My 2013 Explorer key broke in the ignition — can you extract it and cut a new one?

Yes. Broken-in-ignition extraction on a 2011–2015 Explorer takes about 20–30 minutes on-site, then we cut and program a new CWTWB1U793 remote head key in the same visit. No tow required in most cases.

I bought a 2017 Explorer and the previous owner only had one key. Can you add a second?

Yes. The 2017 Explorer uses M3N-A2C31243800 (or M3N-A2C31243300 for 5-button). We program a second smart key on-site starting at $220. Having two keys registered also prevents the 'security relearn' delay next time one is lost.

Does a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor use the same key as a civilian Explorer?

Yes — the Police Interceptor is built on the Explorer platform and uses the same PATS key system. If you bought a former fleet vehicle, we can re-program all existing keys and add new ones in a single visit. The fleet programming history doesn't affect civilian key programming.

My 2021 Explorer push-to-start button stopped responding to the fob. Is it the fob or the car?

Usually the fob (low CR2450 battery) or a proximity antenna issue. We test both on-site. If the fob is functional but the car isn't detecting it within normal range, it's typically a wiring or antenna issue — not a key programming problem. We diagnose before cutting or programming anything.

Ford Explorer Key Replacement

Starting at $175

Remote key (flip key)

Call (336) 790-2233

The Ford Explorer is the mid-size three-row SUV that's dominated South Charlotte driveways for over a decade — Ballantyne, Weddington, and the Marvin/Waxhaw subdivisions all run heavy Explorer counts, and the school carpool lanes at Ardrey Kell, Cuthbertson, and Weddington High reflect that. It's also the most common police vehicle in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg fleet, which means we handle both civilian and fleet variants regularly. For civilian owners, the key systems changed significantly with the 5th gen refresh (2016) and the complete 6th gen redesign (2020).

The 5th gen Explorer (2011–2019) used a remote head key through 2015, then switched to a smart key in 2016. The 6th gen (2020+) runs entirely on smart keys across all trims, with the highest trims adding a 5-button fob with remote start. The flip key (N5F-A08TAA) does appear on some 2020 base trims — if your Explorer has a push-to-start button, it's a smart key; if you insert and turn, call us before ordering a blank.

Key types by year — Ford Explorer

Years	Key type	FCC ID	Starting price
2011–2015	Remote head key (4D63 chip, SA keyway)	CWTWB1U793	$175
2016–2019	Smart proximity key (4B, 315 MHz)	M3N-A2C31243800	$220
2020–2022	Smart proximity key (4B, 315 MHz)	M3N-A2C93142300	$220
2023–2024	Smart proximity key (5B, 902 MHz)	M3N-A3C054339	$220

2011–2015: 5th gen launch years. Blade integrated with remote. 315 MHz. 3- or 4-button depending on trim.
2016–2019: 5th gen refresh. Push-to-start standard on all trims. 5-button 902 MHz version uses M3N-A2C31243300.
2020–2022: 6th gen redesign. All trims push-to-start. Base XLT may use flip key N5F-A08TAA — confirm by VIN.
2023–2024: 6th gen late production. 5-button fob with remote start and power hatch. 902 MHz.

What you pay for — Ford Explorer key

Key blank (OEM-equivalent)$75

Key cutting (laser / high-security cut)$30

Transponder / smart-key programming$70

Total (single key)$175

All-keys-lost adds $50–150 depending on the security system. Quote locked before we leave. No hidden fees.

Common issues we see with Ford Explorer in Charlotte

5th gen (2011–2015) remote head key blade breaks — SA-cut blades are thinner than HU101; heavy keychain weight accelerates fracture at the collar
2016 upgrade confusion — 2016 Explorer owners often still have an older CWTWB1U793 blank from a hardware store purchase; it won't program to a 2016 because the system changed to smart proximity
6th gen (2020+) all-keys-lost security delay — 6th gen Ford uses an updated immobilizer protocol with a 10-minute security wait; faster than the F-150 PATS but still unexpected for customers
Fleet/Police Interceptor owners — CMPD and Mecklenburg County fleet units are reprogrammed through official channels; civilian Explorer owners with former-fleet purchases sometimes inherit mis-matched fobs; we sort out the donor history with a full re-program

Why not the Ford dealer?

Huntersville Ford (13825 Statesville Rd, Huntersville) is the closest Ford dealer to the north Mecklenburg area. A 6th gen Explorer smart key typically runs $300–420 at the dealer. We program on-site starting at $175 (remote head keys) and $220 (smart keys) — no appointment, mobile dispatch across South and North Charlotte.

How it works

1
Call us
We confirm your Ford Explorer year and key type over the phone — usually takes 60 seconds and prevents any wasted trip.
2
We dispatch a mobile unit
Our technician arrives in 15-30 minutes with all equipment pre-staged for your vehicle.
3
On-site cutting & programming
New key cut, programmed, and tested. Typical time for Ford Explorer: 15–20 min (remote head keys) · 20–30 min (smart proximity keys) · 30 min minimum (all-keys-lost, Ford security wait required).
4
Drive away
You pay only after the new key works — no surprise charges.