On Board Programming

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On some vehicles with transponder chips there are on board programming procedures available. A on board programming procedure is a serious of actions with the vehicle that put it into learn mode to accept the addition of another key. Note most of the time you need a current working key. The most common manufacturers with on board programming are GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, Toyota and Lexus.

Here are a list of vehicle models and their programming procedures:

Buick and Cadillac
1997-1998 Ford, Lincoln & Mercury
1998+ Ford, Lincoln & Mercury
1998 Mazda 626
1998+ Toyota, Lexus
1998+ Chrysler, Jeep Dodge
2001+ GM
2001+ Ford Focus, Escape & Mazda Tribute
2002+ Toyota, Lexus
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury IKT
2011 Ford Fiesta
2010-2011 Ford Transit Connect
GM High Security Key
GM High Security Key-PEPS
2012 Ford Escape/Focus
2010-2012 Ford Edge/Explorer/Taurus & Lincoln MKS/MKT

 

Buick and Cadillac

Originate New Master Key
1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. The security light
on the dash will illuminate and stay on for ten minutes.
2. When the security light goes out, you have one minute to start the next step. Turn the ignition
cylinder to OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash will
illuminate and stay on for ten more minutes.
3. When the security light goes out, you have one minute to start the next step. Turn the ignition
cylinder to OFF and then back on the ON (RUN) position. The security light on the dash
will illuminate and stay on for ten more minutes.
4. After the security light has gone off the third time, the key has been programmed into the
vehicle’s computer and will operate the car. It has replaced ALL the previous electronic key
codes and is the ONLY key programmed into the vehicle’s computer.

Add Duplicate Key
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key and, within fifteen seconds, insert the new key and turn it to ON
(RUN).
4. The security light will light up for two seconds to indicate success in programming the key
into the vehicle.
If the Add Duplicate key instructions above did not work follow the variation below.
1. Insert already programmed key into ignition and START car.
2. Turn key off and remove key.
3. Insert key to be programmed and turn to ON within 15 seconds of removing the already
programmed key.
4. The security light will go off once the key has been programmed.
5. Remove key and then test.
If the vehicle doesn’t have a security light, leave the key in for 10 minutes and 30 seconds during
step 4.

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1997-1998 Ford, Lincoln & Mercury

Originate New Master Key
1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. The security light
on the dash will flash for fifteen minutes.
2. When the security light stops flashing, you have five minutes to start the next step. Turn
the ignition cylinder OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on
the dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.
3. When the security light stops flashing, you have five minutes to start the next step. Turn
the ignition cylinder to OFF and then back to the ON (RUN) position. The security light on
the dash will flash for fifteen more minutes.
4. After the security light stops flashing the third time, the new key has been programmed into
the vehicles computer and will operate the car. It has replaced ALL the previous electronic
key codes and is the ONLY key programmed into the vehicle’s computer.
Add Duplicate key
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key and, within fifteen seconds, insert the new key and turn it to ON
(RUN).
4. The security light will light up for two seconds to indicate success in programming the key
into the vehicle.

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1998+ Ford, Lincoln & Mercury

Originate New Master Key
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special diagnostic equipment (TKO/SDD).
Two new Keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two Keys in the
program. After the first two Keys are programmed, additional Keys can be entered individually
by following the instructions for adding duplicate Keys.
Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working Keys)
1. Insert an existing Key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing Key and, within five seconds, insert a second Key and turn it to ON
(RUN) then back OFF.
4. Insert the new Key before ten seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it on
for one second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for three seconds to indicate that the new Key has been successfully
programmed.

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1998 Mazda 626

The on-board programming procedures for the Mazda 626 should be used only if the preferred
methods are unavailable. The Mazda dealers use a New Generation Star Tester to originate and
add new duplicate keys to this model vehicle.
The ILCO RW2 or RW2, RW3, RW4/EZ-Clone should be used for these purposes by Ilco dealers.
The following procedures will require pre-programmed keys. Ilco transponder keys fo
Mazda are not available pre-programmed

 

Originate New Master Key or Add Duplicate Key
1. Insert new key into ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. Turn back to the
LOCK position. Repeat until this has been done five times. Do not let the lock sit for more
than one second in any position during this step.
2. Turn the key back to the ON (RUN) position. The dash mounted security light should be
flashing rapidly. Within twenty seconds turn to the LOCK position and leave it there for five
minutes. After this five minute delay, the security light should slow to a much slower rate.
3. Within twenty seconds, enter the code password.
4. The code password is obtained by supplying the vehicle’s Immobilizer Unit serial number to
Mazda. It is an eight digit number unique to each Immobilizer Unit.
5. While carefully watching the dash mounted security light, turn the ignition to the ON (RUN)
position. Count the number of flashes by the security light and turn back to LOCK when the
number of flashes equals the first digit of the password.
6. Within thirty seconds, turn the ignition lock back to ON (RUN) and count until the number of
flashes matches the value of the second digit of the password. Turn the ignition lock back
to LOCK.
7. Repeat until all eight password digits have been entered. Use caution and turn the lock
from one position to the other only when the security light is NOT illuminated. If a mistake
is made or the count of flashes is lost, wait forty-five seconds and start over.
8. When the security light stops flashing and stays illuminated, the password has been entered
correctly.
9. Start the vehicle and the security light should go off within two seconds.
10. Additional new keys may be added by inserting them and starting the car within twenty
seconds of removing the previous key.
11. Thirty seconds after the last key has been removed, the vehicle will end the program mode
and return to normal operating mode.

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1998+ Toyota, Lexus

The Toyota Electronic Control Module does not have programming modes without a pre-programmed
key. If there is no key available that is already programmed into the module, the module must be replaced.

 

To delete all but one key from the unit
1. Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2. Insert an existing master key into the ignition cylinder.Do not turn the key from the OFF
(LOCK) position.
3. Within fifteen seconds of inserting the key, depress and release the accelerator pedal six
times.
4. Within twenty seconds of completing the above step, depress and release the brake pedal
seven times.
5. The security light will flash, indicating all keys other than the one being used have been
deleted.

6. Remove the key from the ignition cylinder within ten seconds. It will be the only key still
programmed to work.
Add Duplicate Key
1. Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2. Insert existing master key into ignition.
3. Within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times.
4. Within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key.
5. Within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition.
6. Within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time.
7. After 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off.

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1998+ Chrysler, Jeep Dodge

Originate New Master Key
1. This requires the vehicle to be connected to special dealer diagnostic equipment.

Add Duplicate Key – Must have two programmed Sentry Keys

1. Insert one of the two valid keys into the ignition lock and turn to the ON (RUN) position.
2. After the key has been in the ON position for at least five seconds, but no more than 15
seconds turn the lock back to OFF.
3. Remove the key and insert the second valid key and turn to the ON position within 15
seconds. (The second key must not be the same as the first key.)
4. A theft alarm light should illuminate after ten seconds and a single chime sound will indicate
entry into the Customer Programming Mode.
5. Turn the key to the OFF position within 60 seconds and remove the valid key.
6. Insert a new key and turn to the ON position.
7. After approximately ten seconds, a single chime will sound and the theft alarm light will
stop. Wait five seconds and turn to the OFF position.
8. The above steps must be repeated for additional keys.

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2001+ GM

Originate New Master Key
Master Keys must be used.
1. Make proper cuts onto a GM Master key.
2. Insert the new working key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON position. The
THEFT light will light up and stay on for about 10 minutes.
3. When the light goes out, repeat the same procedure as in step #2, two more times.
4. When the THEFT light goes out, the new key has been programmed.
To program the second key.
1. Within 20 seconds of completing the last step for the first key, insert a second Master key
and turn to the ON position. When the light goes out, the new key is programmed.
2. Repeat the previous step for programming up to 12 additional keys.
Add Duplicate Key – Must have two programmed Sentry Keys
1. Insert the first working key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to the ON position.
3. When the SECURITY light goes out, remove the key.
4. Insert the second working key and turn the ignition cylinder ON.
5. When the SECURITY light goes out, remove the key.
6. Insert the new duplicate key and turn the ignition cylinder ON.
7. When the SECURITY light goes out, key has been programmed.

Note: For Pontiac Grand Prix 2004-2007, it may be necessary to disconnect the battery for 10

minutes, and then continue with the 3 x 10.45 On Board Procedure

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2001+ Ford Focus, Escape & Mazda Tribute

Originate New Master Key
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special diagnostic equipment (TKO/SDD).
There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming
and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys should
be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the
first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the
instructions for adding duplicate keys.
Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working keys)
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key and, within five seconds, insert a second key and turn it to ON
(RUN) then back OFF.
4. Insert the new key before ten seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it on
for one second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for three seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully
programmed.
6. Once the key has been successfully programmed, do not remove the key from the ignition
cylinder. The key must be left in the cylinder for approximately 10 minutes before the programming
procedure is complete. Should someone attempt to start the vehicle or remove
the key from the ignition cylinder prior to the 10 minutes elapsing, the keys will not function
correctly and the programming procedure will have to be carried out again.

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2002+ Toyota, Lexus

The Toyota Electronic Control Module does not have programming modes without a pre-programmed
key. If there is no key available that is already programmed into the module, the module
must be replaced.
To delete all but one key from the unit
1. Simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedals 1 time.
2. Insert an existing master key into the ignition cylinder.Do not turn the key from the OFF
(LOCK) position.
3. Within fifteen seconds of inserting the key, depress and release the accelerator pedal six
times.
4. Within twenty seconds of completing the above step, depress and release the brake pedal
seven times.
5. The security light will flash, indicating all keys other than the one being used have been
deleted.
6. Remove the key from the ignition cylinder within ten seconds. It will be the only key still
programmed to work.

Add Duplicate Key
Requires one working Toyota/Lexus Master Key.
1. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.
2. Insert Master key into the ignition cylinder.
3. Cycle the ignition cylinder from On to OFF five times.
4. Open and close the driver side door 6 times.
5. Remove the Master key and insert the new duplicates key.
6. TURN THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON.
7. The new key will be registered after 60 seconds. The THEFT light on the dashboard will go
out, indicating that programming has been completed.

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Ford/Lincoln/Mercury IKT

Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working keys)
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds,
and then back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key, and within 10 seconds insert a second key, turning it ON (RUN)
for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds and then back to OFF.
4. Remove the second key, and within 20 seconds, insert the new, un-programmed key into
the ignition cylinder.
5. Turn the new key to ON (RUN) for at least 6 seconds and then turn back to OFF.
6. The security light will illuminate for up to 3 seconds to indicate that the new key has been
successfully programmed. A flashing security light will indicate unsuccessful programming.
7. If the key has been successfully programmed, it will start the vehicle’s engines as well as
operate the remote entry system.

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2011 Ford Fiesta

Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working keys)
1. Insert and existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) for approximately 3 seconds and then back to
OFF.
3. Remove the existing key, and within 10 seconds insert a second key, turning it ON (RUN)
for approximately 3 seconds, and then back to OFF.
4. Remove the second key, and within 10 seconds, insert the new, un-programmed key into
the ignition cylinder.
5. Turn the new key ON (RUN) for approximately 3 seconds and then back to OFF.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional key. A total of 8 keys can be programmed.

Programming Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
1. Unlock the door locks, using the door lock control switch.
2. Within 6 seconds, turn the ignition cylinder from OFF to On (RUN) 4 times, with the fourth
time ending in OFF.
3. Within 10 seconds, press any button on the RKE to be programmed.
4. Press any button on each of the subsequent RKE’s to be programmed. A total of 8 RKE’s
can be programmed.
5. Exiting the programming mode can be accomplished by turning the ignition cylinder to the
ON (RUN) position, waiting 10 seconds after the final RKE has been programmed, or by
reaching the maximum 8 RKE’s that can be programmed.

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2010-2011 Ford Transit Connect

Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working keys)
1. Insert and existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) for approximately 3 seconds and then back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key, and within 10 seconds insert a second key, turning it ON (RUN)
for approximately 3 seconds, and then back to OFF.
4. Remove the second key, and within 10 seconds, insert the new, un-programmed key into
the ignition cylinder.
5. Turn the new key ON (RUN) for approximately 3 seconds and then back to OFF.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional key. A total of 8 keys can be programmed.

 

Programming Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
1. The front doors must be closed and unlocked before proceeding.
2. Within 6 seconds, turn the ignition cylinder from OFF to On (RUN) 4 times, with the fourth
time ending in OFF. If the module successfully enters programming mode you will hear a
chime.
3. Within 10 seconds, press any button on the RKE to be programmed. You will hear a chime
to indicate successful programming. Repeat this step for each RKE to be programmed. A
total of 4 RKE’s can be programmed.
4. Exiting the programming mode can be accomplished by turning the ignition cylinder to the
ON (RUN) position, waiting 10 seconds after the final RKE has been programmed, or by
reaching the maximum 8 RKE’s that can be programmed.

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GM High Security Key

Add Duplicate Key
1. Insert an existing master key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) and back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key, and within 10 seconds insert the new key and turn it to ON (RUN).
4. The new key has now been programmed.

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GM High Security Key-PEPS

Add New Transmitter (Requires one working transmitter)
1. Insert an existing transmitter into the cupholder.
2. Insert the key of the new transmitter into the driver’s side door lock, turning the key to the
unlock position 5 times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center will now display,
Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5.
3. Insert the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket. The transmitter pocket is located
inside the center console under the cupholder. Remove the cupholder to access the transmitter
pocket.
4. Press the ignition button. Once the new transmitter has been programmed, the Driver
Information Center will display that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
5. Remove the new transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the Unlock button on the
transmitter.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 to program additional transmitters. Press and hold the ignition button for
5 seconds to exit the programming mode.

 

Originate New Transmitter (No working transmitter exists)
1. Insert the key of the new transmitter into the driver’s side door lock, turning the key to the
unlock position 5 times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center will now display,
Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.
2. Wait ten minutes until the Driver Information Center displays, Press Engine Start Button
to Learn and press the ignition button. The Driver Information Center will again display,
Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all existing transmitters for the
vehicle will no longer work the vehicle. Any remaining transmitters can be re-learned . The
Driver Information Center will now display, Ready For Remote #1.
4. Insert the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket. The transmitter pocket is located
inside the center console under the cupholder. Remove the cupholder to access the transmitter
pocket.

5. Press the ignition button. Once the new transmitter has been programmed, the Driver
Information Center will display that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the new transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the Unlock button on the
transmitter.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 to program additional transmitters. Press and hold the ignition button for
5 seconds to exit the programming mode.

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2012 Ford Escape/Focus

Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working keys)
1. Insert an existing key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder to ON (RUN) for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds,
and then back to OFF.
3. Remove the existing key, and within 10 seconds insert a second existing key, turning it ON
(RUN) for at least 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds and then back to OFF.
4. Remove the second key, and within 10 seconds, insert the new, un-programmed key into
the ignition cylinder.
5. Turn the new key to ON (RUN) for at least 6 seconds and then turn back to OFF.
6. The security light will illuminate for up to 3 seconds to indicate that the new key has been
successfully programmed. A flashing security light will indicate unsuccessful programming.
7. If the key has been successfully programmed, it will start the vehicle’s engines as well as
operate the remote entry system.
8. To program additional new keys, wait at least 20 seconds and then repeat steps 1-7.

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2010-2012 Ford Edge/Explorer/Taurus & Lincoln MKS/MKT

Add Duplicate Key (Requires two working Intelligent Access keys)
1. Place the new Intelligent Access key in the pocket inside the center console.
2. Press the power door UNLOCK control 3 times.
3. Depress and release the brake pedal 1 time.
4. Press the power door LOCK control 3 times.
5. Depress and release the brake pedal 1 time. The indicator on the Start/Stop button should
start to flash rapidly, indicating the vehicle is in programming mode and has detected 2
programmed Intelligent Access keys in the vehicle.
6. Within 1 minute, press the Start/Stop button. If successful, a message will appear on the
message center indicating the new Intelligent Access key has been programmed.
Note: A maximum of 4 Intelligent Access keys can be programmed into the vehicle. If 4 Intelligent
Access keys have already been programmed, the message center will indicate, “MAX # of keys
learned.”
7. Remove the Intelligent Access key from the center console and press the lock or unlock
control on the new Intelligent Access key to exit programming mode.

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