How to Find the 5 Digit Default Keyless Code on Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer

Co-authored by Tom Eisenberg

Last Updated: October 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Using the Keyless Entry feature for a Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer can be a convenient feature. However, if you forget your personal code it can be a challenge to get into your car without damaging it. There are a few cheap and easy ways to retrieve the 5-digit factory code without any tools or automotive expertise. Whether simply using the owner’s manual or locating the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) Module, you will need the factory code to set a new 5-digit personal code.

Things You Should Know

Find the factory code using the owner’s manual and enter it on the car, activating the keypad before entering the 5-digit code.
Use the MyFord Touch system in your car to program a code; press the Menu and Vehicle buttons, then select “Door Keypad Code” and enter a new one.
Uncover the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) Module on your vehicle and look for the label with the 5-digit code.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!

*

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Owner’s Manual

Download Article

1
Look for the factory code. Whether you’re the sole owner or have a pre owned car, the Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer will come with a factory code and owner’s manual. It is recommended that a new owner change the original five-digit factory code. Hopefully, you have kept the factory code in a safe place.
- The 5 digit security code is usually in the glove department if you have not moved the owner’s wallet card. The 5 digit code can also be found on years 2011- 2018 on a white label inside passenger side fuse box, it will be the 5 numbers you need, followed by a letter.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
First, make sure that you have locked all the doors to the car including the trunk. Enter the 5-digit factory code.

Advertisement
After you have entered the factory code, press 1 - 2 on the keypad. Press these two digits within five seconds to activate the keypad. The doors will lock and unlock to signal that you have entered the correct factory code.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Enter your new 5-digit code. Once you’ve received the lock/unlock signal, enter your new 5-digit personal code within within five seconds. You must enter each successive number within five seconds.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If your car is equipped with the memory recall feature, pressing 1 / 2 button stores the settings of Driver 1 while pressing the 3 / 4 button stores the settings of Driver 2.
Once your personal entry code has been entered, wait for the doors to lock, then unlock, to confirm that your new personal entry code has been set.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Programming with MyFord Touch

Download Article

The MyFord Touch system can program your keyless entry code using the screen from within your vehicle. Make sure all the doors are closed before programming.
At the top of your vehicle’s Home Screen, hit the menu button to begin programming your new code.
On the left side of the menu, find Vehicle and press it. A new screen will appear.
From the vehicle list menu, select Door Keypad Code.^{[4]
X
Research source} Enter your factory key code that can be found in the owner’s manual.
After you have entered in your factory code, wait for the prompt and enter in a new 5-digit key code of your choosing. Your new code allows you to enter your vehicle without the use of the factory code.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Programming without the Owner’s Manual

Download Article

Ford Dealers can provide you with the factory code by plugging your vehicle into a computer. Retrieving the code in this manner may be quite costly. If the owner’s manual is lost and you do not have the code for Keyless Entry, know that the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) Module also has the factory code printed on its label. The RAP is behind a removable panel toward the back left of your vehicle.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Using a flashlight, locate the removable panel and turn two thumb screws counterclockwise to remove the plastic panel. Shine the flashlight onto the RAP module and look for the label containing the 5 digit factory code.^{[7]
X
Research source}
Once the first entry is pressed, the keypad will illuminate. Press the middle of the button to ensure proper contact.
In order to program your new personal code, hit the 1 / 2 control before 5 seconds has passed from entering the factory code.
5
Enter your personal 5-digit entry code. Do not take longer than five seconds in between each successive digit. Your new personal code will be used to unlock your vehicle but you can also use the factory code.
- Each time a new personal code is set, it replaces the old one and not the factory code. The factory can never be changed. You can erase the code of a previous owner and use the factory-set code without entering a new personal code. Once you’ve entered the factory code, hit the 1/2 button, then the 7/8 and 9/0 controls at the same time. Do not take more than 5 seconds to press each successive button. Once you’ve taken these steps, your system will now only use the factory-set code.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I find the keyless code for my car?

Community Answer

Try looking on the rails that hold the trunk lid. The number may not be labeled, but could just be black numbers on a white sticker.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 30 Helpful 105
Question

How can I get into my car if the keys are locked inside?

Community Answer

There are ways to break into your car, but it's probably best to just call a locksmith.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 42 Helpful 88
Question

How can I get in using keyless entry if my battery is not hooked up on my 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?

Glenn Letteer

Community Answer

You can't. The keyless entry requires battery power.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 18

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Unlock the doors with the Keyless Entry System with either the factory-set code or your personal code and then pressing the 3 / 4 button within five seconds.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Lock the doors with the Keyless Entry System by pressing the 7 / 8 and 9 / 0 button at the same time. Neither the 5-digit factory code nor your personal code need to be entered to lock the vehicle doors in this fashion.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
To deactivate/activate auto-lock enter the 5-digit factory code or your personal code, hold the 7 / 8 button, hit and release the 3 /4 button while still holding the 7 /8 button, then release the 7 /8 button. The horn will sound once to signal deactivation or twice for activation.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Do not throw away your owner’s manual or Keyless Entry card that has your factory 5-digit code.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Do not keep the factory 5-digit code in your glove box in case you get locked out of your vehicle when the battery dies. Keep a copy outside of the vehicle.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
If your car battery dies, the Keyless Entry code will reset to the factory 5-digit code.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2