Lincoln Key Fob Replacement: Cost, Options, and Programming

Lincoln is Ford’s luxury brand, and its keys use Ford’s Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and Intelligent Access hardware. That is good news: parts are plentiful, locksmith tools cover Ford products thoroughly, and owner programming is possible in more cases than with most luxury brands.

This guide explains Lincoln key types by era, batteries, replacement options, reuse rules, and programming. For a cross-brand price comparison, see how much a new key fob costs.

Lincoln Key Replacement Cost by Key Type

Lincoln Key Types by Era

PATS transponder keys

The Lincoln Town Car (through 2011) and older Navigator, MKZ, and MKX models used a cut transponder key paired with PATS and a separate keyless entry remote. Many Lincolns of this era also have a door keypad (SecuriCode), which lets you unlock with a code even without the remote.

Intelligent Access smart keys

From around the 2009-2010 model years, Lincoln adopted Intelligent Access with push-button start on models such as the MKS and MKT, and later the MKZ, MKC, and MKX. These fobs hide a mechanical emergency blade.

Newer smart keys and Phone As A Key

The Continental (2017-2020), the Navigator from 2018, the Nautilus, the Aviator, and the Corsair use a newer, more rounded smart key. Several newer Lincolns also offer Phone As A Key through the Lincoln app, which lets a paired smartphone lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Phone As A Key is convenient but does not replace having a physical spare.

Model Notes: Navigator, MKZ, Nautilus, and Corsair

Navigator: Older Navigators used a PATS key and separate remote or a remote head key, depending on year. The redesigned 2018+ Navigator uses the newer smart key, often with power running board, liftgate, and remote start functions, so match the button set.

MKZ: Early MKZs had a keyed ignition; later MKZs moved to Intelligent Access with push-button start. The final MKZ years share the newer fob style with the Continental.

MKX and Nautilus: The MKX used Intelligent Access, and the Nautilus that replaced it uses the newer key. Fobs are not interchangeable across that change.

MKC and Corsair: The MKC used a 2010s-style smart key, while the Corsair, starting with the 2020 model year, uses the newer rounded key and offers Phone As A Key on many trims. When in doubt, the part number printed inside the fob is the deciding factor, not the model name.

Lincoln Key Fob Battery

Many 2017-and-newer Lincoln smart keys, including Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus fobs, use a CR2450. Many earlier remotes and smart keys use a CR2032. The two cells differ in size, so check the code printed on your current battery. Ford and Lincoln share fob designs, so our Ford key fob battery replacement guide shows how to open most Lincoln fobs. If the car says no key detected, most Lincolns have a backup spot where you hold the fob to start; the owner’s manual shows it.

Lincoln Replacement Options Compared

Lincoln dealer

Pros: Genuine key by VIN, programmed with Ford’s dealer software, handles newest models. Cons: Highest price and an appointment. Who it suits: Newest models, warranty work, complicated all-keys-lost cases.

Automotive locksmith

Pros: Usually cheaper, mobile, fast, with very strong Ford-family tool coverage. Cons: Ask whether the key is OEM or aftermarket and about warranty. Who it suits: Most Lincoln owners.

Aftermarket or refurbished fob online

Pros: Lowest part cost; can be programmed onboard if you have two working keys. Cons: Must match FCC ID, part number, and buttons; aftermarket range can be weaker. See are aftermarket key fobs any good.

Can a Used Lincoln Key Fob Be Reprogrammed?

Often, yes. Many Ford-family fobs, including Lincoln Intelligent Access keys, can be programmed to a different vehicle when the part number and FCC ID match, which is why refurbished Lincoln fobs are widely sold. Compatibility still varies by generation, so confirm with your programmer before buying. Read reprogramming a used key fob for what to check.

How Lincoln Key Programming Works

• Two working keys: Many Lincolns with PATS keys support an onboard procedure to add a third key using the two existing keys and timed ignition cycles. Many Intelligent Access models have a similar two-key procedure that uses the backup start location. Steps vary by model and year.
• One working key: A scan tool is usually needed. FORScan with the right access, or a locksmith tool, can add keys on many models.
• All keys lost: A dealer or locksmith resets PATS, which often involves a security access wait of about 10 minutes, then programs at least two keys.

Our Lincoln key fob programming guide covers model-specific steps, and programming a key fob with FORScan explains the tool route.

Dealer vs Locksmith for Lincoln Keys

For nearly every Lincoln, a qualified locksmith can do the job for less and come to you. The dealer makes sense for the newest models, if you want an OEM key under warranty, or when an immobilizer problem needs diagnosis. Lincoln shares nearly all key hardware with Ford, so the Ford key fob replacement guide is a useful companion. If your fob works intermittently, start with Ford key fob not working, which applies to most Lincolns.

How to Save on a Lincoln Key

• Replace the battery first, and use the backup start spot in an emergency.
• If you have two working keys, buy a matching fob and use the onboard procedure.
• Replace only the case if the electronics work. See key fob shell replacement.
• Set up Phone As A Key on supported models as a backup.

Lincoln Key Replacement Checklist

• Identify the key type: PATS transponder or Intelligent Access smart key.
• Note the FCC ID and part number.
• Count your working keys; two opens the DIY route on many models.
• Have the VIN, registration, and ID ready.
• Ask for lost keys to be erased.

Frequently Asked Questions