Question 1

How do I spot a fake locksmith before I call one?

Accepted Answer

A few things to check before anyone shows up. First, look for a verifiable California BSIS license number. Every legitimate locksmith company operating in this state has one and can read it to you on the phone without hesitation. Second, ask for a firm price upfront for your specific vehicle. Scam operations quote low over the phone and add fees on-site once they see a Lincoln in front of them. Third, check that the reviews are on Google or Yelp under a consistent business name. Shady setups run multiple names and numbers that all route to the same call center, and the reviews are thin or generic. If the person who shows up can't tell you what equipment they use or how long the job takes for your specific vehicle, that's your answer.

Question 2

What is a smart key and how is it different from a regular car key?

Accepted Answer

A smart key doesn't go into an ignition cylinder. The fob communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's security system as you approach. The door handles detect it when you touch them to unlock, and the start button checks for an authorized fob before it lets the engine crank. Your 2013 MKS uses this setup. The fob has five buttons and runs on a CR2032 battery. If the fob isn't recognized, the car won't start, period. A replacement has to be programmed to the vehicle using professional diagnostic equipment. It's not like an older key where you cut the blade and you're done.

Question 3

What tools do you actually use to program a Lincoln smart key?

Accepted Answer

For the 2013 MKS, I use professional-grade immobilizer programming tools that communicate with the vehicle's security module over the OBD port. The specific tool matters because the software has to correctly identify the vehicle platform and run the right key-learning protocol. I also carry the correct fob with the factory FCC ID that matches this vehicle, so there's no guessing on parts.

If a locksmith can't tell you which tool they use and roughly how long programming takes on your specific year and model, that's worth paying attention to. Vague answers on equipment usually mean they're not sure they can actually finish the job.

Question 4

I have one working key. Can I get a spare programmed before I lose the only one I have?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is honestly the best time to do it. Adding a second fob while you still have a working key is faster than an all-keys-lost job and avoids the more involved reset process. On the 2013 MKS, adding a spare is done through the OBD port with diagnostic equipment. It doesn't require wiping the existing key or starting from scratch. If you're in Goleta or over in Isla Vista, I can come to wherever the car is parked and have the spare paired on-site.

Question 5

My fob battery is fresh but the range is terrible and the door handles are inconsistent. What's going on?

Accepted Answer

A few different things can cause this. On the 2013 MKS, the door handle touch sensors and the antennas that communicate with the fob are separate from each other. If range is short but the start button still sees the fob when you're inside the car, the fob itself is likely fine. Inconsistent door handle response is often a handle sensor issue or a wiring concern on that specific door, not the fob. On the other hand, if the fob has weak range in all directions and the start button is also slow to react, that points more toward the fob's internal antenna or a failing battery contact. Quick diagnostic: hold the fob directly against the start button and see if the car starts normally. If it does, you're looking at range and antenna, not programming.

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