Programming a key fob for your 2012 Ford Explorer can be done at home without special tools. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming both the remote and the key.
Programming the 2012 Ford Explorer Key Fob Remote
If you need to program a new remote or reprogram an existing one, follow these steps. You’ll need all the remotes you want to use with your vehicle.
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Enter Programming Mode: Quickly cycle the ignition from OFF to RUN eight times within 10 seconds. The eighth turn should end in the RUN position (the position just before the engine starts). The door locks will cycle, confirming you’ve entered programming mode.
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Program the First Remote: Within 20 seconds, press any button on the first remote. The door locks will cycle again to confirm programming.
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Program Additional Remotes (if applicable): If you have more than one remote, press any button on each subsequent remote within 20 seconds of programming the previous one. The door locks will cycle with each successful programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: Turn the ignition to the OFF position. The door locks will cycle a final time, indicating the programming process is complete.
Programming the 2012 Ford Explorer Transponder Key
This process programs the transponder chip in the key, allowing it to start the vehicle. You will need two working original Ford keys to program a new key.
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Insert First Key: Insert the first working key into the ignition.
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Cycle Ignition: Turn the ignition from LOCK (position 1) to RUN (position 3) and hold it there for at least 3 seconds but no more than 10 seconds.
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Remove First Key: Turn the ignition back to LOCK and remove the first key.
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Insert Second Key: Within 10 seconds, insert the second working key into the ignition.
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Cycle Ignition Again: Turn the ignition from LOCK to RUN and hold for at least 3 seconds but no more than 10 seconds.
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Remove Second Key: Turn the ignition back to LOCK and remove the second key.
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Insert New Key: Within 20 seconds, insert the new unprogrammed key into the ignition.
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Program New Key: Turn the ignition from LOCK to RUN and hold for at least 6 seconds.
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Remove New Key: Remove the newly programmed key from the ignition.
If the new key doesn’t start the car, repeat the transponder key programming steps. If the key starts the car but the remote functions don’t work, repeat the remote programming procedure.
