There are two types of people in this world: those who lose their keys and those who lock their keys inside their car.
Whichever type of person you are, you will get locked out of your car at some point in your life. This holds true even for people who drive Fords with keyless entry codes.
Those keyless entry codes are a lifesaver for people who frequently misplace their keys. However, entry codes can be easily forgotten as well, especially if you don’t use that system often.
But did you know that if you drive a Ford, you can find your Ford keyless entry code by VIN number?
How to Find Your Ford Keyless Entry Code by VIN Number
If you drive a Ford Explorer or a Mercury Mountaineer, then you’re probably familiar with the keyless entry pad on the driver’s side door. (It’s the five-button numeric keypad).
Typically the vehicle comes with a 5-digit default factory code that can be reset by the owner of the vehicle. The owner can set the code sequence to whatever they want for added security and for the purpose of remembering in case of an emergency.
Unfortunately, that keyless keypad will become useless if you forget your code and are locked out of the car.
Often times, a used vehicle is sold and the entry code isn’t given to the new owner. You can always resort to the default code, but if you don’t remember it or have it written down then it won’t do you any favors.
In the event that you are locked out of your car and forget your code, there are a few methods that work for finding the keyless entry code:
Reset the Keyless Code
Hopefully, the owner’s manual isn’t locked inside your vehicle along with your keys!
If you have the owner’s manual to your vehicle handy, you can check it for the factory default code. This should be in the owner’s wallet card which is usually kept in the glove compartment.
If the owner’s manual is lost, you can find the factory code on the label of the Remote Anti-Theft (RAP) module. This is usually located on the left panel toward the back of your vehicle. This panel should be removable with a screwdriver.
Once you have your hands on the factory code, you can reset the code by first entering the five-digit factory code. After you have entered the factory code, proceed by pressing the first two digits on the keypad—This would be the 1-2 key.
By pressing these digits within five seconds of entering the factory code, the doors of your vehicle will lock and unlock to signal that the code you entered is correct.
Once you receive the signal, you can reset the code by entering your own personal five-digit code (within five seconds). The vehicle will lock and unlock once again as confirmation that your new code has been entered correctly.
It’s important to know that the factory code can never be overwritten. You can only over-write yours or the previous owner’s personal code. The factory code will always work.
Some vehicles come equipped with a memory recall feature in which you can store your settings by pressing the 1-2 button after entering your new code.
Call Your Ford Dealer
If your factory code is nowhere to be found, you can always call your local Ford dealer or mechanic. If you go this route, it may be costly as the mechanic or specialist will have to hook up your vehicle to a computer to view the diagnostics.
This is technically the only way to reset your Ford’s keyless entry system without the factory code. Of course, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership for security purposes.
Locate Your VIN Number
Your VIN number is your Vehicle Identification Number. It is a unique code assigned to every manufactured motor vehicle. Think of it as a social security number for your vehicle.
Your VIN number is a single line of 17 numbers and letters without spacing. They also exclude the letters O, Q, and I, to avoid any confusion with the numbers one and zero. Each part of the VIN number provides you with specific information about your vehicle.
This includes the year, country of origin, manufacturer’s factory, the make and model, and the serial number of the vehicle.
The four most common locations of a vehicle’s VIN number are:
- Under the hood (on the front of the engine block)
- Driver’s side interior dash)
- Front end of the frame (more common on older vehicles)
- Driver’s side door pillar
The front of the dash on the driver’s side is the most common place to look. All you have to do is look through the windshield from the outside of the car.
You can also find the VIN number by looking at your registration, insurance card, or vehicle title. However, the actual VIN number on your vehicle is the most tried and true since it cannot be altered.
By having a mechanic decode your VIN number to get the manufacturer’s number, they will be able to retrieve your factory key code as well as cut you a new key for your vehicle.
If you are attempting to decode your VIN number by yourself, you can look up a VIN decoder online to help. These number usually read from left to right, and each digit will tell you specific information
Digit 1: The location of the manufacturer
Digits 2 and 3: The manufacturing company
Digits 4-8: The type and size of the vehicle’s engine
Digit 9: The manufacturer security code
Digit 10: The model and year of the vehicle
Digit 11: The manufacturing plant
Digits 12 to 17: The serial number
Of course, the significance of each digit varies depending on the type of vehicle.
You’ll Never Get Locked Out of Your Car Again
Now you know how to figure out your Ford’s keyless entry code by VIN number. Even if you aren’t driving a vehicle with a keyless code entry option, at least you know the power that your VIN number holds.
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