key Fob Programming (Locksmith or Dealer)
If you don’t have two working keys, or if DIY programming fails, you’ll need professional help. Automotive locksmiths and Ford dealerships have the specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to program key fobs for your Ford Taurus.
Benefits of Professional Programming:
- Programming with no existing keys: Professionals can program new keys even if you have lost all your original keys.
- Wider range of services: They can handle more complex issues, including immobilizer system problems and erasing/reprogramming all keys for security.
- Potential cost savings with locksmiths: As the original article suggests, locksmiths might offer more competitive pricing compared to dealerships, especially for basic key programming services.
Cost Considerations:
The cost of key fob programming can vary. Locksmiths may charge less than dealerships, as noted in the original article’s experience of a $50 reprogramming cost at a locksmith versus a potentially higher dealer cost. However, pricing depends on the complexity of the programming needed and the specific service provider. Calling around to local locksmiths and dealerships for quotes is recommended.
When to Seek Professional Help
While knowing how to start your Ford Taurus without a key fob in an emergency is helpful, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary:
- Lost all key fobs: If you’ve lost all your key fobs and don’t have a working physical key, you’ll need a locksmith or dealer to create and program new keys.
- DIY programming fails: If you attempt DIY programming and it doesn’t work, professional diagnostics might be needed to identify the issue.
- Suspect immobilizer problems: If your car consistently fails to start even with the correct key or fob, there might be an issue with the car’s immobilizer system, requiring expert diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
Knowing how to start your Ford Taurus without a key fob provides valuable backup options when you face key fob issues. From using a physical key to emergency start procedures and understanding DIY or professional reprogramming, you can navigate key-related challenges effectively. Remember to consult your Ford Taurus owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions for your vehicle. For complex issues or when you lack working keys, professional locksmiths and dealerships are equipped to provide the necessary services to get you back on the road.
