Ford Explorer 6th (2020–2025) — Key Programming Reference
- Difficulty
- easy
- Lishi / lockout
- HU101
Key fobs & transponder keys (3 variants)
| Key | Years | FCC ID | P/N | Chip | Freq | Battery | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 902 MHz · M3N-A2C931426 | 2020–2022 NA (early 902 MHz key; MY2022 overlaps the M3N-A3C054339 anti-relay fob — check the FCC on the customer key) | M3N-A2C931426 | 164-R8198 | NXP HITAG-PRO ID49 (128-bit) | 902 MHz | CR2450 | HU101 (emergency insert, Ford/Volvo HU101 keyway) |
| 434 MHz · M3N-A3C108397 | 2023–2025 NA (434 MHz changeover — retailer fitment charts split 2023 vs 2024 for the Explorer, verify the FCC on the existing key) | M3N-A3C108397 | 164-R8397 | NXP HITAG-PRO ID49 (128-bit) | 434 MHz | CR2450 | HU101 (emergency insert, Ford/Volvo HU101 keyway) |
| 902 MHz · M3N-A3C054339 | 2022-2024 (902 MHz anti-relay key, between -931426 and the 2023+ 434 MHz -108397) | M3N-A3C054339 | 164-R8320 | NXP HITAG-PRO ID49 (128-bit, PCF7953P) | 902 MHz | CR2450 | HU101 |
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: required — Cloud token for ID49 PATS 7.
- On-board (no tool) sequence: not available — Ford Explorer PATS 7 ID49 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 Explorer uses NXP HITAG-PRO ID49 128-bit (Ford PATS 7, 2020-2025). ID49 covered by Autel IM608 Pro II + IMKPA Ford cloud token (~$5-15/session), AD Smart Pro ADS178 Ford, Lonsdor K518 USA + Ford online module, Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus + KH100 Ford. PATS PIN via FORScan license / autokeyprog.com / NASTF locksmith database.
- Smart proximity or remote head key: ensure existing key fob battery is functional before starting.
- Verify chip before booking (this chassis facelift): Ford modern PATS spans PATS 5/6 ID46 HITAG-2 (2011-2014 typical) and PATS 7 ID49 HITAG-PRO (2014+). Some 2014-2015 facelifts 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 (~$5-15/session for ID49 cloud calc). 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/IPC bench fallback.
- All existing keys erased. Bring ALL replacement keys before starting — minimum 2.
- No manual AKL for Ford Explorer PATS 7 ID49 — professional tool mandatory.
- AKL for Ford PATS 7 ID49 needs PATS PIN (FORScan / autokeyprog / NASTF) AND online cloud token on ID49 era.
- Keep all existing/lost key fobs at least 10 metres from vehicle during AKL.
- AKL accessory needs: Autel IMKPA + Ford online token for ID49 cloud 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/IPC EEPROM corrupted (rare).
Lockout
Door pick / decode: Lishi HU101 (CW).
69 verified sources · Last verified: 2026-08-17
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.