Ford is the #1 car maker in the US and the top user of key fobs. Ford has been using key fobs to unlock it’s cars and trucks since at least it’s 1993 Ford Explorer model.
Changing a key battery in a Ford is all about the key or fob type. Different fobs were used for different models. While the same fob was often used for years in a row, your best bet is to check the individual model pages below or look at the table for the image of your key to find the battery you need to replace.
Contents
- Ford Key Fobs — Everything You Need to Know
Most Popular Ford Models
How to change the batteries on the most popular Ford vehicle key fob remotes.
- F-150 – The Most Popular Vehicle in the US. Find all models of key fob batteries.
- Explorer – The original SUV that basically invented the category.
- Mustang – Change every battery for your Ford Mustang key fobs.
- Escape – Ford’s compact SUV crossover.
- EcoSport
- Edge
- Expedition
- F-250
- F-350
- Flex
- Fusion
- Focus
- Taurus
- Ranger
- Five Hundred
- Transit Van
- Transit Connect
- Freestyle
- Bronco – The infamous 90’s SUV.
- C-Max – Compact and cute.
Ford Key Fobs
Ford has made about 7 major key fobs over the years:
- Square Fob (no key)
- Rounded Key
- Slim Smart Key
- Rounded Rectangle Flip Key
- Rounded Rectangle w/Internal Valet Key
- Smart Key w/Pull Out Valet Key
| Picture | Key | Years | Buy Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Fob (no key, 3-button) | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 | CR2032 Check on Amazon | |
 | Square Fob (no key, 4-button) | 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | Rounded Key | 2011, 2012, 2013 | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | Slim Smart Key | 2013, 2014, 2015 | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | Rounded Rectangle Flip Key | 2016, 2017 | CR2032 Check on Amazon |
 | Rounded Rectangle w/Internal Valet Key | 2016, 2017 | 2x CR2025 Check on Amazon |
 | Smart Key w/Pull Out Valet Key | 2018+ | CR2450 Check on Amazon |
How to change every Ford key battery
In this video, I change every single Ford key fob, so you’ll be able to see exactly how it is done:
Frequently Asked Questions
It all depends on what type of key or fob that you have. Some ford car keys have very simple batteries to change. Others require some precision tools to pry open access to the battery. Most Ford key fobs use CR or “coin” 3v batteries. Watch our video on how to change every single Ford key fob every made to see how to change yours.
- IN THE BOX: 4-pack of CR2032 3 volt lithium coin cell batteries; replacement for BR2032, DL2032, and ECR2032
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for watches, calculators, key fobs, Apple TV remotes, and other small electronics
- DESIGNED TO LAST: 8-year leak-free shelf life
Ford Key Fobs — Everything You Need to Know
Pretty much any new Ford model you get is going to come with a key fob. That’s right — F-150s, Tauruses, Rangers, and everything in between are embracing the keyless entry remote. To keep up with this trend, you should become familiar with Ford key fobs.
That’s where our guide comes in! Read on to learn all you need to know about your Ford remote. First, we go over how it works, programming instructions, and more.
How Does Ford Keyless Entry Work?
Over the years, the Ford brand has designed many types of keys. Users can select styles ranging from the Square Fob to the Rounded Rectangle Flip Key. With certain keys, you must click on the corresponding button to unlock the door or start the car. However, with other Ford styles, you can access certain features completely contact-free.
Ford keyless entry works via a remote that uses RFID technology. The chip inside emits signals that let your car know you’re nearby. These futuristic keys are most common among 2021 Ford cars and other new models. However, you can also find them for older vehicles.
What If My Ford Key Fob Stops Working?
If you’re reading this replacement guide, there’s a good chance your Ford key stopped working. Maybe you can’t get it to lock/unlock your doors or even start your vehicle.
First, before replacing the whole device, try battery replacement. The outer shell is simple enough to open and close yourself. If you need to, you can contact a local automotive shop and ask them to do it.
Once you address the battery issue, test the key to see if it locks/unlocks your Ford vehicle.
- IN THE BOX: 4-pack of CR2032 3 volt lithium coin cell batteries; replacement for BR2032, DL2032, and ECR2032
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for watches, calculators, key fobs, Apple TV remotes, and other small electronics
- DESIGNED TO LAST: 8-year leak-free shelf life
How Do I Get a New Ford Key Fob?
Your Ford key still won’t open/close your doors after you swap out the battery? It’s time for a completely new device.
Note that you may need a new keyless entry remote for other reasons. For example, it’s common for drivers to lose their keys because of carelessness or even theft. In other scenarios, you might just want to make a spare so that a friend can drive your vehicle.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll be glad to hear that getting replacement keys for your Ford vehicles is easy. Here are three easy methods:
Go to Your Car Dealer
Your 2021 automotive dealer is familiar with your vehicles and can match you with the perfect Ford fob. Call ahead to see if the product you want is available.
Then, schedule a date to take your Ford vehicle to the dealership. An employee will complete the programming by taking steps such as adjusting the locks.
Go to a Locksmith
If you go to a locksmith, you’ll likely have to bring your own car key with you. But you can present payment for one of the employees to get it in operational mode.
Shop Online
If you’re the independent type, you might want to replace your Ford key fob without the support of a 2021 dealer or locksmith. You’ll save some money while still getting the same results.
We’ll talk about the programming process later on. But, for now, let’s discuss how to do some smart online shopping.
First, you’ll want to search for a reputable website. Determine credibility by checking out customer reviews and seeing if the company sells OEM brand remotes. Other factors you should search for include:
- Shipping policies
- How user-friendly the site is (whether it has a navigation menu, filters, etc.)
- Whether the company accepts your preferred payment method (Visa, American Express, etc.)
- How accessible the customer service team is (hours, phone/email support, etc.)
- What sales the site has available, and how its price compares to competitors
Once you find the perfect Ford reseller, look at fob options that are compatible with your vehicles. Then, select the product you want, order it through your account, and wait for it to arrive at your doorstep!
- IN THE BOX: 4-pack of CR2032 3 volt lithium coin cell batteries; replacement for BR2032, DL2032, and ECR2032
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for watches, calculators, key fobs, Apple TV remotes, and other small electronics
- DESIGNED TO LAST: 8-year leak-free shelf life
How Much Are Ford Key Fobs?
Realize that key fob replacement comes with two prices — the price of the remote and the price of the programming service.
Price of the Ford Remote
Most of the time, remotes will be more affordable if you buy them online. Many resellers list prices ranging from $75 to $1200. If you buy Ford remotes from a local dealer, expect to make a payment closer to $200+. Note that the price of an older device may be higher than that of a 2021 device.
Price of the Programming Service
Some vehicle dealers will program customer fobs for free, but others may charge anywhere from $50 to $100. So pick up the phone and call around to see where you can save the most money.
Of course, you won’t have to worry about this price if you go the DIY route.
Can You Program a New Key Fob Yourself?
A new key fob won’t unlock/lock your Ford straightaway. To make it functional for your vehicle and your vehicle only, you’ll need to program it.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a dealer or locksmith to program replacement keys for your vehicles. Instead, you can save money by shopping online and following the seller’s programming instructions!
How Do I Program My Ford Aftermarket Key Fob?
Getting your aftermarket Ford key in operational mode can be tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before.
Fortunately, most Ford resellers provide you with programming instructions within an email message. Therefore, the steps should apply to the items you order and your vehicles. And because the instructions are easy to follow and typically only come with a “Page 1,” you should finish programming within minutes.
Once you follow these instructions, test out your new OEM key. Then, click the button to see if it properly locks your Ford car.
If the button still can’t lock your car, close the trunk or perform other features, and message the seller for troubleshooting help.
Ford Keyless Entry Remote — The Bottom Line
We know that getting your new Ford key be intimidating. But we hope this guide gave you a solid introduction to the Ford key fobs available and the keyless remote feature.
Visit your dealership if you want convenience. If you want to get a better price, shop online through a reputable seller and do the programming yourself.