Forscan

[adsm08]

I don't think you can use scanner software to add fobs on a Ford. You just unlock the doors and cycle the key 8 times.

You need to have at least two fobs present as the system won't accept less than two programmed fobs and any that aren't present during programming will be wiped out.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Two more days and my wife's "zero spend month" will be over. First thing on my list is to get set up with an adaptor and forscan software. Choose your adaptor wisely... with software other the forscan you can use the same adapter to read other manufactures products. This is the one that I'm probably going to buy...

https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Grade-Diagnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/?tag=959media-20

 

[Dirtman]

I don't think you can use scanner software to add fobs on a Ford. You just unlock the doors and cycle the key 8 times.

You need to have at least two fobs present as the system won't accept less than two programmed fobs and any that aren't present during programming will be wiped out.

Albeit pointless, forscan will let you enter fob programming mode without the 8 key turn thing. And theres no specific amount required. You just hit the button on any fob you have and exit program mode. You only need two keys on hand for Pat's programming mode.

But, yes any fobs you have that aren't pressed during program mode are deleted.

I been programming keys and fobs for extra cash for a while since my GoFundMe site isn't picking up.

 

[scotts90ranger]

This is interesting... would say a fob from a '02 Focus work on a '98 Explorer, or how specific is it? I use the focus as an example since that's one I have on hand...

So the fobs just have to be in range, or does a button have to be pressed during the cycles of the key? and I'm assuming the fob for the F350 should be away from this process...

 

[Dirtman]

Once in program mode any fobs you want to pair to the vehicle need to be pressed while inside the vehicle. It wont just pair anything in range. If you forget to hit the button on one of the fobs it will not be paired and if it was paired it will be deleted.

Some ford fobs work on multiple vehicles but they all aren't universal. For example a ranger and explorer fob are probably interchangeable but I cant tell you which ones work with what vehicles.

 

[adsm08]

This is interesting... would say a fob from a '02 Focus work on a '98 Explorer, or how specific is it? I use the focus as an example since that's one I have on hand...

Ford has two basic stand-alone key fobs.

This style:

And this style:

These two styles do not interchange because they operate on different frequencies. But beyond that they are universal.

You can have a three button one programmed to something like a minivan or an Explorer, it just won't be able to take advantage of things like opening the sliding doors automatically, or popping the hatch, but it will still unlock the doors and trigger the panic alarm. Similarly you can program your 6-button fob from a fully loaded Freestar to a regular cab Ranger, but don't expect the blue buttons to open the doors for you.

The first style I posted there will also work with later vehicles that came with the IKT style ones where the fob is built into the head of the PATS key. I have never tried programming an IKT fob into an older vehicle, so I don't know if that would work or not. I kind of doubt it, but maybe I will try it some time.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Neat! and by pushing the button I'm assuming you're talking about the unlock button?

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Ford has two basic stand-alone key fobs.

This style:

And this style:

These two styles do not interchange because they operate on different frequencies. But beyond that they are universal.

You can have a three button one programmed to something like a minivan or an Explorer, it just won't be able to take advantage of things like opening the sliding doors automatically, or popping the hatch, but it will still unlock the doors and trigger the panic alarm. Similarly you can program your 6-button fob from a fully loaded Freestar to a regular cab Ranger, but don't expect the blue buttons to open the doors for you.

The first style I posted there will also work with later vehicles that came with the IKT style ones where the fob is built into the head of the PATS key. I have never tried programming an IKT fob into an older vehicle, so I don't know if that would work or not. I kind of doubt it, but maybe I will try it some time.

The first style you posted comes in three button (lock, unlock, panic) for trucks, and four button (lock, unlock, trunk, panic) for sedans, wagons, etc.

** I know you know this, ADSM, but others may not.

 

[Dirtman]

Neat! and by pushing the button I'm assuming you're talking about the unlock button?

It truly does not matter...

 

[adsm08]

The first style you posted comes in three button (lock, unlock, panic) for trucks, and four button (lock, unlock, trunk, panic) for sedans, wagons, etc.

** I know you know this, ADSM, but others may not.

Right. The big difference I was trying to point out was the construction of the remote, mostly the plastic vs rubber buttons.

The older ones with the plastic buttons I have only seen in the 3-button configuration.

The newer ones with rubber buttons come in three, four, five and six button configurations. There is a basic three button for trucks with lock, unlock and panic, most sedans and SUVs will use a 4-button that adds a button to pop the truck or back hatch/glass. Then there were five and six button configurations that were pretty much only used with the Fresstars which had buttons for the power sliding doors, and popping the rear hatch, if equipped. Any of these fobs will work with any vehicle from the correct year range (roughly 2001-present without IA) you just might not be able to use all the functions of the fob.


As for which button to push during programming, any of them will work. When a button his pushed the fob sends out two signals. The first is the fob's fixed ID code, the second is the command associated with the button. During programming the car is only looking at the ID code.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Gotta look for more fobs... both that I have on hand are rubber button... the junkyard usually just has a bin of them so I might just get a couple if they aren't ridiculously priced...

 

[Uncle Gump]

Fun Fact... the rubber button overlay internally in the FOB... at least with certain manufactures... is called the "flubber".

 

[JohnnyO]

Well. What big helps you are.

The last time I was playing with my forscan, the wife walked in on me and it was very embarrassing.