What year ranges does this Lincoln MKS Key Fob programming guide cover?

This Lincoln MKS Key Fob guide is limited to the supported year clusters: 2009u20132010, 2011u20132014, and 2015u20132016.

Does this Lincoln MKS Key Fob guide program the remote only, or also start authorization?

The supported verification checkpoints include lock/unlock and, for intelligent access, confirming the vehicle starts with the newly programmed key.

What if the Lincoln MKS Key Fob programming steps do not work?

Follow the stated retry rules, including the one-minute out-of-sequence wait for intelligent access procedures and the 10-second wait where specified; if u201cMAX # OF FOBS LEARNEDu201d appears, capacity has been reached and erase/replace support is required.

When should DIY attempts stop and switch to an automotive locksmith for a Lincoln MKS Key Fob?

DIY attempts should stop when fewer than two programmed keys are available, when the four-key capacity limit is reached, or when repeated failure occurs despite following the exact sequence and timing windows.

Can a replacement key still require programming for the Lincoln MKS Key Fob?

Yes. A replacement key or fob can still require programming to the vehicle, and success depends on correct key type and meeting prerequisites.

Lincoln MKS Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a MKS 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
2009–2010	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (2 working)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below
2011–2014	No	No - needs a programmer/tool	Yes (2 working)	Possible	Med	We bring the tool to you
2015–2016	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	Yes (2 working)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below

Lincoln MKS key types & programming facts

For the Lincoln MKS, replacement key work is centered on obtaining a coded key or remote that matches the vehicle’s system, with Lincoln stating that new coded keys may be obtained through a retailer and that proof of identity and vehicle ownership is required. The available sources here show both onboard and OBD-style programming routes in the aftermarket, but they do not provide enough model-year-specific detail to state which route applies to each year without further source support.

Key types used on the MKS:

smart/proximity push-to-start key (2009-2016)
keyless entry remote fob (2009-2016)

2009–2010 Lincoln MKS

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)

Programming Spare Remote Head Keys (requires two programmed keys)

Programming step

1 Requirement: Must have two previously programmed keys and the new unprogrammed key accessible

Wait / timing window

2 Alternative: If fewer than two programmed keys, locksmith required to cut and program second key

Remove the key

3 Step 1–3: Insert first programmed key, switch ignition off→on (3–10 sec), switch off and remove key

Remove the key

4 Step 4–6: Within 3–10 sec insert second programmed key, switch ignition off→on (3–10 sec), switch off and remove key

Insert the key

5 Step 7–9: Within 3–10 sec insert new key, switch ignition off→on (keep on at least 6 sec), remove; if not successful wait 10 sec and repeat steps 1–8

Programming Spare Intelligent Access Keys (requires two programmed access keys)

Programming step

1 Requirement: Two previously programmed Intelligent Access Keys must be inside vehicle and new key accessible

Programming step

2 Preparations: Vehicle off and all doors closed before and during procedure; perform procedure exactly and within time limits

Wait / timing window

3 Sequence timing: Perform all steps within 30 seconds of starting; if steps out of sequence stop and wait at least one minute before retry

Programming step

4 Entry indicator: Start/Stop button indicator rapidly flashes when programming mode entered and two programmed keys detected

Intelligent Access Programming Steps (exact sequence)

Programming step

1 Place new unprogrammed Intelligent Access Key in pocket inside glove box

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

Hold fob to START button

4 Press driver or passenger power door lock control three times, then press and release brake pedal one time

Remove the key

5 Step 5–7: Start/Stop button flashes, within one minute press Start/Stop button, message displays new key programmed (or MAX # OF FOBS LEARNED), remove key and press unlock or lock on new key to exit programming mode

Verification and Troubleshooting

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

1 Verify functions: Confirm remote entry functions (lock, unlock) and that vehicle starts with newly programmed Intelligent Access Key

Programming step

2 Integrated head key: Newly programmed integrated keyhead transmitter should start engine and operate remote entry system

Wait / timing window

3 Failure retry: If new remote head key not programmed successfully, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1–8

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

4 Message alerts: Message center displays confirmation or MAX # OF FOBS LEARNED if four keys already programmed

Programming step

5 Further help: Locksmith recommended when requirements not met or when erasing/replacing programmed keys

Keys & fobs that fit the 2009–2010 MKS

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

For the 2009–2010 MKS: MKS key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2011–2014 Lincoln MKS

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2011–2014

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 2011–2014 MKS

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

For the 2011–2014 MKS: MKS key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2015–2016 Lincoln MKS

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (24 steps)

Vehicle capacity & requirements

Programming step

1 Two previously programmed intelligent access keys required for spare programming

Programming step

2 Alternative: contact locksmith if two programmed keys are not available

Programming step

3 New unprogrammed intelligent access keys must be readily accessible

Programming step

4 Vehicle must be off before beginning procedure

Preparation & timing rules

Close the doors

1 Close all doors before beginning and keep doors closed throughout procedure

Wait / timing window

2 Perform all steps within 30 seconds of starting the sequence

Wait / timing window

3 Stop and wait at least one minute before restarting if steps performed out of sequence

Programming step

4 Read and understand entire procedure before beginning

Wait / timing window

5 Wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1–7 if programming unsuccessful

Step 1–3 (first key)

Programming step

1 Place first programmed key in backup slot beneath glovebox door

Press / hold a fob button

2 Press push button ignition switch after placing first key

Wait / timing window

3 Wait five seconds

Press / hold a fob button

4 Press push button ignition switch again

Remove the key

5 Remove the intelligent access key

Step 4–6 (second key)

Wait / timing window

1 Within 10 seconds, place second programmed intelligent access key in backup slot

Press / hold a fob button

2 Press push button ignition switch after placing second key

Wait / timing window

3 Wait five seconds

Press / hold a fob button

4 Press push button ignition switch again

Remove the key

5 Remove the intelligent access key

Step 7 & verification

Programming step

1 Place unprogrammed intelligent access key in backup slot

Press / hold a fob button

2 Press push button ignition switch to complete programming

Programming step

3 Verify remote control functions operate

Programming step

4 Verify vehicle starts with new intelligent access key

Wait / timing window

5 If programming not successful, wait 10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 7

Keys & fobs that fit the 2015–2016 MKS

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

For the 2015–2016 MKS: MKS 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
2009–2010	Route verified	General guidance
2011–2014	Route verified (tool)	Professional route
2015–2016	Route verified	General guidance

Common questions

Does the Lincoln MKS use a push-to-start key?

Yes. A push-button ignition system is shown for the MKS, which is consistent with a proximity/smart key setup.

Can I get a replacement Lincoln MKS key without the original?

Lincoln says replacement coded keys can be obtained from a retailer, and the owner must provide identification and vehicle ownership documentation.

Are there published FCC IDs for the Lincoln MKS remotes in these sources?

No FCC IDs are stated in the provided sources, so none are listed here.

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

Call (833) 439-8636 Get a quote