Key Programming: Ford F-Series 1997-2016
Ford F-Series 1997-2016 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the 1997, 1998 and 2016 Ford F-Series F150, F250 and F350.
Ford F-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 F-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 F-Series
Ford separated its pickup line into two vehicle families for the 1997 model year, resulting in a significant alteration to the F-Series range of trucks. Pickup trucks changed in popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s. Along with vehicles designed solely for work, demand for dual-purpose vehicles that can be used for both professional and personal purposes, effectively serving as a second automobile, has increased significantly. Ford wanted to build vehicles for both categories of purchasers in order to expand its rising market share, repackaging the F-150 in a more contemporary design (as a larger version of the Ranger) while keeping the heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 for customers interested in a work-use vehicle.
The tenth-generation F-Series was released as a 1997 model in January 1996. In 1997, a higher-GVWR F-250 was produced, replacing the original F-150. The model line was offered alongside its predecessor, with the F-250HD and F-350 being the only options; in 1999, the Super Duty trucks took their place.
The chassis featured fully independent front suspension, terminating the usage of Twin I-Beam front axles, in the most substantial overhaul of the F-Series in 17 years. The 1997 F-150 received a range of new engines to the F-Series, including a 4.2 L V6 and 4.6 L V8; a 5.4 L V8 was added throughout 1997. The Modular/Triton V8 was the first overhead-camshaft engine to be put in a full-sized pickup truck, and it was first introduced in the full-sized Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car cars.
The tenth generation was distinguished by its rounded exterior and was available in conventional and extended-cab (SuperCab) variants. To increase rear-seat access, a rear-hinged third door (curbside) was introduced for the SuperCab; following its popularity, the SuperCab acquired a fourth door for 1999. The F-150 SuperCrew was introduced in 2001 as the first “12-ton” truck to be offered as a crew cab with full-sized doors; with a slightly shorter bed, the F-150 SuperCrew shared the length of a standard-bed SuperCab.
The SVT Lightning was reintroduced in 1999, with a supercharged version of the 5.4 L V8, and over 28,000 units were produced between 1999 and 2004. The Lincoln Blackwood, the first Lincoln pickup, was debuted in 2002 by Lincoln-Mercury. The Blackwood was built with a model-exclusive bed and available solely in black, sharing the front bodywork of the Lincoln Navigator SUV and the same cab and chassis as the F-150 SuperCrew. The model line was terminated after 2002 due to weak sales.
