Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your Lincoln Town Car can be a hassle, but programming a new one doesn’t have to be. Many Lincoln Town Car owners can program their key fobs themselves, saving time and money compared to dealership programming. This guide will walk you through the process of programming a new key fob for your Lincoln Town Car, ensuring you regain convenient access to your vehicle quickly.
Understanding Your Lincoln Town Car Key System
Before you start, it’s helpful to understand the basics of your Lincoln Town Car’s key system. Lincoln Town Cars, especially models from the late 90s through 2011, often utilize a system that allows for owner-programming of key fobs under certain conditions. Typically, if you have at least two working, programmed keys, you can program additional key fobs yourself.
There are generally two types of keys you might encounter:
- Master Keys (Non-Valet Keys): These keys are typically black and offer full functionality, including remote locking/unlocking, starting the vehicle, and accessing all features.
- Valet Keys: Often gray, these keys are designed for valet parking and may only start the vehicle and open the doors, but not the trunk or glove compartment. In some cases, valet keys can be used for programming, but it’s generally recommended to use master keys for the programming process if possible.
Lincoln Town Car keys including master and remote fobs
Step-by-Step Guide to Program a Lincoln Town Car Key Fob
The following steps outline the general procedure for programming a key fob for a Lincoln Town Car. Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions for your particular year of Lincoln Town Car. While the process is generally similar across models from the late 1990s to 2011, slight variations may exist.
Method 1: Using Two Existing, Programmed Keys (If Applicable)
This method is often the simplest if you already possess two working keys for your Lincoln Town Car.
- Enter the Vehicle and Close All Doors: Get inside your Lincoln Town Car and ensure all doors are fully closed.
- Turn the Ignition to the ‘ON’ Position with the First Programmed Key: Insert your first working key into the ignition and turn it to the ‘ON’ position. This is the position just before you would crank the engine to start. Leave it in the ‘ON’ position for approximately 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
- Turn the Ignition to the ‘OFF’ Position and Remove the First Key: Turn the ignition back to the ‘OFF’ position and remove the first key from the ignition.
- Immediately Insert the Second Programmed Key and Turn to ‘ON’: Within 10 seconds of removing the first key, insert your second working, programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ‘ON’ position. Leave it in the ‘ON’ position for approximately 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
- Turn the Ignition to the ‘OFF’ Position and Remove the Second Key: Turn the ignition back to the ‘OFF’ position and remove the second key from the ignition. At this point, you should hear the door locks cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that the system has entered programming mode.
- Press Any Button on the New Key Fob: Within 20 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the new key fob you wish to program. You should hear the door locks cycle again, confirming that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
- Test the New Key Fob: Press the buttons on the new key fob to ensure it locks and unlocks the doors. Also, start the vehicle with the newly programmed key to confirm it works correctly.
- Repeat for Additional Key Fobs (If Necessary): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 6 and 7 for each additional fob within the 20-second programming window.
- Exit Programming Mode: After you have programmed all desired key fobs, turn the ignition to the ‘ON’ position with a programmed key, or simply wait for 20 seconds without programming any further fobs. The system will automatically exit programming mode.
Method 2: If You Only Have One Working Key or No Working Keys
If you do not have two working keys, or if you have lost all your keys, the owner programming method may not be available. In these situations, you will typically need to visit a qualified locksmith or a Lincoln dealership to have new keys programmed. They have specialized diagnostic equipment that can bypass the standard programming requirements.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Timing is Crucial: The timing in each step is important for successful programming. Make sure to follow the timeframes closely. If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, try again, paying close attention to the timing.
- Use New Batteries in Key Fobs: Ensure the key fobs you are trying to program have fresh batteries. Low battery power can sometimes interfere with the programming process.
- Check Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Lincoln Town Car owner’s manual for the most accurate programming instructions specific to your model year.
- Professional Help: If you encounter difficulties or are unable to program the key fob yourself, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified automotive locksmith or your local Lincoln dealership. They have the expertise and tools to program keys for your vehicle.
Programming a key fob for your Lincoln Town Car can often be done at home with a few simple steps, especially if you have two existing keys. By following these instructions and consulting your owner’s manual, you can potentially save time and money while regaining full functionality of your keyless entry system.
