2023 Ford Explorer
Licensed and Bonded Key Replacement in Ventura County

Q: Do I need to tow my car to the dealer if I have no keys?

No. That is the dealer route, not the only route. Ford's own instructions say losing all coded keys may require having the vehicle towed to the dealer. One Escape owner was already stuck driving a borrowed car while trying to figure out the tow. A former Ford master tech said the dealer will insist you replace two keys and program them, and it will not cost less than $400 plus towing. We bring professional Ford PATS tools to your location and handle the decode, cutting, and programming right at your vehicle.

Q: How long does an all-keys-lost replacement take?

Ford's PATS system enforces a mandatory 10 minute security delay, and all-keys-lost procedures may require one or two of these waits depending on the model. Total on-site time usually runs 30 to 60 minutes once we are connected. A former Ford master tech confirmed that a mobile locksmith can handle this in roughly 40 minutes. Compare that to the dealer route where Ford owners have reported five-day waits for what should have been a simple programming job. We handle Ford AKL same-day in a single visit.

Q: What battery does the 2023 Ford Explorer key fob use?

The 2023 Ford Explorer uses a CR2450 battery. You can pick one up at most auto parts stores or pharmacies for a few dollars. When we make a replacement key, we always install a fresh battery so you are starting with a full charge. Pro tip: once you have your new key, pick up a spare battery and keep it in your wallet or glove box. A dead battery is the most common reason Ford owners think they have a key problem.

Q: Can you make a spare at the same time so I have two keys?

Yes, and on Fords we strongly recommend it. After a full PATS erase, the system requires at least two keys to be programmed before the vehicle will start. We always program the minimum two keys during an AKL job, and we can add up to four total keys in the same session. Ford typically allows a maximum of four keys in memory. Getting both keys done in one visit saves you the cost and time of a separate programming session later.

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Smart Key

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Fast Response15-25

min arrival

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Zero Keys Needed

We program directly to your vehicle's computer

No Hidden Fees

Key + cutting + programming all included in one price

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2023 Ford Explorer
Key Options

The credentials to back up every job

Push To Start

No Spare? See the Difference

Emergency options side by side

EZ Car Keyz

Dealership

Average Cost

✓ $$

✕ $$$$

Location

✓ We come to you

✕ You drive there

Wait Time

✓ 20-45 min

✕ 2-5 days

Same-Day

✓ Yes

✕ Rarely

All Keys Lost

✓ No problem

✕ Tow required

OEM Quality

✓ Yes

EZ Car Keyz wins 5 out of 6

Lost all your keys? No tow truck needed

Rescue Me (805) 790-8162

2023 Ford Explorer Smart key Replacement - Fast, Affordable & Professional

A customer visiting a friend in Oxnard asked me directly whether the key would be "as good as dealer." He had a 2023 Ford Explorer and wanted a spare he could trust as his daily driver key, not just an emergency backup. Fair question, and it deserves an honest answer.

OEM Ford keys come from Ford's supplier, usually Strattec. They have the Ford logo on the head, the exact factory housing, and cost significantly more because of the brand markup. Aftermarket keys use the same blade profile, same chip type, same button layout, and same circuit board design. The functional difference in daily use is zero if the aftermarket blank is good quality.

I carry aftermarket blanks that I've tested on hundreds of Ford jobs. The blade is the same H75 profile cut to the same specs on my machine. The transponder chip is the same generation that Ford's PATS system expects. His fob, FCC ID M3N-A2C931426, was a 5-button remote, and the aftermarket housing has the same button feel, same weight, same snap-together fit. The difference is no Ford logo on the back and roughly $150 less in his pocket.

His total was 261. Dealer charges 447 for the OEM version. Where aftermarket can go wrong is when a locksmith buys the cheapest blanks. Thin housings that crack in a month, generic chips that almost match. I test every batch before it goes in the van. If a batch has bad quality, I send it back.

Trusted Ford Explorer Key Replacement

Your car is in the hands of a certified professional. Every job is insured and guaranteed.

Trusted Pros (805) 790-8162 Text Us

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LCO#6792

CA Bureau of Security & Investigative Services

NASTF Certified

National Automotive Service Task Force

Fully Insured

Liability & vehicle damage coverage

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Dealer Quality, Better Price

Quality work, no dealer tax

2023 Ford Explorer

Smart key | Half the Dealer Cost

10-15 min

No Trip Fee

Available Today

Oxnard

Fair Pricing Here

805 Area

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Proven by 1,000+ Ford Customers

Proven by reviews, backed by licenses

E

Ezra M.

Oct 2025

★★★★★

“I needed a new key for my car and Marco gave me the best quote by far. He showed up, made the new key on the spot, and everything works perfectly. Fast service and great value.”

Google Review

H

Hunter P.

Jul 2025

★★★★★

“I called over 40 locksmiths trying to get a key made for my Audi A6 and nobody could do it. Tim made it easy, fast, and affordable. He showed up with a smile and got the job done without any stress. Absolute wizard with keys.”

Google Review

T

Tommy M.

Dec 2023

★★★★★

“Tim went above and beyond. I struggled all day trying to program a new FOB and nothing worked. Tim helped me patiently, even recommending cheaper options since I was on a tight budget. He eventually came all the way to Ojai late at night and fixed everything.”

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Call Experts (805) 790-8162

Emergency Situation FAQ

What to expect when we arrive

I lost all my Ford keys. Can you still make a new one?▼

Yes. All-keys-lost is one of the most common calls we get on Ford vehicles. We decode your locks, cut new keys, erase the old keys from the PATS system, and program fresh ones so the lost keys no longer start the car. On most Fords, the system requires at least two keys to be programmed after a full erase before the vehicle will start. We carry extra blanks for exactly this reason. Ford dealers will tell you to tow the car in and buy two OEM fobs. We come to you and handle the entire job on site.

Do I need to tow my car to the dealer if I have no keys?▼

How long does an all-keys-lost replacement take?▼

What battery does the 2023 Ford Explorer key fob use?▼

Can you make a spare at the same time so I have two keys?▼

Questions? Call (805) 790-8162