Ford Escort RKE Keyfob Programming
This is your guide to programming your Ford Escort’s RKE keyfob from 1995 to 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 to 2003. Please follow the instructions below for your reference.
Ford Escort 1995-1996 RKE Keyfob Programming
- Enter Programming Mode – Step 1
OPEN the driver’s side door.
- Enter Programming Mode – Step 2
INSERT your key into the ignition cylinder and TURN to the ON position (just shy of cranking the engine).
- Enter Programming Mode – Step 3
PRESS and HOLD the “Programming/Override” button (located under the driver’s side dashboard). Within 20 seconds, the vehicle will cycle the door locks and the horn will sound 3 times to indicate successful entry into programming mode.
Do NOT release the “Programming/Override” button.
- Program Remote
PRESS the Lock OR Unlock button on the first remote to be programmed. The vehicle will respond by cycline the door locks and the horn will sound 1 time to indicate successful programming.
REPEAT this step to program up to 3 additional remotes (total of 4) to the vehicle.
- Exit Programming Mode
RELEASE the “Programming/Override” button and TURN the ignition to OFF.
- Test Remotes
TEST all remotes. Programming is now complete.
Important:
- Verify the following prior to following these instructions:
- Your vehicle is equipped with keyless entry, and
- You have a key fob remote that is compatible with your vehicle.
- Obtain all remote transmitters for this vehicle. This procedure will erase all previously programmed remotes. You must program all existing and new remotes that you wish to use on the vehicle at this time.
- You may clear your keyless entry system memory by entering programming mode as shown in the steps above.
Note: If your vehicle cannot enter programming mode, then you cannot program any remote. This indicates either no keyless entry installed on the vehicle or a defective keyless entry receiver module.
Ford Escort 1997-2003 RKE Keyfob Programming
- Prepare Vehicle
CLOSE and UNLOCK vehicle using power door locks.
- Enter Vehicle Programming Mode
INSERT key into Ignition and TURN from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, with the 8th time ending in RUN. Door locks will cycle to confirm Programming Mode.
- Program Remote
Within 20 seconds press any button on first keyless remote fob. Door locks will cycle to confirm programming.
(Repeat immediately for any additional remotes to be programmed.)
- Exit Programming Mode
Turn ignition to OFF. Locks will again cycle to indicate end of programming mode.
- Test Remotes
Test all remotes. Programming is now complete.
Important:
- Verify the following prior to following these instructions:
- Your vehicle is equipped with keyless entry, and
- You have a key fob remote that is compatible with your vehicle.
- Obtain all remote transmitters for this vehicle. This procedure will erase all previously programmed remotes. You must program all existing and new remotes that you wish to use on the vehicle at this time.
- You may clear your keyless entry system memory by entering programming mode as shown in the steps above.
Note: If your vehicle cannot enter programming mode, then you cannot program any remote. This indicates either no keyless entry installed on the vehicle or a defective keyless entry receiver module.
Here you’ll find instructions for setting up the RKE keyfob in your 1995–1996 Ford Escort, 1999–2000 Ford Escort, 2000–2001 Ford Escort, 2002–2003 Ford Escort, and 2003 Ford Escort.