Ford Escort 3rd (North Am) (1997–2003) — Key Programming Reference
- Difficulty
- easy
- Lishi / lockout
- FO38
Key fobs & transponder keys (3 variants)
| Key | Years | FCC ID | P/N | Chip | Freq | Battery | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315 MHz · GQ43VT4T | 1997-2000 NA | GQ43VT4T | F7AZ-15K601-AB | none | 315 MHz | CR2016 | n/a |
| 315 MHz · CWTWB1U331 | 2001-2003 NA (CWTWB1U331 granted 2001; dominant aftermarket replacement) | CWTWB1U331 | 2S4T-15K601-AA | none | 315 MHz | CR2032 | n/a |
| X244/H76 · Strattec 322351 | 1997-2003 NA (1997-1998 non-transponder; 1999+ PATS Texas 4C) | n/a | 011-R0230 | Texas 4C / ID4C (1999+ PATS); 1997-1998 cars non-transponder | n/a | n/a | X244 / H76 |
Programming procedures
What the job needs
- Add a key: 1 existing working key required.
- All keys lost: no existing working key needed.
- PIN / security code: required — NASTF + autokeyprog + FORScan.
- Online / server access: not required (offline programming).
- On-board (no tool) sequence: not available — Ford Escort (North America) PATS 4C PATS 1-2 requires professional OBD tool — no self-programming procedure.
- On site: engine off · Maintain 12V+ · Clear PATS DTCs.
- Bring: Photo ID + vehicle registration. VIN cross-check before start.
Tool coverage
Documented for this case on: Autel IM608 Pro II · Autel IM508S · Autel KM100 · Xhorse Key Tool Plus · Xhorse Key Tool Max Pro · Lonsdor K518 Pro / K519 · OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus · AutoProPad G2/G3 · Advanced Diagnostics Smart Pro · Launch X431 IMMO Elite / IMMO Plus. Step-by-step menu paths for each tool are in the app.
Notes & cautions
- This chassis Ford Escort (North America) uses Texas Crypto 4C (40-bit) with Ford PATS 1-2 (1997-2003). Older fixed-code 4C — Autel IM608 Pro II + IMKPA Ford, AD Smart Pro ADS178 Ford, Lonsdor K518 USA + Ford adapter, Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus + KH100 Ford all cover. PATS PIN via NASTF lookup (40-bit 4C is too old for FORScan/autokeyprog).
- Key fob/blade: ensure existing battery (if applicable) is functional before starting.
- Verify chip before booking (this chassis facelift): Ford PATS spans 4C (40-bit, pre-2003 typical), 4D63 (80-bit, 2003-2014 typical), 4D60 transitional. Some 2002-2004 chassis (Mustang, F-150, Crown Vic) shipped with mid-cycle chip swap — confirm transponder ID from a working key with FORScan or Lonsdor K518 reader before quoting.
- Tool kit context: Autel IMKPA Ford module is the dominant add-key accessory (~$5-10/session). AD Smart Pro ADS178 also strong on Ford. Lonsdor LKE Smart Key Emulator for K518 simulated-key flow. Xhorse KH100 + Ford module confirmed. APB112 simulator NOT typically needed. G-Box bench EEPROM NOT used. XP400 PRO only for PCM bench fallback.
- All existing keys erased. Bring ALL replacement keys before starting — minimum 2.
- No manual AKL for Ford Escort (North America) PATS 4C PATS 1-2 — professional tool mandatory.
- PATS 4C PATS 1-2 AKL needs PATS PIN (FORScan license / autokeyprog.com / NASTF) — confirm AKL path before quoting.
- Keep all existing/lost key fobs at least 10 metres from vehicle during AKL.
- AKL accessory needs: Autel IMKPA + Ford token for cloud-bound PATS calc, Lonsdor LKE Smart Key Emulator for K518 simulated-key AKL path, Xhorse KH100 Ford. APB112 NOT mandatory. G-Box bench EEPROM NOT used. XP400 PRO only if PCM EEPROM corrupted (rare).
Lockout
Door pick / decode: Lishi FO38 (CCW).
51 verified sources · Last verified: 2026-08-10
Open full case in KeyAssist →Step-by-step tool menu paths, verified source links and video guides for this case are in the KeyAssist app — free to start, works offline.