How to find the Keyless Entry Code for 1986-2007 Sable/Taurus

[mtnlovrs]

I found this information on the Net and is very good info:

1986-2007 Taurus and Sable Keypad Code Location and Programming

If you have a keypad on your driver door and wondering how to make it work, you’ve come to the right place. The keypad is a feature that Ford has been using for the past twenty plus years. You can unlock and lock your car using a special code. You can also pop the trunk or unlock all the doors on the car. You can also lock and arm the alarm (Only 96-07 models) without any use of your keyfob or unlock/lock button inside the vehicle.

There are two types of codes associated with the keypad. There is the computer (master) code, which is the code it was given from the factory and cannot be changed or erased, even if you disconnect the battery. Then there is the personal code. This code is programmed by you. It’s advisable that you never give the master code out to anyone, and it’s probably a good idea to use your personal code. It’s not a bad idea to keep the master code as the “backup” code. Just in case someone happens to figure out your personal code, you can always change it!

To find the code, you should first check in your glovebox. Many people have found the code written down on a piece of paper or inside the owner’s manual. You may have lucked out and found the code on the official Ford card, as shown below, slid in the owners pouch:



If it isn’t there, you now have a fun chore ahead of you.
For finding your code, it’s advisable you bring some tools such as a flashlight and a small mirror (ie. Dentist mirror). A digital camera might help as well if you want to take multiple pictures of the area so you don’t have to strain your body looking for it.

For ALL 1986-1995 Models:
Sedans: Ford stamped the code on the trunk lid bar or the code may be on a sticker on the inside of the trunk lid.
Wagons: For wagons, look on the hatch itself and the frame around the opening. The sticker may be white with pink numbers. The module inside the rear hatch, driver side should have the number as well, written on a white label.
In my vehicle, which is a 1995 Sable Wagon with the third seat option, the code was found under the carpet in the rear passenger side corner of what would have been the spare tire well.
Here is the location of the module:



Note for sedan models: If you go into the trunk, you can see the black, cardboard-looking board that is behind the rear seats. If you pull that back (from the left-hand/driver side) you should see the computer, which should have the code printed on it as well.
For ALL 96-99 Models, look at the three pictures:





Depending on your year, you may or may not have electrical tape covering some or all of the numbers. Be warned if you remove the tape, more than likely the numbers will be removed with the tape. If you have access to something like a hairdryer, you might have better luck at leaving the numbers on the box if you heat that area up a bit before removing the tape.

2000-2001 and some 2002 Sedan models: The keyless entry module was moved, and is now located above and to the left of the brake pedal. You will find it located on the very top of the module itself, almost behind it, on a white piece of paper that is removable. It may come off in pieces, but it is removeable. If you choose to leave the paper in place, you will need a mirror to get up underneath the module and read the numbers. Remember you're reading them backwards!




2002 models: You will find the code stamped on the inner side of the passenger compartment fusebox. It will be in a lighter color writing with 5 digits, possibly yellow. If your 2002 model is equipped with the fusebox above and to the left of the brake pedal, please follow the instructions just above. Note: On my car I found the code on the right side of the fusebox on a yellow piece of paper (like the picture below) in black print with a bar code next to it. My fusebox is located above the brake pedal like the 2000-2001 above.



2003-2007 models: You will find the code embosed on the right side of the module.



On all 1986-2007 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sables: Press anytime the 7/8 and 9/0 buttons at the same time, all doors will lock. Type your code then: 3/4 to unlock all doors, 5/6 to open the trunk. Press any button will illuminate the keypad, door locks and interior lights.

Programming private code for the Gen 1996-2007 models:
Step 1. Think of a new code.
Step 2. Enter the Ford factory code.
Step 3. Press 1/2 within five seconds of entering the factory code.
Step 4. Enter the first digit of the new code within five seconds of pressing 1/2. Enter each remaining digit with in five second of the last digit entered. Wait 20 seconds. Try new code.

Aftermarket keypads: The factory keypad is hardwired to the electrical system.
Ford has a new aftermarket keyless entry keypad that uses double sided tape to stick to the cars body. These modules run on the same frequency as the remotes to your car so no wires are needed. They are available for purchase all over the internet and at your local Ford Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Please note, your car must be a 1998 model or newer, and be equipped with factory remote keyless entry for this keypad to work.
And of course…if you can't find it, the dealer can pull the code out of the module with a scan tool. Some may charge for this service, but please remember when the Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer sells you a Taurus or Sable, they should provide you with the factory code along with 2 keys and 2 remotes, as that was the way it came from the factory.
I hope this helps a lot of people.

[cobrahd1999]

Is it easy to remove the whole item on a 2000 sable to read the numbers. I am a newbe and have a bad back. lol

[mtnlovrs]

No. I feel for you because I have a bad back as well. You have to lay on your back on the floorboard in order to see it. If this is going to cause you too much pain, or you think you may not be able to get back out of the car (once in this position), then maybe you can have someone else climb in there for you; ie: a spouse or child. Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

[yecats999]

You could not have explained that any better mtnlovrs. I found it immediately on my 00 Taurus. Thank you so much. I just bought my Taurus and the gentleman I bought it from received the car from his late gramps and had no idea of the code.
You made this so easy, I decided to register for an account so I could leave a comment.
I must say though, the mini-mirror/telescoping mirror was what made it so easy after reading your description of where it was. I was upside down, under the steering wheel and having no way of seeing that piece of paper without your directions and the mirror. You could remove the piece of paper but then it would be gone forever.
Thanks again.

[irenearris1]

It checks good.

[mtnlovrs]

Your very welcome, I'm glad I could help and that people are still finding this thread after so long. Unfortunately, I don't think this forum gets much attention.

[ghostbc58]

great, after a long and acrobatic search found it,programmed it and all is well.Dealer wanted $75 for this.

[James T]

Hi, I read the post and the 99 Sable had the black electrical tape covering the last two numbers, after 20 min of trying to guess the last two numbers I pulled the tape and of course the label came off with it, after trying to soak it off in solvent and failing I held the tape up to a sixty watt bulb and voila code showed right through the tape! Thanks for the great tutuorial and I hope this helps someone!

[mtnlovrs]

Originally Posted by ghostbc58

great, after a long and acrobatic search found it,programmed it and all is well.Dealer wanted $75 for this.

Originally Posted by James T

Hi, I read the post and the 99 Sable had the black electrical tape covering the last two numbers, after 20 min of trying to guess the last two numbers I pulled the tape and of course the label came off with it, after trying to soak it off in solvent and failing I held the tape up to a sixty watt bulb and voila code showed right through the tape! Thanks for the great tutuorial and I hope this helps someone!

You both are most welcome. I'm glad this this thread helped you. Strange about the electrical tape, but I'm glad you figured it out and retrieved your code.

[Bmwknight89]

You are a true lifesaver my friend. I brought the 05 Sable in 2011 and never knew the code for the life of me. And the dealership didn't know either! That was the killer. Well here I am 4 years later decided to stop being lazy and I found your great tip! Thanks again!

[SAkin64]

I have also created an account just to tell you THANK YOU for this info.
I bought the Taurus from a used car dealership and the only thing they could tell me is to look it up on-line, BEHOLD, the first link I clicked on was this thread and wow what a time and money saver you have been for me

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mtnlovrs]

Originally Posted by SAkin64

I have also created an account just to tell you THANK YOU for this info.
I bought the Taurus from a used car dealership and the only thing they could tell me is to look it up on-line, BEHOLD, the first link I clicked on was this thread and wow what a time and money saver you have been for me

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are very welcome! I'm glad to see so many are finding this information useful. Administrators, perhaps this thread should be a "Sticky".

[djl200]

FYI for anyone interested. My 2002 Mercury Sable was in fact stuck to the back of the control panel just as described. By accident I discovered that one easy way to see the code easily was with a butter knife and flashlight (from my phone). Put the butter knife behind the sticker and shine the flashlight at the knife. The reflection of the number was very clear. Although you are reading it backwards it does work! Thanks for the clear and accurate info. The dealer wanted $75 to help us!!! Thanks for saving us $!

[RedlandsJim]

IT WORKS!!! The code was indeed on a yellow strip of paper on the brake pedal side of my fuse box for my 2002 Mercury Sable. The paper was almost under the carpet but after contorting for about 5 minutes, I found it.
Thank you, thank you.
Dealers wanted from $58 to $126 to retrieve the code. Ugh!