Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Explorer 2WD V8-4.6LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transmitter
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING
NOTE:
- All remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters must be programmed at the same time.
- Programming of the RKE transmitters can be accomplished using a scan tool or by carrying out the following steps:
1. The vehicle must be electronically unlocked before entering program mode using the RKE transmitter, keyless entry keypad (if equipped) or door lock control switch while the driver door is open.
2. Turn the key from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, with the eighth turn ending in RUN. If the module successfully enters the program mode, it locks and then unlocks all doors.
3. Within 20 seconds, press any button on an RKE transmitter, and the doors lock and then unlock to confirm that each RKE transmitter is programmed. Repeat this step for each RKE transmitter.
4. If the door locks do not respond for any RKE transmitter, wait several seconds and press the button again. If the door locks still fail to respond, refer to Inspection and Verification. Make sure that no more than the maximum number of 6 RKE transmitters are attempted to be programmed. Inspection and Verification
5. Exiting the programming mode is accomplished if one of the following occurs:
- The key transitions to the OFF position.
- Twenty seconds have passed since entering programming mode or since the last RKE transmitter was programmed.
- The maximum number of 6 RKE transmitters have been programmed.
NOTE:
- All remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters must be programmed at the same time.
- Programming of the RKE transmitters can be accomplished using a scan tool or by carrying out the following steps:
1. The vehicle must be electronically unlocked before entering program mode using the RKE transmitter, keyless entry keypad (if equipped) or door lock control switch while the driver door is open.
2. Turn the key from OFF to RUN 8 times within 10 seconds, with the eighth turn ending in RUN. If the module successfully enters the program mode, it locks and then unlocks all doors.
3. Within 20 seconds, press any button on an RKE transmitter, and the doors lock and then unlock to confirm that each RKE transmitter is programmed. Repeat this step for each RKE transmitter.
4. If the door locks do not respond for any RKE transmitter, wait several seconds and press the button again. If the door locks still fail to respond, refer to Inspection and Verification. Make sure that no more than the maximum number of 6 RKE transmitters are attempted to be programmed. Inspection and Verification
5. Exiting the programming mode is accomplished if one of the following occurs:
- The key transitions to the OFF position.
- Twenty seconds have passed since entering programming mode or since the last RKE transmitter was programmed.
- The maximum number of 6 RKE transmitters have been programmed.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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