Using the “Keyless Entry” option on a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer may be convenient. However, if you forget your personal code, it can be challenging to get into your car without damaging it. There are a few inexpensive and easy ways to retrieve the 5-digit factory code that do not require tools or automotive experience. Either simply using the owner's manual or locating the Remote Anti-Theft Personalization (RAP) module, you will need the factory code to set a new 5-digit personal code.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Your Owner's Manual
Step 1. Find the factory code
Whether you are the sole owner or have purchased a used car, the Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer will come with a factory code and an owner's manual. It is recommended that the new owner change the original 5-digit factory code. Hopefully you have stored the factory code in a safe place.
The 5-digit security code is usually in the glove compartment, if you haven't moved the owner's card to the wallet
Step 2. Enter the factory code
Make sure you've locked all of the car doors first, including the trunk. Enter the 5-digit factory code.
Step 3. Press the first two digits
After you've entered the factory code, press 1 - 2 on the keypad. Press these two digits for five seconds to activate the keyboard. The doors will lock and unlock to indicate that you have entered the correct factory code.
Step 4. Enter your new 5-digit code
Once you have received the lock / unlock signal, enter your new 5-digit personal code within the next five seconds. You must enter each successive number in five-second intervals.
If your car is equipped with the memory recall function, pressing the 1/2 button saves the “Driver 1” setting, while pressing the 3/4 button saves the “Driver 2” setting
Step 5. Wait for confirmation
Once your personal entry code has been entered, wait for the doors to lock and then unlock to confirm that your new personal entry code has been set.
Method 2 of 3: Program with MyFord Touch
Step 1. Get into your vehicle
The MyFord Touch system can program your keyless entry code using the display from inside the vehicle. Make sure all doors are closed before programming.
Step 2. Press the "Menu" button
At the top of your vehicle's "Main Screen", press the menu button to begin programming your new code.
Step 3. Press the "Vehicle" button
On the left side of the menu, find "Vehicle" and press it. A new screen will appear.
Step 4. Select “Door keypad code”
From the vehicle menu list, select “Door keypad code”. Enter the factory access code which can be found in the owner's manual.
Step 5. Enter your new personal access code
After you've entered your factory code, wait for the prompt and enter the new 5-digit passcode of your choice. Your new code allows you to enter your vehicle without having to use the factory code.
Method 3 of 3: Program Without Your Owner's Manual
Step 1. Find out where to find the factory code
Ford dealers can provide you with the factory code by connecting your vehicle to a computer. Retrieving the code in this way can be quite expensive. If the owner's manual is missing and you don't have the "Keyless Entry" code, remember that the Remote Anti-Theft Personalization (RAP) module also has the factory code printed on its label. The RAP is behind a removable panel on the left rear of your vehicle.
Step 2. Find and remove the panel that covers the RAP
Using a flashlight, locate the removable panel and turn two knurled screws counterclockwise to remove the plastic panel. Shine the flashlight on the RAP module and look for the label containing the 5-digit factory code.
Step 3. Enter the factory code
Once you press the first entry, the keyboard will light up. Press the center of the button to ensure proper contact.
Step 4. Press the 1/2 control within five seconds of step 1
To program your new personal code, press the control 1/2 within 5 seconds of entering the factory code.
Step 5. Enter your personal 5-digit entry code
Take no more than five seconds between each successive digit. Your new personal code will be used to unlock your vehicle, but you can also use the factory code.
Each time a new personal code is established, it replaces the old one and not the factory code. The factory one can never be changed. You can erase a previous owner's code and use the factory-set code without entering a new personal code. Once you've entered the factory code, press the 1/2 button and then the 7/8 and 9/0 controls at the same time. Do not take more than 5 seconds to press each successive button. Once you have followed these steps, your system will now only use the code set by the factory
Advice
- Unlock the doors with the “Keyless Entry System” with either the factory set code or your personal code and then pressing the 3/4 button for five seconds.
- Lock the doors with the keyless entry system by pressing the 7/8 and 9/0 buttons at the same time. Neither the 5-digit factory code nor your personal code needs to be entered in this way to lock the vehicle doors.
- To deactivate / activate the automatic lock, enter the 5-digit factory code or your personal code, hold the 7/8 button, press and release the 3/4 button while still holding the 7/8 button, and then release the button. 7/8. The horn will sound once to indicate deactivation or twice to indicate activation.
- Press the 5/6 button after entering the factory code or your own personal code to open your liftgate.
Warnings
- Don't throw away your owner's manual or “Keyless Entry” card that has your 5-digit factory code on it.
- If your car battery dies, the "Keyless Entry" code will reset to the factory 5-digit code.
- Do not keep the 5-digit factory code in your glove compartment in case you are left out of your vehicle when the battery runs out. Keep a copy outside the vehicle.