Key Programming: Ford E-Series 1997-2013
Ford E-Series 1997-2013 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the year 1997, 2003 and 2013 Ford E-Series E150, E250 and E350.
Ford E-Series 1997
ORIGINATE NEW MASTER KEY:
1. Put the new key into the ignition. Turn it to the ON position. The dashboard security light will flash for 15 minutes. Once the dashboard security light stops flashing, you have five minutes to begin Step 2.
2. Turn the ignition OFF and then back to the ON position. The dashboard security light will flash for 15 additional minutes.
3. Repeat Step 2.
4. Once the dashboard security light has turned off for the third time, the key will be able to function in the car. It has been programmed into the car’s computer and has replaced ALL previous electronic key codes — the computer will not recognize any other key.
ADD DUPLICATE KEY:
1. Put the current key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition ON and back to OFF.
3. Remove the current key and insert the new key, turning it ON. You MUST do this within 15 seconds.
4. The security light will switch on for two seconds, confirming that the key has been successfully programmed into the vehicle.
Ford E-Series 1998 +
ADD KEY (Requires two working keys):
1. Put a current key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition to ON, then back to the OFF position.
3. Remove the key and insert a second key. Turn it ON and back to the OFF position. You MUST do this within five seconds.
4. Before ten seconds have elapsed, put a new key in and turn the ignition ON. After one second, turn the key back to the OFF position.
5. The dashboard security light will glow for three seconds. This confirms the programming of the new key has been successful.
About Ford E-Series
The E-series received an exterior change for 2003, adopting the grille first seen on the 2002 E-550 Super Duty (see below). The Ford Blue Oval logo was moved from the hood to the center of the grille (for the first time since 1991), and the grille was either dark gray or chrome depending on trim. The clear front turn signal lenses were replaced with amber ones (their first change since 1992).
The inside received significant modifications at the same time as the exterior. The engine cover was overhauled (with revised cup holders) and now incorporated a center-mounted glovebox, although the dashboard remained mostly same (absent from the E-Series since 1974). For 2004, a digital odometer was added to the instrument cluster, while heavy-duty vans received a tachometer (as an option).
The E-550 Super Duty was debuted in 2002 as the E-Series’ highest-GVWR model. The E-550, which was only available in a cutaway cab configuration, largely filled the gap between the pickup truck-derived F-450/550 Super Duty and the medium-duty F-650 trucks.
The E-550 was differentiated by a grille fashioned in line with Super Duty pickup trucks, which shared a number of chassis components with the F-550 Super Duty (with a three horizontal slots between two vertical openings). The van body was equipped with a larger front bumper and plastic fender flares to support the wider, heavier-duty front axle (shared with the F-550 truck). The E-550 was available with a variety of wheelbases ranging from 159.5 to 233.5 inches, and it was powered by either a 6.8L V10 or a 7.3L V8 turbodiesel, just like the Super Duty and the E-350/450.
Ford stopped producing the E-550 Super Duty after the 2003 model year (the E-450 currently remains in production).
Some 2003 vehicles arrived with leftover turn signals from 2002, however the bulk of 2003 cars came with the newer, fully amber turn signals.
