Key Programming: Ford Taurus X 1997-2009
Ford Taurus X 1997-2009 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the year 1997, 2008 and 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Ford Taurus X 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 Taurus X 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 Taurus X
Except for a changed front fascia with a three-bar grille, headlights, and fog lights; altered tail lights; roof-mounted satellite radio antenna; and chrome-trimmed, fender-located faux engine vents, the exterior of the 5G Taurus is essentially carried over from the Five Hundred. Each trim level got a new set of wheels.
Ford’s head designer, Peter Horbury, acknowledged that the styling of the Five Hundred had been a problem, and added of the front and rear fascia changes, “when we did the face lift, and it became the Taurus; it didn’t set the world on fire, either.” Even if you renovated either end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, I’m confident you’d recognize it.
The inside of the 5G Taurus, like the appearance, is mostly carried over from the Five Hundred, with minor alterations such as darker simulated woodwork and a redesigned steering wheel. Ford moved the wiper switch from the left side (like with the Five Hundred) to the right side, as has been the design of every Taurus since its debut in 1986.
The interior received a facelift, including a new radio faceplate with chrome trim around the buttons, a new double-tiered bin in the center console, and a new shifter design. Notably, the 5G Taurus comes standard with Ford’s SYNC system, which was built by Microsoft and accepts voice commands and can connect the driver’s cell phones and MP3 players to the car while organizing personal information.
The SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels were available for the 5G Taurus. The SE was priced around $24,000 US dollars, with the SEL in the middle at $26,000 and the Limited around $30,000. The 263-hp 3.5-L Duratec 35 V6 replaces the 203-hp (151-kW) Duratec 30 3.0-L V6 in this version of Taurus. The Five Hundred/ZF-Batavia Freestyle’s CVT, which had a maximum torque capability of 221 lbft (300 Nm), is also replaced with a Ford-GM joint venture six-speed automatic capable of handling the Duratec 35’s more torque. The GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission replaced the Aisin AW six-speed automatic transmission used in FWD Five Hundred and Montegos.
