If you’re a Ford owner, Ford’s keyless entry system provides you with an added layer of convenience and security. Whether you’re returning to your car after a long day or need to give someone else temporary access to your vehicle, the keyless entry system allows you to lock and unlock your car without a traditional key.
But what happens if you forget or lose your door code? There’s no need to panic — with a few simple steps, you can reprogram your Ford’s door code and regain access. Read on and let our expert team at John Kennedy Ford of Conshohocken take you through the process.
What Is the Ford Keyless Entry System?
Ford’s keyless entry system is a convenient feature that allows you to lock and unlock your car doors without using a traditional key. Instead, the system uses a preset numerical code entered via the vehicle’s keypad, which is typically located on the driver’s side door, to unlock the car.
The system is programmed with a factory default five-digit code, which you can customize. Some models even allow you to set additional codes, providing access for other authorized people. The extra convenience the system offers is great when you have your hands full or can’t easily find your car keys.
How Does the Keyless Entry Code Work?
Your keyless entry code is stored in the car’s body control module (BCM), which is essentially the brain of the system. This module controls the various electronic components in the vehicle, including the keyless entry keypad. When you enter the correct code, the BCM sends a signal to the vehicle’s locking mechanism to unlock the door.
The door code works as a secondary security measure, allowing you to access the vehicle without needing a physical key or remote fob. The option to add more codes also lets you share your vehicle with others using unique codes for easy management.
Benefits of Having a Keyless Entry System
The keyless entry system offers a range of benefits:
- Convenience: You can unlock and lock your doors with just the touch of a button without needing to search for your keys.
- Security: If you lose your keys or fob, you can still gain access to your car. With the ability to manage additional personal codes, you can easily restrict other users’ access.
- Customization: You can set and change codes whenever needed. This provides flexibility in managing who can access your vehicle.
- No need for a fob: Unlike remote key fobs, which can run out of battery or be misplaced, the keypad system doesn’t require you to carry anything extra.
Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting Your Ford Door Code Without the Factory Code
If you’ve lost the factory code or simply want to reset your code for security reasons, for example, after lending someone your car — or even if there’s been a problem with the keypad that requires a reset to restore full functionality — don’t worry. You’ll have to access your vehicle’s BCM, but with these basic steps, you’ll be back cruising the streets of Conshohocken in no time.
Tools and Requirements Before You Begin
Before starting the process, you’ll need a computer with FORScan downloaded, a Ford-approved on-board diagnostics (OBD) scanner with a USB connector, and access to your Ford’s BCM, which is typically located under the dashboard near the driver’s side or behind the glove compartment. Make sure you have plenty of time and work carefully.
Locating the BCM
To begin the reset process, you’ll first need to locate the BCM. In most Ford models, this can be found under the dashboard near the driver’s side footwell or behind the glove compartment. In some cases, it may be located behind the fuse box or other interior panels.
Obtaining the Factory Code
Plug the OBD scanner into the vehicle’s OBD-II port (usually located under the dashboard) and connect it to a USB port on your computer. Turn the car’s ignition on, open the FORScan program, and follow the prompts to find the factory-set keyless entry code, which can never be erased.
Reprogramming the Door Code
After you have the factory code, enter it on your car’s keypad to make sure it works. You can set a new code of your choice that you can easily remember. To set the new code:
- Enter the factory code.
- Press and hold the 1/2 button on the keypad for two seconds.
- Within five seconds, enter your new five-digit code.
- Press and hold the 1/2 button again.
- The doors should lock and unlock to show the new code has been accepted.
You should still be able to use the factory code as well as your new code, so keep both codes in a safe place in case you have any further issues.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you’re not comfortable working with your vehicle’s electronic systems or don’t have access to the necessary diagnostic tools, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help. At our service department at John Kennedy Ford of Conshohocken, our certified technicians can reset the door code for you without any risk to your vehicle.
Do you have questions about resetting your door code? Contact us now for expert help or schedule a service appointment.
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