Programming third key fob?

[Ducati1098]

Hi all — I have what appears to be a slightly different issue. I have successfully programmed an aftermarket fob, but it cannot operate the locks. The battery in the fob tests fine and I swapped in another known good battery without success. I followed the programming directions here and it worked the first time and gave the expected “key programmed successfully“message on the display (I even programmed it a second time with the same successful results but still cannot operate the locks).

What’s interesting here is that I can start the Bronco in the console slot with a field charge (just like you’d expect from a known good fob with a low battery). It works reliably to start but still cannot operate the locks at all. I see the small red LED light up when I start the Bronco.

The included photo is the unit I bought from Amazon. I see it has a high return rate but a high rating (could be suspicious).

Anyone else encounter this issue? I suppose it is still useful for a backup fob and I plan to get the key laser cut at a local dealership. For the money, I’m not complaining but hoping I’m overlooking something simple. Thanks!

Very common with cheap aftermarket fobs unfortunately. I see this all the time.
Some work, some don’t.

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[adam1991]

Right, that's a fair question and think that is along the lines of the problem now. See picture, however, and it calls out the Bronco specifically. That paired with the comments about it working fine for the Bronco...

It's Amazon. And you believed them?

Yes, they said it replaces the appropriate part number. So?

As far as comments, those don't count.

You rolled the dice, went cheap, and got something that doesn't work for whatever reason. Send it back.

 

[B22-2023]

I did it yesterday, this one worked:

Aichiyu Keyless Entry Smart... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW3W2WZG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Moe-Jave]

I did it yesterday, this one worked:

Aichiyu Keyless Entry Smart... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW3W2WZG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

That's good to know and appreciate your sharing this!

So, despite my unit, above, not working completely it turned out to be a happy accident for my particular use-case...

I have two OEM working keys/fobs and wanted this for a hide-a-key setup when outdoors beyond cell coverage. For a little added security I like that the radio isn't functional and only starts the Bronco in the special slot. No need for a "Faraday bag" when hidden either. I was able to get my key cut for $10 at the local GM dealership oddly enough (local Ford machine is down).

For $40ish total, I'm happy but good to know we can get some cheap fobs to work now too. I suspect mileage may vary even ordering the same exact unit. Curious if others have the same experience.

*Edit: clicked on link and can confirm same unit I bought. I have a manual w/o remote start and that could be the key difference for those tracking this nuance.

 

[Eldowerks]

I bought an inexpensive key fob which included the key blank from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9ZR4D9?ref_=pe_125775000_1044873430_t_fed_asin_title

Made sure it had the same button set, including the remote start button, as my 2024 Badlands. It appears identical to my OEM fobs, except it lacks the Bronco logo on the back. But it did come with the blank key fob saving me that extra step and expense.

After trying other methods for programming the new remote, including the procedure from the Ford Manual, I had better luck with the simple procedure from this YouTube video:



Gotta be quick though, as the whole procedure has to be done within 30 seconds. I was able to get it to “take“ on my third try.

Confirmed that the new fob is fully functional including locking and unlocking the doors, all window roll down, and remote start.

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