Ford MyKey is a feature that was well intended, but has left many drivers frustrated since its origin in the late 2000's.
If you're on this page, you're probably struggling with some aspect of turning it off, but we're going to list our crash course bullets here.
Please see below and Ask any questions you may have in the comments here or on our comments section on YouTube:
WHAT IS FORD MYKEY?
Ford developed a system to have one of the 2 factory keys able to have "temporary" driver restrictions on it. Once a key is restricted, it is considered a "MyKey" to your car. This is well intended for the likes of a parent and learning teenage driver situation, etc.
This system is designed to impose restrictions (speed warnings, volume controls, traction control, etc.),
It is supposed to be able to toggled off easily so long as you have a 2nd key since the 2nd is necessary to scroll back into the settings to remove the restrictions to the first key. More details below...
Before any MyKey is set up, both unrestricted keys are considered by default to be "Admin Keys".
HOW DO YOU SET UP FORD MYKEY?
Turn on the vehicle with an unrestricted key in the ignition (or have a fob present if you have push button start) and scroll through the menu in the small cluster display above the steering wheel. Navigate the SETTINGS menu via the "arrows/OK" selector buttons on the steering wheel.
When you reach "MyKey Settings", you get to the option that says "Create MyKey" (shown above). If you press and hold the OK button as it instructs you to, the key in the ignition will now become a restricted MyKey based on the restrictions parameters within the MyKey Settings menu. This same menu holds the command to clear MyKey restrictions.
IMPORTANT:
Once your key is restricted, IT CAN NOT ACCESS THE SAME MENU AGAIN TO DISABLE THE MYKEY RESTRICTIONS.
A non restricted key/ Admin Key WILL be able to get you back to that menu to deactivate the restrictions to the limited MyKey.
Now, upon every vehicle startup with the restricted MyKey, the central dash display (between speedometer and odometer) will say "MyKey Active". (This is how you know which key is the restricted key. The Admin Key (unrestricted) will just start up without a prompt)
HOW DO YOU REMOVE MYKEY RESTRICTIONS?
Use your second key/ Admin Key to go back into the MyKey Settings menu.
Your restricted MyKey will NOT be able to get you back into that particular part of the menu. It will look like the MyKey Settings are not even available/visible anymore with your restricted key.
With your Admin Key, scroll through the MyKey Settings menu to "Clear MyKeys" and press and hold the OK button until it clears the restrictions.
To test, remove the Admin Key from the ignition, and insert the previously restricted key and turn the car on with it. If "MyKey Active" does NOT show when starting the car, it is the first easy confirmation that it has indeed been erased. (You can also use the newly released key to see if you can get back into the MyKey settings menu. If you can see the menu again with that key, it's also confirmation that the key is no longer restricted.)
WHAT IF I ONLY HAVE ONE KEY AND IT'S A RESTRICTED MYKEY? ("Can I Reset Ford MyKey With Only One Key?")
This can happen easily now that these vehicles are getting older and keys are getting lost over time. Usually, somebody configures the MyKey restrictions while just curiously exploring the menu settings. We did this too when we got our '13 Escape.
There are some different approaches, but the most reliable and lowest risk that we can recommend is just to get a second key.
Note: There are software options, but it's inconsistent at best, varying from key types (blade vs fob) as well as requiring varying experience with FORSCAN software. The risk to save $100-300 may not be worth messing up your car's system if you're not savvy with the interface. IF you're interested, you can find info on FORSCAN and MyKey info here.
To reiterate, ANY SECOND KEY that is purchased and paired and can start your car is an Admin Key and you can turn off the restrictions by getting back into the MyKey Settings menu. This includes aftermarket keys...meaning it does not HAVE to be Ford brand.
HOW DO I MAKE A NEW KEY?
There are 4 steps typically involved with getting a new key made whether at a dealer, local locksmith, or DIY kits. Depending on where you go, the following steps may all be included in one service.
Purchase the key
Cut the key blade profile
Programming the key chip
Programming the key buttons
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A NEW KEY?
Depending on where you go, and the key you get, prices will vary. From our research, we found the following trends to be consistent:
Pricing from Most to Least Expensive:
Dealership: $$$ - (higher cost, appointment based)
Local Locksmith: $$ - (medium cost, appointment based, may come to you)
DIY Kits: $-$$ - (lower cost, on your own time)
Key Types from Most to Least Expensive:
FORD Brand Keys/Fobs = $$$
Aftermarket Keys/ Fobs = $$
Aftermarket Valet Key (chip but no buttons)= $
NOTES:
IF you don't necessarily care about having a 2nd key with full button functionality, but are just trying to get access to the MyKey settings to restore to your restricted MyKey, a valet key is a low cost option to get access back to your MyKey settings menu.
The Valet Key is a H94 type with transponder chip but no buttons and is extremely inexpensive. You'll Still need a locksmith to cut and program it. Check out the 2013-2019 compatible key here on Amazon (affiliate link)
The valet key will be cut to match the key profile, and the chip will be paired to be able to start the car, and since it can be paired, it is an Admin Key and it will get you back into the settings menu.
Key Vendor Considerations:
Dealerships give you genuine Ford parts if that's something that resonates with you, but they'll often be the most expensive and there isn't usually room to negotiate costs.
A local locksmith will most likely be less expensive than a dealer but you may still have to go out of your way to fit into their schedule or they may even come to your house and do the cutting and programming in person. Look up reviews for locksmiths in your area for evidence of positive customer experiences for your best bet.
As for DIY kits, we have personally purchased, tested, and highly recommend Tom's Key Company, (affiliate link) which supplies a range of Ford compatible keys including genuine OEM and aftermarket keys. They have a very convenient range of services:
Purchase FOB or bladed key
"Key by Photo" where you follow the steps on their website to supply photos of your existing key profile and they use the photos to send you a precut, ready to program key.
The ready to program key comes with an ODBII serial port programmer with simple instructions to first pair the key to your vehicle and then you sync the buttons to match your other key.
We liked this as we could do this on our own time and didn't have to fit a locksmith visit into our schedule or take time off of work to get it taken care of.
NOTE: Simple Key is a widely used DIY key supplier- Tom's Key Company just makes the process easier as a "ship to your door" locksmithing service to cut the key for you and will stand by their kits if they don't work for some reason. If you just get the Simple Key kit, you'll still need to find a locksmith or shop to cut the key for you, that's all.
Our walkthrough and procedure for this method is in our video below:
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