Lincoln MKT Key Fob Programming by Year

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

Find your year

YearDIY onboard?How it programsWorking fob?Erase riskConfidenceBest next step
2010–2015YesYes - onboard relearnYes (2 working)PossibleHighFollow the steps below
2016–2018NoNo - needs a programmer/toolYes (1 working)PossibleMedWe bring the tool to you
2019YesYes - onboard relearnYes (2 working)PossibleHighFollow the steps below

Lincoln MKT key types & programming facts

The Lincoln MKT in the North American market uses a smart proximity key system where a fob communicates wirelessly with the vehicle for keyless entry and push-button start. Programming typically requires registering a compatible OEM fob (with matching FCC ID/part number) to the vehicle’s immobilizer and remote-entry system using appropriate diagnostic equipment or on-board procedures when allowed. For correct replacement, the FCC ID and part number on the original fob must be matched to ensure compatibility with the specific model year and feature set (such as remote start and power rear hatch).[]

Key types used on the MKT:

  • smart/proximity push-to-start (PEPS) key fob (2010-2019)

Common fob FCC IDs: M3N5WY8406, M3N5WY8609 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2010–2015 Lincoln MKT

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)

Preparation and Conditions

Programming step
1 Vehicle must be turned off before starting procedure
Programming step
2 All doors must be closed and remain closed throughout the procedure
Programming step
3 New unprogrammed key(s) must be readily accessible
Programming step
4 Two previously programmed Intelligent Access Keys must be inside the vehicle
Programming step
5 Read and understand entire procedure before beginning

Step-by-step Programming Sequence

Programming step
1 Place new unprogrammed Intelligent Access 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
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press driver or passenger power door lock control three times
Hold fob to START button
5 Press and release brake pedal one time to initiate programming mode indicator

Programming Mode and Confirmation

Programming step
1 Start/Stop button indicator should begin to rapidly flash when programming mode entered
Press / hold a fob button
2 Within one minute, press the Start/Stop button to continue programming
Programming step
3 If four keys already programmed, message “MAX # OF FOBS LEARNED” displays on message center
Remove the key
4 Remove newly programmed key from glove box pocket after pressing Start/Stop
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Press unlock or lock control on newly programmed key to exit programming mode

Verification and Troubleshooting

Press LOCK + UNLOCK
1 Verify remote entry functions operate: lock and unlock checks
Programming step
2 Verify vehicle starts with newly programmed Intelligent Access Key
Programming step
3 Successful programming enables Intelligent Access with Push Button Start feature
Programming step
4 If only fewer than two programmed keys available or four-key limit reached, use locksmith
Wait / timing window
5 If sequence steps performed out of order, stop and wait at least one minute before restarting

2016–2018 Lincoln MKT

Professional programming required

Professional programming for the 2016–2018

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

2019 Lincoln MKT

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 (22 steps)

Preparation

Programming step
1 Two previously programmed intelligent access keys required inside vehicle for spare programming
Programming step
2 If only one key or no keys available, contact local locksmith
Programming step
3 Ignition must be switched off before beginning procedure
Programming step
4 All doors must be closed and remain closed throughout procedure

Timing and Sequence Rules

Wait / timing window
1 Carry out all steps within 30 seconds of starting the sequence
Wait / timing window
2 Stop and wait at least one minute before restarting if steps are out of sequence
Programming step
3 Read and understand entire procedure before beginning
Wait / timing window
4 Wait periods specified between actions (five seconds, ten seconds) must be observed
Wait / timing window
5 If programming unsuccessful, wait 10 seconds and repeat steps 1 through 7

Center Console and Backup Slot Actions

Programming step
1 Open center console lid before inserting keys
Insert the key
2 Insert first programmed key into backup slot to begin sequence
Remove the key
3 Remove intelligent access key after pressing push button ignition switch twice
Wait / timing window
4 Place second programmed key in backup slot within 10 seconds after first key removal
Wait / timing window
5 Place unprogrammed intelligent access key in backup slot after waiting five seconds following second key removal

Push Button Ignition Steps

Press / hold a fob button
1 Press push button ignition switch after inserting first programmed key
Press / hold a fob button
2 Wait five seconds then press push button ignition switch again while first key is in backup slot
Press / hold a fob button
3 After first key removal, press push button ignition switch when second key placed in backup slot
Press / hold a fob button
4 Wait five seconds then press push button ignition switch again for second key
Press / hold a fob button
5 After waiting five seconds following second key removal, press push button ignition switch with unprogrammed key in backup slot

Completion and Troubleshooting

Programming step
1 Programming considered complete after unprogrammed key placed and ignition sequence performed
Programming step
2 Check remote control functions and vehicle start with new intelligent access key to verify success
Wait / timing window
3 If programming unsuccessful, wait 10 seconds and repeat steps 1 through 7

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.

YearRoute statusExact steps
2010–2015Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2016–2018Route verified (tool)Professional route
2019Route verifiedGeneral guidance

Common questions

Does my Lincoln MKT use a traditional metal key or a smart key fob?

U.S./Canada Lincoln MKT models use a smart proximity key fob for keyless entry and push-button start rather than a traditional stand-alone metal ignition key.

Can I reuse a used Lincoln MKT key fob from another vehicle?

The replacement fob must have the correct FCC ID and part number for your MKT; many suppliers and dealers recommend new, unpaired fobs to ensure successful programming and full feature support.

How do I find the correct FCC ID for my Lincoln MKT key fob?

The FCC ID is printed on the back of the original fob or sometimes inside the case; matching this ID and part number is the standard way to select a compatible replacement.

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