Losing or needing to replace a remote for your Lincoln Town Car can be a common issue. Whether you’ve misplaced your original remote, or you’re looking to add an extra one for convenience, programming a new remote yourself can save you time and money compared to dealership services. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to program a remote for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car, ensuring you regain full access and control of your vehicle.
Understanding Your Lincoln Town Car Remote System
Before you begin the programming process, it’s helpful to understand a few key aspects of your Lincoln Town Car’s remote system. The 1999 Lincoln Town Car, like many vehicles of that era, uses a system that allows you to program remotes directly, without requiring specialized tools in most cases. This is a significant advantage, allowing owners to handle remote programming themselves.
It’s important to note that the process typically requires you to have at least one working key for your vehicle. This key acts as the starting point for introducing a new remote to your car’s system. If you have no working keys, the process becomes more complicated and might require professional assistance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your Remote
The following steps outline the procedure for programming a remote for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car. This method is designed for situations where you already have at least one functioning key.
-
Gather Your Materials:
- Your 1999 Lincoln Town Car
- At least one working key for the ignition
- Your new, unprogrammed remote for the Lincoln Town Car
-
Enter the Vehicle and Prepare:
- Ensure all doors of your Lincoln Town Car are closed and unlocked.
- Insert your existing, working key into the ignition.
-
Cycle the Ignition:
- Turn the ignition key from the “OFF” position to the “RUN” position (where the dashboard lights up, but you do not start the engine) a total of eight times within a 10-second period. The “RUN” position is just before the engine starts.
- The eighth turn should end in the “RUN” position.
- If this step is performed correctly, the door locks will cycle (lock then unlock). This indicates that the vehicle has entered programming mode. If the door locks do not cycle, repeat this step more quickly.
-
Initiate Remote Programming:
- Within 20 seconds of the door locks cycling, press any button on the new remote you wish to program.
- The door locks should cycle again (lock then unlock) to confirm that the remote has been successfully programmed.
-
Program Additional Remotes (If Necessary):
- If you have additional remotes to program, press any button on each subsequent remote within the same 20-second window. Each successful programming will be indicated by the door locks cycling.
-
Exit Programming Mode:
- After you have programmed all desired remotes, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position or simply open the driver’s side door. This will exit the programming mode.
-
Test Your Remotes:
- Test each programmed remote to ensure it correctly locks and unlocks the doors and activates other remote functions of your 1999 Lincoln Town Car.
Image: A collection of keys, representative of keys used for Lincoln Town Cars.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Timing is Key: The timing of turning the ignition key is crucial. Ensure you are performing the eight cycles within the 10-second timeframe and ending in the “RUN” position.
- New Remote Compatibility: Make sure the new remote you are trying to program is compatible with your 1999 Lincoln Town Car. Check the part number or consult with a parts supplier to confirm compatibility.
- Battery Condition: Ensure the batteries in both your working key (if applicable) and the new remote are in good condition. Low battery power can sometimes interfere with the programming process.
- Programming Limit: Lincoln Town Cars typically have a limit to the number of remotes that can be programmed to the vehicle. If you exceed this limit, you may need to clear the memory or seek professional help.
- Valet Key Considerations: While the original forum post mentions a valet key, the standard programming procedure for a 1999 Lincoln Town Car does not differentiate between key types for remote programming purposes, as long as the key functions in the ignition.
What if You Only Have One Key or No Keys?
If you only have one key, the process described above should still work as long as that key is functional in the ignition. However, if you have lost all your keys, programming a new remote becomes significantly more challenging. In such cases, you will likely need to visit a qualified locksmith or a Lincoln dealership. They have specialized equipment to bypass the immobilizer system and program new keys and remotes for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Programming a remote for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car is a straightforward process when you have at least one working key. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily add new remotes, providing you with convenient access and control over your vehicle’s locking system. Always ensure you are using compatible remotes and if you encounter difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a professional locksmith or your local Lincoln dealer for further support.
