Problem programming an used Key Fob

[jnthn98]

Background:
I owned a Mach-E, and bought a genuine OEM Lightning key fob to programmed & used it as a 3rd fob for the Mach-E (successfully).
Traded in the Mach-E for a Lightning and now trying to re-program the extra key fob as the 3rd fob for the Lightning.

From searching through the forum, I found useful information on programming a 3rd key fob for the Lightning. Procedure was straight forward and it looked successful as I got the programming was "successful" message and the hazard light flash. However, when I press the unlock/lock buttons on the extra key fob, it didn't do anything. Thinking that it was a dead fob battery, I switched to a new battery (verified ~3.2V), but it still didn't work. However, the extra key fob was able to start the Lightning when it is in the emergency/programming slot at the bottom of the cupholder.

I can't figure out what the problem is other that there may be a different programming procedure for a used key fob? Has anything run into a similar issue when programming a previously used key fob? TIA!

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[potato]

Double check the frequency. Apparently recent Lightnings use a different frequency than earlier ones. You can use the FCC ID on the original fob (tiny letters you can see when you pull out the physical key) to look it up on fcc.gov.

 

[jnthn98]

Double check the frequency. Apparently recent Lightnings use a different frequency than earlier ones. You can use the FCC ID on the original fob (tiny letters you can see when you pull out the physical key) to look it up on fcc.gov.

Thanks for the tip. Had no idea. Just looked it up on:
https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid

My old/extra Lightning fob uses 314.95MHz, while my 2024 Lightning original fob uses ~434MHz. I don't suppose there's a workaround? Not being able to use the old extra key fob is one thing, but I am concern that I just burned through an available key in memory for the Lightning?

Let me explain...for the Mach-E, I heard you can program up to 4 fobs before needing to go to the dealership to erase one. If the Lightning does the same, then my 3rd fob is wasted....programmed in Lightning's memory, but not really working due to incompatible frequency. Can I erase this 3rd fob without FORScan or going to the dealership?

 

[RickLightning]

No, you cannot.

 

[flyct]

Thanks for the tip. Had no idea. Just looked it up on:
https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid

My old/extra Lightning fob uses 314.95MHz, while my 2024 Lightning original fob uses ~434MHz. I don't suppose there's a workaround? Not being able to use the old extra key fob is one thing, but I am concern that I just burned through an available key in memory for the Lightning?

Let me explain...for the Mach-E, I heard you can program up to 4 fobs before needing to go to the dealership to erase one. If the Lightning does the same, then my 3rd fob is wasted....programmed in Lightning's memory, but not really working due to incompatible frequency. Can I erase this 3rd fob without FORScan or going to the dealership?

I did the same exact mistake with my 2024 Lightning with same results when i programmed a spare Key from my sold 2023 Lightning. The programmed 2023 key will not operate door locks or start the truck unless it’s in the programming slot.

I then bought 2 proper key Fobs and tied again. https://www.ebay.com/itm/266880398555 The first new Fob programmed correctly and works properly. When I attempted to program the 2nd new proper Fob I got message that I had exceeded number of keys and it could not be programmed. disappointed to say the least. So it looks like I wasted one key program with the 23 key .


Added with EDIT:
At least I have one extra key that I can keep in a Faraday bag locked in my console safe as emergency backup. I keep the original keys, one in a drawer at home and the other in a drawer at my cabin. With PaaK our iPhones are our primary keys, this plus being able to use a password to start, makes the mistake less of a problem.

I no longer carry bulky Key Fobs since we have Teslas and the Lightning with PaaK. Tesla also uses our Apple Watches as an PaaK.

Our F-450 has a spare programmed key locked in a faraday bag in its console safe. The only time we drive the 450 is when towing our 5th wheel RV and when on trips we take a fob with us.

 

[RocketGhost]

If the frequencies do match, can we program used fobs, or do they have to be virgin fobs?

 

[flyct]

If the frequencies do match, can we program used fobs, or do they have to be virgin fobs?

I've found that used Fobs work for programming as long as FCC code match. Virgin fobs are not required for these Ford Fobs.

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