Automotive Locksmith · We Come to You
Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement
Lost the key or need a spare fob for your Ford Explorer? A mobile locksmith comes to you and programs it on-site, same day, well under dealer pricing.
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Apex Locksmith Pros · Same-day service
Ford keys & fobs
Explorer
- Years
- 2011-2023
- Generations
- 2
- FCC IDs
- 2
Ford Explorer key fob replacement in McKinney, Plano, Frisco and nearby cities starts with knowing which key your year uses. Both the 2011-2019 and 2020-2023 Explorer generations run a proximity smart fob. Our Apex Locksmith Pros technician cuts and programs your Explorer key on-site by VIN, wherever the vehicle is parked, and pairs it to the immobilizer so it starts the engine. You will know the flat total from the phone call before dispatch, with no call-out fee on top.
Updated:
Explorer FCC IDsSecond Car Key, Same Visit
The tech is already at your car, so a spare cut on the spot runs half price.
Code KEY50
One coupon per job, offers don't stack. Mention the code on the phone and the dispatcher applies it to your flat quote.
What Key Does the Ford Explorer Use?
The Explorer's key changed a lot over the years, so the right fix depends on your generation. Older Explorers (mid-2000s) used a transponder chip key with a metal blade. Around 2011 to 2019 the fifth-gen ran an 80-bit transponder, mostly as a remote-head key with a laser-cut (sidewinder) blade, and higher trims offered push-to-start with a proximity smart fob. The sixth-gen Explorer (2020 and up) uses Ford's proximity smart fob with push-button start across most trims, plus a hidden emergency blade inside the fob for the door. Every one of these has to be programmed to the car's immobilizer, not just cut. We pull your VIN, cut the laser-cut blade on-site, and program the transponder or proximity fob to your Explorer so it starts and the buttons work. Push-to-start fobs cost more than a basic transponder key because of the proximity electronics.
The most common Explorer call
A common one on the fifth-gen Explorer (2011-2019): the smart fob stops unlocking or starting reliably, and owners assume the fob died. Usually it's just the CR2450 coin cell inside going flat after a few years. If a fresh battery doesn't fix it, the rubber button pads wear through from daily use, or the fob itself fails and needs to be replaced and re-synced to the car. We test the fob first, swap the coin cell if that's all it is, and only cut and program a new one if the old fob is dead.
Ford Explorer Key Fob FCC IDs
Flip your fob over: the FCC ID is printed on the back of the case. Find it below, or just read it to our dispatcher. It tells us the exact remote your Ford Explorer takes before the van rolls out.
| Years | Key type | FCC ID |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-2019 | Proximity smart fob | M3N5WY8609 |
| 2020-2023 | Proximity smart fob | M3N-A2C93142600 |
Trim and market can change the fob, and several IDs often fit one model year. We confirm the exact part by VIN on every job, so a mismatched guess never reaches your driveway.
Not sure if yours is a transponder key, flip remote or smart fob? Our car key types guide shows every kind with photos.
How We Make a Explorer Key at Your Car
Four steps, all at your location. You know the flat total before a tech is sent.
- 1
Call with year and model
Tell us what you drive and whether a working key is left. You hear the flat total before anyone is sent.
- 2
We come to your car
A mobile tech drives to your driveway, office lot or parking garage. No tow to the dealer.
- 3
Cut to your VIN
The key code is decoded from your VIN and the blade is cut to match your doors and ignition.
- 4
Programmed and tested
The chip or fob is programmed to the immobilizer and tested on the Explorer before the tech leaves.
Ford Explorer key prices
Flat quote before dispatchSpare key
You still have a working key
From$119+
Key or fob programming
Programmed to your car on-site
From$129+
All keys lost
No key at all, built from your VIN
From$129+
Every job includes
- Key or fob cut to your VIN
- Programmed & tested on-site
- Mobile: we come to your car
- Flat total quoted before dispatch
Prices are starting points. Proximity and push-to-start smart fobs cost more than a basic chip key, and the exact flat total comes with your VIN on the call, before any work.
What Do Ford Explorer Owners Ask?
Straight answers for Ford Explorer owners in McKinney and nearby cities: which key your car uses, what to have ready and how on-site programming works.
It depends on your year. A transponder or remote-head key for an older or mid-gen Explorer usually runs less than a push-to-start smart fob, which carries more electronics. Your Explorer job gets one flat total, and we'll quote you the exact number for your VIN before we cut anything. Either way it's below the dealer, with no tow.
Yes. All-keys-lost is a different job than copying a spare, but we handle it on-site. We pull your VIN, cut a fresh laser-cut blade, and program the new key or proximity fob to your Explorer's immobilizer so it starts. It takes a bit longer than adding a duplicate, but you don't need a tow to the dealer.
Yes. The sixth-gen Explorer's proximity smart fob is programmed to the car's system right where it's parked. We code the new fob to your VIN, cut the hidden emergency blade for the door, and confirm the buttons and push-button start all work before we leave.
Sure. A 2016 Explorer runs the 80-bit remote-head key with a sidewinder blade, or a smart fob if it's push-to-start trim, and we cut and program either at your location. Mid-2000s chip keys and the 2020-and-up proximity fobs are the same stop. Any model year, we just need the VIN to bring the right blank.
It depends on the year. 2011-2019 Ford Explorer: M3N5WY8609; 2020-2023 Ford Explorer: M3N-A2C93142600. The ID is printed on the back of your fob case. Trim and market can change it, so we confirm the exact part by VIN before the van rolls out.
Deciding where to go? Dealer, AutoZone or locksmith? compares cost, wait and what each one can program.
Question about your Ford Explorer key not answered here? Call or text us and we will answer it.
Ford Explorer Key Service Near You
Locked out in McKinney? We come to you today.
Licensed, upfront, and on call daily 8 AM–8 PM in McKinney and nearby cities. One quick call and a tech is on the way.