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Ford Escort Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 1998–2003 6 model years

Programming steps, the battery it takes, and the exact replacement fob for every Ford Escort model year we cover (1998–2003). Find your year in the table, then jump to the details for that generation.

Shop Ford Escort key fobs on Amazon Match the FCC ID for your year (table below) before you buy.

Every Ford Escort model year

Key fob programming method, fob type and battery for each Ford Escort model year
Year	Programming	Key fob	Battery
2003	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Ford Add a Key With Two Working Keys	Transponder Key, Remote Head Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon
2002	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon
2001	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon
2000	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon
1999	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon
1998	Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote Locksmith or dealer	Remote, Transponder Key · 4-button	CR2032 battery on Amazon

2003 Ford Escort

Remote / key fob programming

Programming a remote on this Ford resets every remote for the vehicle, so you reprogram them all together. There are two common methods — try Method A first, and if it doesn't work use Method B. Do not press the brake pedal at any point.

Full steps: Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote

Key programming

You can add a new key to this Ford yourself if you already have two keys that start the engine. The new key must be cut first, and it has to be a genuine key — a cloned hardware-store key won't work.

Full steps: Ford Add a Key With Two Working Keys

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

4-button Remote Head Key

FCC ID: CWTWB1U322, CWTWB1U331, CWTWB1U345, CWTWBIU322, CWTWBIU331, CWTWBIU345, GQ43VT11T, OUC6000022, OUCD6000022
OE part #: 15K601535093529138, 164-R7996, 164-R8020, 164-R8021, 164-R8073, 164-R8074 +19 more
Frequency: 315 MHz
Chip: TEXAS ID 4D 63 80 BIT

Transponder Key

7 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: BH75
OE part #: BH75

Transponder Key

Key blank: FO25
OE part #: 11196FD

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01640002
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: H76-P
OE part #: H76-P, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: FORDH76
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: FO-15DE
OE part #: JMA-H75

Transponder Key

Key blank: H92PT
OE part #: 5944375, 5944486, H92-PT, H92PT
Chip: 4D-63 80-BIT

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1999–2002 Ford Escort

Remote / key fob programming

Programming a remote on this Ford resets every remote for the vehicle, so you reprogram them all together. There are two common methods — try Method A first, and if it doesn't work use Method B. Do not press the brake pedal at any point.

Full steps: Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

4-button Remote

FCC ID: CWTWB1U322, CWTWB1U331, CWTWB1U345, CWTWBIU322, CWTWBIU331, CWTWBIU345, GQ43VT11T, OUC6000022, OUCD6000022
OE part #: 15K601535093529138, 2S4T-15K601-AA, 2S4T-15K601-AB, 2S4Z-15K601-AB, 5925872, 8S4Z-15K601-A +3 more
Frequency: 315 MHz
Chip: 4D63 80-BIT

Transponder Key

3 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01640002
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: H76-P
OE part #: H76-P, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: FORDH76
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

1998 Ford Escort

Remote / key fob programming

Programming a remote on this Ford resets every remote for the vehicle, so you reprogram them all together. There are two common methods — try Method A first, and if it doesn't work use Method B. Do not press the brake pedal at any point.

Full steps: Ford Remote Programming: Reset and Relearn Every Remote

Key programming

This key fob can't be programmed with a do-it-yourself procedure. The vehicle needs a diagnostic tool connected to its OBD port to pair a new fob, so a replacement has to be set up by an automotive locksmith or a dealer.

Order the correct replacement fob below — match the FCC ID on your current fob first — then have a local automotive locksmith or the dealer program it to your vehicle.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote

2 versions

A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.

4-button Remote

FCC ID: CWTWB1U322, CWTWB1U331, CWTWB1U345, CWTWBIU322, CWTWBIU331, CWTWBIU345, GQ43VT11T, OUC6000022, OUCD6000022
OE part #: 15K601535093529138, 2S4T-15K601-AA, 2S4T-15K601-AB, 2S4Z-15K601-AB, 5925872, 8S4Z-15K601-A +3 more
Frequency: 315 MHz
Chip: 4D63 80-BIT

4-button Remote

FCC ID: GQ43VT4T
OE part #: F5DZ-15K601-B
Frequency: 315 MHz

Transponder Key

3 versions

A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.

Transponder Key

Key blank: AF01640002
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: H76-P
OE part #: H76-P, X244

Transponder Key

Key blank: FORDH76
OE part #: 322351, FO32R, X244

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

Ford Escort key fob battery

Your Ford Escort key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Buy Energizer CR2032 Lithium Coin Batteries (4-pack) on Amazon

How to replace the battery

1 Find the seam or small slot on the edge of the remote.
2 Twist a coin or small flathead in the slot to split the case open.
3 Remove the old coin cell and note the + side.
4 Fit the new battery with the + side matching, then close the case.
5 Press a button to confirm the LED lights, then test at the car.

Battery tips

Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
Try not to touch both faces of the new battery; skin oils shorten its life.
If the remote still doesn't work after a new battery, it may need re-syncing or programming.

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