Ford and Lincoln Key Replacement
- Covers
- Ford, Lincoln
- Key systems
- PATS chip keys and keypads
- Bring
- ID, registration, VIN
Louisville builds Fords. Both the Kentucky Truck Plant and Louisville Assembly Plant are here, so there are a lot of Fords on our roads and a lot of Ford keys getting lost. Lincoln uses the same key systems, so it shares this page.
Your Key by Era
| Years | Key system | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s to 2010s | PATS chip key | Ford's Passive Anti-Theft System. A chip in the key head. Many models let an owner add a key at home with two working keys. |
| 2000s to 2010s | Remote head key and flip key | Key, chip and remote in one head. Common on F-150, Escape, Fusion and Focus. |
| 2010s to now | Intelligent Access push-start | Smart fobs on most newer Ford and Lincoln models. |
| Newest models | Updated electronics | Some of the newest trucks and SUVs need newer tools. Ask with your exact model year. |
What a Locksmith Can Usually Do
Ford and Lincoln are among the most locksmith friendly brands. Spares and all-keys-lost jobs on PATS keys and most smart fobs are routine.
When the Dealer Is the Better Call
Rarely needed for keys. A dealer can also look up your SecuriCode keypad code with proof of ownership.
Tips Worth Knowing
- Have two working PATS keys? Many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models let you program a third yourself. Insert key one, turn on, off, then key two, on, off, then the new cut key, on. Check your manual for your exact steps first.
- Got a keypad on the driver door? The factory five digit code opens it and can end a lockout for free. The code card comes with the car.
- Older PATS all-keys-lost jobs sometimes need a ten minute security wait on the car. That is normal.
What It Should Cost
Price follows key type more than brand. Find your key type in our cost table and estimator, then ask for the all-in price with your exact year and model.
These are rough planning ranges drawn from published national price guides in early 2026. They are not quotes and not Louisville prices from any one shop. Your make, model, year, time of day and how many keys you still have will move the number.
Questions People Ask
Can I program a Ford key myself?
On many PATS models from the late 1990s through the 2010s, yes, if you already have two working programmed keys. You still need the new key cut to match.
How do I find my Ford door keypad code?
It is on a wallet card that came with the car and is sometimes in the owner's manual packet. A Ford or Lincoln dealer can retrieve it with proof of ownership.