Ford Freestar Key Replacement in Ventura County (2004-2007)

Grab your existing key and try this: cycle the ignition from OFF to RUN eight times within ten seconds, ending in the RUN position. Your door cylinders will cycle to confirm you are in programming mode. Press any button on the new remote within 20 seconds, and the locks will cycle again to confirm. You can program up to four remotes this way. But here is the important part: this only programs the remote buttons for locks and sliding doors. The transponder chip that actually starts the engine needs professional PATS tools. Call us at (805) 790-8162 for that part.

Start with the fob battery. A weak CR2032 is the number one reason the procedure fails. After that, check your vehicle battery charge and fuse number 17 in the instrument panel. The timing on the ignition cycling is brutal; use a stopwatch and make sure you complete all eight turns within ten seconds. If you bought an aftermarket fob, confirm the FCC ID matches CWTWB1U511, because off-brand remotes have about a 70 to 80 percent success rate. If you have tried all of that and it still will not take, the receiver module may have corrosion, and that is when you call us at (805) 790-8162.

Use the same fob across any year, no problem. The 2004 through 2007 Freestars all share the same key platform: same FCC ID (CWTWB1U511), same Texas 4D transponder chip, same standard Ford blade. A 2006 fob programs to a 2004 van using the exact same on-board procedure. Just confirm the FCC ID on the back of the fob before you buy, and you are good to go.

Call the dealer and they will quote you $250 to $400 for a new fob plus transponder programming, and you will wait days for the appointment. We charge $150 to $200, and that includes the key blank, cutting, transponder programming, and remote programming, all done at your location in Ventura County. Same key, same result. You skip the service department entirely. Call (805) 790-8162 and we can usually get you on the schedule the same day.