key programming

[Christm05]

i have an 2002 mountaineer. and i think my keys need to be re-programmed. i turn the key the dash board lights up. but the car will not turn. and help?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Do you get a single click when you turn the key to the start position, or nothing? Does the "Theft" light blink or stay on constant when you try to start it? Have you tried any other keys? Have you tried the key by itself, no key ring or other keys nearby? In order to program the keys yourself, you'll need two keys that work already. So, if none of the keys work, you won't be able to program them anyway. However, if none of your keys work, I'd be hesitant to suspect that's the problem.

With the door open so the interior light is on, try starting the truck again. What happens to the interior light brightness. If it gets very dim or goes out, I'd suspect your battery is shot or you have a really bad connection to it (loose/dirty). As a 2002, the battery is due to be replaced anyway if it's original.

-Rod