Anyone program a second key fob with only one using Forscan latest version?

[linkysys]

Forscan latest version supposedly includes updated key fob programming (PATS) for 2015+ vehicles. Has anyone successfully added a second key using Forscan on a 2015+ Ford?

I registered for the "free" extended license for two months. This is a fabulous program that gives dealer level programming access to the car. I guess they have locked out the more advanced features even for the extended unpaid license because PATS likely uses their servers to calculate incode/outcode. The feature requires wifi access + paid license + approved obd dongle. I initially attempted to run the PATS module but it said my dongle wasn't supported. After purchasing the more expensive EX dongle (my cheap toggle switch dongle is no longer supported in the latest version of Forscan), now I am getting a message that PATS is only supported on paid version. The Forscan forum is only available to paid license holders (you get an invitation in email when you pay for a license).

Before paying for the license, it would be wonderful to know that it can actually be used to add a second key to a 2015+ Mustang. I'd also like to know if ignition keys can be programmed without deleting all keys in memory and adding a minimum two new fobs at a time. This is an important consideration because if you are required to delete active keys, you must have at least two good fobs to complete programming or there is a risk of being locked out of push button start. Aftermarket fobs have the potential of not being compatible. Even if you purchase a fob with the correct FCCID (printed on the internal plastic of the OEM fob), there's a chance of aftermarket clone not being fully compatible. Note that the aftermarket Chinese fobs do not have the FCCID printed internally so you are taking a risk. They mention this in the Forscan threads as the leading cause of problems when attempting PATS programming. The genuine Ford/Strattec key fobs are $250. Aftermarket clone with correct FCCID $25. I see used genuine OEM fobs on Ebay but I'm not sure if they get locked to a specific vehicle during programming or if they can be programmed for another car?

Local locksmith quoted me $175 just for programming if I have bring the fob. He said he charges dealerships $200. The cost just to cut the valet key was $17.50 (big box stores can't cut this key). Ace hardware offers replacement fobs now but it's $295 for the key+ programming. They won't program anything unless they sell it to you. Dealership is >$400. Batteriesplus.com is about the cheapest option with $150 fob+ 69 programming. I have read online that locksmiths charge $60-100 for programming, but in Seattle I'm getting quotes that are double that even when I offer to come to their location.

Once you have two working fobs, you can add a third yourself no problem. Unfortunately, used car dealers often sell the keys separately to increase their profits. The ecu will only hold up to 4 fobs at a time. If you are missing a key, it is still taking up a space in the ecu. Erasing registered fobs in Forscan requires removing all known fobs, which is risky if there's an issue programming the two master fobs. Forscan, unlike a commercial product like Autel, cannot remove a single fob from your car's ecu.

If you are attempting this, make sure to crack the case on your key fob and take a zoomed image of the FCCID. There are two possibilities depending on whether you have remote start 5 button fob. Remote start will use FCCID M3N-A2C31243300 (ID49 chipset, 902mhz frequency). Other chipsets have FCCID that is slightly different operating at 315mhz. They may look identical but are not compatible. According to Forscan, most of their failures are "high quality aftermarket copies." That's what I have LOL. Good times. Some suggest to do this in the parking lot at the dealership in case you have bad fobs and need rescue.

Sponsored

 

[linkysys]

New functionality added to latest version of Forscan:
"

• + Service function BCM/BdyCM "PATS Programming" (only erase and program keys function, no module initialization, experimental functionality) for:
  
  
• Galaxy/S-Max (Europe) 2015 model year
• Edge 2015-2020 model years
• Escort 2015-2018 model years
• Everest 2015 model year
• Explorer 2016-2019 model years
• F-150 2015-2019 model years
• F250...F450 2017-2020 model years
• Fusion 2013-2020 model year
• Ka / Figo 2015 model year
• Mondeo Mk5 (China) 2013-2019 model years
• Mondeo Mk5 (Europe) 2015 model year
• Mustang 2015-2019 model years
• Ranger 2015 model year
• Transit Custom 2016 model year
• Lincoln Continental 2017-2020 model years
• Lincoln MKC 2015-2019 model year
• Lincoln MKX/Nautilus 2016-2020 model years
• Lincoln MKZ 2013-2020 model year

"

 

[ihasnostang]

here scoundrel

 

[linkysys]

Paid for license. Will update results. I see threads on this in truck forums. I guess they lose their keys more often.

 

[Snakebyte]

Paid for license. Will update results. I see threads on this in truck forums. I guess they lose their keys more often.

When I purchased my Mustang from Hertz, they only gave me one key, and then after purchasing a 2nd, a backup, I learned that there is a limit on # of keys permitted to be programmed to the car. The backup key I purchased hit the limit. (Apparently they replaced a lot of missing keys over time).

So I had better not loose either of my keys....but then, maybe Forscan which I am purchasing a license of, will permit me to reset the keys back to zero. But then again, hopefully I'll never get into the position where I need another key.

 

[linkysys]

Update: successfully coded new key fobs on 2015 Mustang Ecoboost Premium. Note that this is a new feature in the software and there are very few posts on this feature set. Follow these instructions at your own risk. This is what worked for me and is offered for informational purposes only. I am not responsible if you get locked out of your car or brick your ECU.

What you need for 2015+--
1) Latest version of Forscan. It is very likely you will need to email Forscan support and request the beta version if you get a "service interrupted error" when attempting PATS in Forscan. I initially received this error with interior lights that blinked twice and two audible clicks. Email Alexey and he will send you a link to the download. It will install over the top of the latest version and will retain your paid registration info.
2) Paid Forscan license (unpaid extended license does not include PATS key programming). You also need a paid license for technical support which is necessary to obtain the beta version.
2) Approved Forscan OBD dongle such as OBDLink EX USB. $59 online. Go into settings in Forscan and check Auto (will connect on Com4). Also check auto increase Baud rate for fastest connection.
3) New key fobs that use the same frequency as your working fob. Open the case on your existing fob (use a flat blade screwdriver to slide the button in the back while cracking the case with a guitar pick or your fingernail). Use your phone to take a zoomed image of the FCC ID which is printed with a QR code next to the internal valet key. Make sure that the fobs you buy match this number or they won't program. The Chinese knockoffs do not have any printed information on the interior. There were two visually identical fobs for my car but only one has the right 903mhz transmission frequency for the 5 button with remote start (FCC ID M3N-AC311243300).

Make sure your car battery is near full charge before doing this. Make sure you have internet/wifi on your laptop. Connect your OBD dongle to the port under the dash on the driver side. Connect it to the USB on your laptop. Launch Forscan. Hit the push button start without your foot on the brake (you can also run with the engine running if you prefer). Click the connect icon lower left. Click yes when it identifies your VIN. Wait for it to read the modules. Click on the wrench and select the Body Control Module-- PATS key programming. Hit the play button. Select program new ignition key. Remove the rubber bottom on your cupholder. Insert the key you want to program with ring side up. Follow onscreen instructions to program the key.

With luck, it will successfully code the new key. You will then be instructed to turn the car off and then on again. Test the key buttons. If you get a message that the key failed, confirm you have the correct FCCID in your online order. Press one of the buttons on the fob and confirm you see a red light. If no light, the fob batteries need to be replaced. If everything is correct but programming still fails, try rotating the fob 180 degrees and repeat the programming procedure. It may also help to remove the internal key blank from the fob. I had one Chinese knockoff fob that I had to tweak the position several times to get the programming to take.

Once you have two fobs programmed, you can program a third without Forscan. In order to do this, simply place one programmed key into the cupholder slot, hit the ignition button (without pressing the brake pedal), count 10 seconds, push the ignition button to turn off, remove the key, insert your second already programmed key, push the ignition button, count to 10 seconds, push the ignition button to turn off, remove second key, insert third key you want to add, push ignition button (now you will see key programming in the cluster), count to 10 seconds, turn off ignition and back on. The car will tell you if the key was added or if it failed. If the key failed, reposition it in the cupholder and try again. I'm guessing the knockoff fobs are harder to program. I went with cheap $25 fobs instead of genuine Strattec $200 fobs.

If all of this is too much hassle, BatteriesPlus will charge you $150 for a fob and $69 for programming. My local locksmiths wanted $120-175 for programming only, not including the fob. The dealership was $450 per fob. In short, you can do this yourself with a $59 OBD dongle, $12 annual software license, $25 online key fob matching the FCCID on your working fob. If you add two fobs for a total of 3, you have bought yourself a bit of insurance.

The car supposedly will store only 4 fobs at a time. If you already have a bunch in memory, you may need to delete some. Forscan will require that you delete all of the fobs, not one at a time. If you do this, you must have two programmable compatible fobs as the PATS requires you to have a minimum of two active fobs. If you delete the key memory and only have one programmable fob, you risk being unable to complete programming which will prevent you from starting the car. If you are lucky, you will only have two fobs in memory, the one you received with the car and the one the car dealer decided to sell on Ebay LOL. That still allows you to program two new keys with no risk. If you are forced to delete the memory and have only one proven key, you might want to buy a genuine Strattec fob as your second in order to guarantee you can successfully program two in a row.

Thanks to the Forscan team and Alexey for putting in this work.

 

[bridge4d]

So this only works on upto 2019 models? Figures....

 

[ORRadtech]

When I purchased my Mustang from Hertz, they only gave me one key, and then after purchasing a 2nd, a backup, I learned that there is a limit on # of keys permitted to be programmed to the car. The backup key I purchased hit the limit. (Apparently they replaced a lot of missing keys over time).

So I had better not loose either of my keys....but then, maybe Forscan which I am purchasing a license of, will permit me to reset the keys back to zero. But then again, hopefully I'll never get into the position where I need another key.

The dealer or any qualified locksmith can clear all the keys and reprogram the ones you have back in. There are also numerous scan tools that can do it as well. They are several hundred dollars though but they will also be extremely helpful for troubleshooting and working on cars.
I have very limited experience with Forscan, quite frankly I'm terrified I'll brick the car... Not rational I know but there it is. Anyway I do imagine that it will do what you want with enough research.

 

[linkysys]

When I purchased my Mustang from Hertz, they only gave me one key, and then after purchasing a 2nd, a backup, I learned that there is a limit on # of keys permitted to be programmed to the car. The backup key I purchased hit the limit. (Apparently they replaced a lot of missing keys over time).

So I had better not loose either of my keys....but then, maybe Forscan which I am purchasing a license of, will permit me to reset the keys back to zero. But then again, hopefully I'll never get into the position where I need another key.

You can re-set back to zero with Forscan, but you will be required to immediately add at least two good keys to complete programming.

 

[ice445]

In before this starts being used to steal these cars lol

 

[linkysys]

In before this starts being used to steal these cars lol

A thief would need a working key fob + specialized software + a $60 OBD + compatible fob blank. If they have your fob, the jig is up. Kia's and Hyundai's are everywhere and they can be stolen with no tools, software, or a working fob. It's the old adage, you don't have to outrun the bear, you just need to outrun the others in your party. The Kias and Hyundais are at the bottom of the food chain LOL.

 

[fearthewopr]

Just wanted to reply for others in my situation. Just got a 2017 Expedition EL Limited that only had one key fob. I used these instructions to program 2 additional fobs from Amazon. I first did try to to use the verification instructions from forscan to make sure the blank key fob was programmable, but those didnt work. Since I was just adding two fobs, I didn't have clear any existing keys, so it was low risk if it didn't work.

I made sure to keep my computer from going to sleep while the 10min wait was going.

 

[Boyd]

Got a new fob online for $65 that matches the FCCID of my operating fob. Going to forscan it tomorrow. Only received 1 key when I bought the car.

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/ford-mustang-oem-4-button-key-fob-2/

They have others available.

 

[ORRadtech]

Got a new fob online for $65 that matches the FCCID of my operating fob. Going to forscan it tomorrow. Only received 1 key when I bought the car.

https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/ford-mustang-oem-4-button-key-fob-2/

They have others available.

If it's important to you, you will have to find a locksmith to cut the physical/emergency key. It is important to me so I had a couple of spares cut with one hidden and accessible from the outside.

 

[Boyd]

If it's important to you, you will have to find a locksmith to cut the physical/emergency key. It is important to me so I had a couple of spares cut with one hidden and accessible from the outside.

Yeah, I have a local locksmith that will cut the new key for me. Have to do that this morning before I can Forscan it.

Sponsored