What year ranges does this Ford Taurus Key Fob guide cover?

It covers only these source-backed clusters: 2008u20132009, 2010, 2011u20132012, 2013u20132017, and 2018u20132019.

Does this Ford Taurus Key Fob guide program the remote only or also the transponder?

For 2008u20132009 it includes a remote-only procedure and a separate transponder key procedure. Later year clusters include remote/key combo programming steps and, where applicable, a push-to-start smart key procedure.

What if the Ford Taurus Key Fob steps do not work after several attempts?

Re-check timing windows, confirm the correct year cluster, and use the listed reset steps such as waiting 10 seconds for the remote/key combo method or waiting at least 1 minute for out-of-sequence smart key attempts. If prerequisites like two programmed keys are not met, professional programming may be required.

When should DIY stop and an automotive locksmith take over for Ford Taurus Key Fob work?

DIY should stop when the procedure requires two programmed keys and only one or zero are available, when the vehicle displays MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED, or when the year cluster indicates professional-only programming for smart key work (2018u20132019).

Can a replacement fob or key still require programming for the Ford Taurus Key Fob system?

Yes. Replacement devices commonly require programming to the vehicle. This guide focuses on programming steps, confirmation checks, and boundaries where specialized equipment or a professional is required.

Ford Taurus Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a Taurus fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

☎ Call (833) 439-8636

Find your year

Year	DIY onboard?	How it programs	Working fob?	Erase risk	Confidence	Best next step
2008–2009	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2010	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below
2011–2012	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (2 working)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2013–2017	No	No - needs a programmer/tool	Yes (1 working)	Possible	Med	We bring the tool to you
2018–2019	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (2 working)	None known	Med	Follow the steps below

Ford Taurus key types & programming facts

2008–2019 Ford Taurus models in the U.S./Canada use an electronic immobilizer system, so replacement keys or remote-head keys must be electronically programmed to the vehicle. Programming is typically done either by on-board procedures when two working keys are available or via an OBD-based diagnostic tool by a dealer or qualified automotive locksmith. Ford states that coded replacement keys can be obtained through a Ford dealer, which may require proof of ownership and, in some cases, towing the vehicle if no working keys remain.

Key types used on the Taurus:

remote-head key (key with integrated remote buttons) (2008-2019)
standalone keyless entry remote (key fob without key blade) – used alongside standard mechanical/transponder key on some trims/markets (2008-2019 (where equipped))

2008–2009 Ford Taurus

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)

2) Entering Remote Programming Mode

Close the doors

1 Close all doors, open driver's door, press UNLOCK on driver's door panel while door is open and insert key in ignition.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

2 Turn ignition from OFF to RUN eight times within 10 seconds.

Turn ignition to ON

3 Eighth turn must end in RUN to trigger mode.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

4 Door locks will cycle to confirm entry into programming mode.

Programming step

5 Programming mode requires proceeding steps within specified time windows.

3) Programming Keyless Remotes

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

1 Within 20 seconds, press any button on first keyless remote to program; door locks cycle to confirm.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

2 Within 20 seconds after first remote, press any button on second keyless remote; locks cycle again to confirm.

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

3 Turn ignition to OFF after remotes programmed; locks will cycle to indicate end of programming mode.

Programming step

4 Procedure programs remote functions only, not transponder/key chip.

Programming step

5 Time-sensitive steps require adherence for successful programming.

4) Programming Key (Transponder) Portion

Programming step

1 On-vehicle key programming requires two existing working keys.

Insert the key

2 Insert existing working key into ignition cylinder as first step.

Turn ignition to ON

3 Turn ignition to ON (RUN) and back to OFF with first working key.

Remove the key

4 Remove first key; within five seconds insert second working key and turn to ON (RUN) then back to OFF.

Remove the key

5 Remove second key; insert new key within ten seconds, turn to ON (RUN) for one second then back to OFF to complete programming.

5) Confirmation and Troubleshooting Indicators

Cycle the ignition ON/OFF

1 Door locks cycle used repeatedly to confirm mode entry, remote programming, and end of programming.

Wait / timing window

2 Security light illuminates for three seconds to indicate successful new key programming.

Programming step

3 Key fob battery replacement suggested as initial troubleshooting for non-working fobs.

Keys & fobs that fit the 2008–2009 Taurus

Ford 4-Button Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2008–2009 Taurus: Taurus key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2010 Ford Taurus

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (19 steps)

Vehicle compatibility and prerequisites

Programming step

1 Applies to 2010 Ford Taurus with remote/key combo or smart key system

Programming step

2 Two previously programmed keys required for self-programming procedures

Programming step

3 If only one or zero programmed keys available, locksmith or special equipment required

Programming step

4 All doors must be closed for smart key programming; vehicle must be off before starting

Remote/key combo programming steps

Insert the key

1 Insert first previously programmed key into ignition

Remove the key

2 Switch ignition off→on, keep on 3–10 seconds, then switch off and remove first key

Insert the key

3 Within 3–10 seconds insert second previously programmed key into ignition

Remove the key

4 Switch ignition off→on, keep on 3–10 seconds, then switch off and remove second key

Insert the key

5 Within 3–10 seconds insert new unprogrammed key, switch ignition on for at least 6 seconds, then remove and test

Smart key programming steps

Programming step

1 Place new unprogrammed Smart Key in pocket inside center console utility compartment

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 one time, then press driver or passenger power door lock control three times

Hold fob to START button

4 Press and release brake pedal one time; Start/Stop button indicator should rapidly flash to indicate programming mode

Press / hold a fob button

5 Within one minute press Start/Stop button; message center will confirm new Smart Key programmed or display MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED if limit reached

Testing, confirmation, and exit procedures

Programming step

1 Successfully programmed regular key will start engine and operate remote entry if integrated keyhead transmitter

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

2 Smart Key programming displays confirmation message on message center

Remove the key

3 Remove Smart Key from utility compartment and press lock or unlock control on newly programmed Smart Key to exit programming mode

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

4 Verify remote entry functions (lock, unlock) and that vehicle starts with newly programmed Smart Key

Wait / timing window

5 If programming fails, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1–8 for remote/key combo; for smart key restart procedure after waiting at least one minute if steps performed out of sequence

Keys & fobs that fit the 2010 Taurus

Ford 4-Button Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2010 Taurus: Taurus key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2011–2012 Ford Taurus

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (18 steps)

Requirements and Limitations

Programming step

1 Two previously programmed keys and one new unprogrammed key required for onboard programming

Programmer / scan tool

2 If only one working key available, locksmith or external programmer required

Wait / timing window

3 All steps for Smart Key programming must be performed within 30 seconds of starting sequence

Wait / timing window

4 If steps performed out of sequence, stop and wait at least one minute before restarting

Ignition/key combo programming steps

Insert the key

1 Insert first previously programmed key into ignition and switch ignition off→on for 3–10 seconds

Remove the key

2 Turn ignition off and remove first key; within 3–10 seconds insert second previously programmed key

Remove the key

3 Switch ignition off→on with second key for 3–10 seconds, then switch off and remove second key

Insert the key

4 Within 3–10 seconds insert new unprogrammed key and switch ignition off→on, keeping on for at least 6 seconds

Wait / timing window

5 Successful programming indicated if new key starts engine and operates remote entry; if not, wait 10 seconds and repeat steps 1–8

Smart Key system programming steps

Programming step

1 Place new unprogrammed Smart Key in pocket inside center console utility compartment

Hold fob to START button

2 Press driver or passenger power door unlock control three times, then press and release brake pedal once

Hold fob to START button

3 Press driver or passenger power door lock control three times, then press and release brake pedal once

Programming step

4 Indicator on Start/Stop button should rapidly flash indicating programming mode and detection of two programmed Smart Keys

Press / hold a fob button

5 Within one minute press Start/Stop button; message center will confirm new Smart Key programmed or display MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED if four keys already programmed

Verification and troubleshooting

Programming step

1 After ignition/key combo programming, verify new key starts engine and operates remote entry functions if integrated keyhead transmitter

Remove the key

2 After Smart Key programming, remove Smart Key from utility compartment and press lock/unlock control on newly programmed Smart Key to exit programming mode

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 Verify remote entry functions (lock, unlock) and that vehicle starts with new Smart Key

Wait / timing window

4 If programming fails for ignition/key combo method, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1–8

Keys & fobs that fit the 2011–2012 Taurus

Ford 4-Button Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →

For the 2011–2012 Taurus: Taurus key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2013–2017 Ford Taurus

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2013–2017

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.

Call (833) 439-8636

Keys & fobs that fit the 2013–2017 Taurus

Ford 4-Button Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →Ford Smart Key FobSmart KeyView fob →Aftermarket Smart Key FobSmart KeyView fob →

For the 2013–2017 Taurus: Taurus key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2018–2019 Ford Taurus

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Requirements for Remote/Key Combo Programming

Programming step

1 Two previously programmed keys required for self-programming

Programmer / scan tool

2 One programmed key necessitates renting a programmer or contacting a locksmith

Programming step

3 New unprogrammed key must be an integrated keyhead transmitter to enable remote functions

Wait / timing window

4 Timing critical: several steps require actions within 3–10 second windows

Wait / timing window

5 If programming fails, wait 10 seconds and repeat the procedure from the start

Step-by-Step Remote/Key Combo Procedure

Insert the key

1 Insert first previously programmed key into ignition; switch ignition off→on for 3–10 seconds

Remove the key

2 Switch ignition off; remove first key; within 3–10 seconds insert second previously programmed key

Remove the key

3 Switch ignition off→on with second key for 3–10 seconds; switch off and remove second key

Insert the key

4 Within 3 seconds to 10 seconds after removing second key, insert new unprogrammed key; switch ignition off→on and keep on for at least 6 seconds

Remove the key

5 Remove newly programmed key; successful programming confirmed by ability to start engine and operate remote entry (if applicable)

Smart Key Programming and Locksmith Guidance

Programming step

1 Smart key system requires qualified professional programming

Programming step

2 Locksmiths use specialized computer equipment to program smart key remote fobs

Programming step

3 Locating a locksmith recommended via Low Rate Locksmith

Programming step

4 Driving vehicle to locksmith may save money compared with mobile service

Programmer / scan tool

5 Rent-a-programmer option referenced for non-locksmith solutions

Keys & fobs that fit the 2018–2019 Taurus

Ford 4-Button Remote Head KeyRemote KeyView fob →Ford Smart Key FobSmart KeyView fob →Aftermarket Smart Key FobSmart KeyView fob →

For the 2018–2019 Taurus: Taurus key replacement & all compatible fobs →

How we validate this guide

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
2008–2009	Route verified	General guidance
2010	Route verified	General guidance
2011–2012	Route verified	General guidance
2013–2017	Route verified (tool)	Professional route
2018–2019	Route verified	General guidance

Common questions

Can I program a new Ford Taurus key or remote myself?

On many 2008–2019 Taurus vehicles, some owners can perform on-board programming if they already have two working keys; otherwise, dealer or locksmith programming with diagnostic equipment is required.

Do I need to tow my Ford Taurus to the dealer if I lost all keys?

Ford notes that if no coded keys are available, obtaining new keys may require visiting a dealer with proof of ownership and can require towing the vehicle when it cannot be driven.

What kind of key does a 2019 Ford Taurus use?

Parts listings show a remote-head style key with integrated remote buttons for 2019 Taurus models, rather than a separate proximity smart key or flip key, for the applications covered by those catalogs.

Can you program a Taurus 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 Taurus fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.

Call (833) 439-8636 Get a quote