Key Programming: Ford Freestyle 1997-2007
Ford Freestyle 1997-2007 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the year 1997, 2005 and 2007 Ford Freestyle.
Ford Freestyle 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 Explorer Freestyle 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 Freestyle
The Freestyle was introduced as a 2005 model, essentially replacing the Ford Taurus station wagon, and was promoted as a crossover utility vehicle, a new market niche at the time. The Freestyle, like the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego, was offered with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option; the CVT from the all-wheel drive Five Hundred was the only transmission available on the Freestyle. The base engine was a 203hp 3.0L Duratec V6.
Unlike a Taurus station wagon, the Freestyle had forward-facing third-row seating (similar to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition). Despite having ground clearance between a sedan and a small SUV, Ford advertised the Freestyle as having “command seating,” or seating with a higher H-point to improve driver visibility and convenience of entry and egress.
In 2005, the Freestyle was nominated for North American Truck of the Year (placing second behind the Ford Escape Hybrid).
Alan Mulally, shortly after becoming CEO of Ford Motor Company, asked for a redesign of the Ford and Mercury model lines in 2007, claiming that the transition to Ford nameplates beginning with the letter “F” was forgettable in the eyes of consumers. The decision included the reintroduction of the Ford Taurus moniker, which would replace the Ford Five Hundred as a mid-cycle refresh for the 2008 model year. Because the Ford Taurus will only be produced as a sedan, the all-new Ford Taurus X moniker was established to replace the Freestyle. The nomenclature change was revealed shortly after its debut as a 2008 production model at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.
The Taurus X received a flush-mounted three-bar horizontal chrome grille to match the appearance of other Ford light-truck lines (similar to the Ford Edge, as are the headlights). As with the Freestyle, the lower body and wheel well trim on non-Limited trims were painted in a contrasting color (as with all Ford SUVs). The Taurus X, like the Ford Explorer, received an outdoor-themed Eddie Bauer trim level.
The Taurus X, like its sedan sibling, received significant powertrain improvements over its predecessor. The 203hp 3.0L V6 engine was replaced by a brand-new 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 engine, which increased output to 263hp. The ZF-Batavia CVT was replaced by a new Ford/GM 6-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive remaining an option. The Taurus X gained new power options, like as a power-operated rear liftgate and power-folding second-row seats, to improve its functionality.
Although rebranding the Taurus sedan to the Taurus X would increase sales over the Five Hundred, renaming the Freestyle to the Taurus X would have the reverse impact, resulting in a significant reduction in sales. The automotive industry crisis of 2008–10 had an impact on the Taurus X during its manufacturing. Despite being more fuel-efficient than SUVs like the V8-powered Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer, full-size crossovers like the Taurus X were eschewed in favor of smaller crossovers and sedans.
The Ford Flex was released in 2009 to replace the defunct Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey. The Taurus X was retired for the 2009 model year, with the Flex serving as an unofficial replacement.