Ford says replacement coded keys require dealer verification of identity and vehicle ownership, and that key codes for vehicles older than 10 model years are not available. For the 2009-2019 Ford Flex, available sources indicate both onboard and OBD programming routes are used across the model years, but they do not provide model-specific procedural details here.
Key types used on the Flex:
transponder key (2009-2019 (listed as replacement key coverage for the Ford Flex; sources do not break out year-by-year distinctions))
remote key fob / remote-head style key (2009-2019 (battery-replacement sources cover this span; sources do not distinguish exact model-year changes))
smart / proximity push-to-start key (2019 (source explicitly lists a 2019 Ford Flex smart remote key fob with engine start))
2009–2012 Ford Flex
Professional programming required
Professional programming for the 2009–2012
This year needs a programmer/scan tool - there is no owner-followable onboard sequence. A mobile locksmith confirms your key type and FCC ID, then programs it on site.
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (19 steps)
Vehicle types and requirements
Programming step
1 Instructions apply to Key or Remotehead Key systems and Smart Key systems
Programming step
2 Adding a new key to Key/Remotehead system requires two previously programmed keys to add a third
Programming step
3 Two previously programmed smart keys must be inside the vehicle to program an additional smart key
Programming step
4 New unprogrammed smart keys must be readily accessible during Smart Key programming
Key/Remotehead programming steps (summary)
Insert the key
1 Insert first previously programmed key into ignition and switch ignition from off to on for 3–10 seconds
Remove the key
2 Switch ignition off, remove first key, wait 3–10 seconds, then insert second previously programmed key
Remove the key
3 Switch ignition from off to on with second key for 3–10 seconds, then switch off and remove second key
Insert the key
4 Within 3–10 seconds after removing second key, insert new unprogrammed key and switch ignition on for at least 6 seconds
Remove the key
5 Remove newly programmed key; successful programming indicated by engine start and remote entry operation (if integrated keyhead transmitter); repeat steps if unsuccessful after waiting 10 seconds
Smart Key programming procedure (detailed)
Programming step
1 Place new unprogrammed smart key in center console pocket with buttons facing out and key ring up
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press driver or passenger power door unlock control three times
Hold fob to START button
3 Press and release brake pedal once, then press driver or passenger power door lock control three times
Hold fob to START button
4 Press and release brake pedal once; START/STOP indicator should rapidly flash indicating programming mode and detection of two programmed smart keys
Press / hold a fob button
5 Press START/STOP within one minute; information display should indicate successful programming of new smart key
Post-programming verification and exit
Remove the key
1 Remove intelligent access key from center console pocket and press unlock button on newly programmed smart key to exit programming mode
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 Verify remote entry functions: press lock then unlock, ending in unlock
Programming step
3 Verify vehicle starts with newly programmed smart key
Wait / timing window
4 If Key/Remotehead programming failed, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1–8
Programmer / scan tool
5 If only one programmed key available for Key/Remotehead system, contact a local locksmith or obtain a programmer
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (18 steps)
Vehicle type and systems
Programming step
1 Remote/key combo system present on some vehicles.
Programming step
2 Programming method differs by system type.
Programming step
3 Smart key system not on-board programmable.
Requirements for remote/key combo programming
Programming step
1 Two previously programmed keys required.
Programming step
2 One new unprogrammed key required and accessible.
Programming step
3 Locksmith needed if only one or zero programmed keys available.
Programming step
4 New key must be an integrated keyhead transmitter to operate remote entry.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 Timing precision required between ignition cycles (seconds specified).
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (24 steps)
Vehicle applicability
Programming step
1 Instructions apply to 2017 Ford Flex keyless entry remote fob and smart key systems
Programming step
2 Two different procedures provided: remote/key combo system and smart key system
Programming step
3 Remote/key combo system can be onboard programmed with two existing keys
Programming step
4 Smart key system is not onboard programmable and requires a professional
Programming step
5 Reference provided for locksmith locator and additional resources
Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment
Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.
Show the programming methods (20 steps)
Remote Head Key System Requirements
Programming step
1 Two previously programmed coded keys required plus new unprogrammed key
Programming step
2 If two programmed keys not available, contact local locksmith to obtain spare
Programming step
3 Read and understand entire procedure before beginning
Wait / timing window
4 Timing windows critical: actions specified in seconds throughout procedure
Programming step
5 Repeat full procedure if programming unsuccessful after initial attempt
Remote Head Key System Step Sequence (Keys 1–3)
Insert the key
1 Insert first previously programmed coded key into ignition
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
2 Switch ignition off→on; keep on at least 3 seconds but no more than 10 seconds
Remove the key
3 Switch ignition off and remove first coded key from ignition
Insert the key
4 After 3 seconds but within 10 seconds of switching ignition off, insert second programmed key
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
5 Switch ignition off→on with second key; keep on at least 3 seconds but no more than 10 seconds
Remote Head Key System Final Steps and Verification
Remove the key
1 Switch ignition off and remove second previously programmed coded key
Insert the key
2 After 3 seconds but within 10 seconds of switching ignition off and removing key, insert new unprogrammed key into ignition
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Switch ignition off→on with new key; keep on at least 6 seconds
Remove the key
4 Remove newly programmed key; successful programming indicated by ability to start engine and operate remote entry if integrated keyhead transmitter
Wait / timing window
5 If programming not successful, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 8
Smart Key System Notes and Locksmith Procedure
Programming step
1 Smart key system not on-board programmable for this vehicle
Programming step
2 Qualified professional required to program smart key remote fobs
Programming step
3 Locate locksmith via Low Rate Locksmith
Programming step
4 Driving vehicle to locksmith may save money compared to mobile service
Programming step
5 Locksmith will connect specialized computer equipment to vehicle to program smart key remote fob
Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.
Year
Route status
Exact steps
2009–2012
Route verified (tool)
Professional route
2013–2014
Route verified
General guidance
2015–2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017
Route verified
General guidance
2018–2019
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does the Ford Flex use a smart key in any years?
Yes. A source specifically lists a 2019 Ford Flex smart remote key fob with engine start.
Can I get replacement key codes for an older Ford Flex?
Ford says key codes for vehicles older than 10 model years are not available.
Are there multiple remote styles for the Ford Flex?
Yes. Sources show a standard remote key fob covering 2009-2019 and a 2019 smart remote key fob; year-specific boundaries are not fully distinguished in the sources.
Can you program a Flex key fob without going to the dealership?
For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.
Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?
It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.
What if my year says professional programming required?
Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.
How much does it cost?
It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.
Need your Flex fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
