Open 24/7 · Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County

(323) 997-8867
Crenshaw Lock

Ford Explorer · car keys & fobs

Ford Explorer Car Key Replacement

Crenshaw Lock Company provides mobile Ford Explorer key replacement and spare key service, including all-keys-lost situations, 24/7 across Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County. We come to your vehicle and confirm the correct key by VIN before cutting. Call (323) 997-8867.

  • Mobile — we come to your vehicle
  • Keys, fobs & transponders programmed on site
  • Available 24/7
Call (323) 997-8867or tap to call — we answer 24/7
Smart key fob and transponder car key on a car seat at night
Open now(323) 997-8867

Whether you have lost your only Ford Explorer key or just want a spare before that happens, we can help. Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County since 1987, and we are fully mobile: we come to wherever the Explorer is parked, so there is no shop visit and no tow just to get a key made.

The Explorer has been sold across model years 2007 to 2024, and the key system changed during that span. The exact key, chip and programming depend on your trim and VIN, so we confirm the correct key by VIN before cutting anything. That keeps you from paying for a key that will not work with your vehicle.

We handle both situations: adding a spare when you still have a working key, and all keys lost, where no original is available. Both are done at your vehicle, any hour of the day or night.

Ford Explorer key systems by year

Earlier years: PATS transponder key; integrated remote-head/flip on many trims

These Explorers use a PATS transponder key, meaning the key contains a security chip the vehicle must recognize before it will start. Many trims use a remote-head or flip-style key with the lock and unlock buttons built into the key. Replacement generally involves cutting a blade to match the locks and programming the key to the vehicle, and the remote functions may be handled as part of that. The exact key type and programming depend on trim and VIN, and we confirm the correct key by VIN before cutting. This applies whether you need a spare or have lost all keys.

Recent years: Intelligent Access proximity fob with push-button start on most trims

Most trims in these years use an Intelligent Access proximity fob. The vehicle senses the fob nearby, so you can unlock and start with the push-button without inserting a key. Fobs typically contain an emergency blade for backup entry. Replacement generally involves supplying a compatible fob and programming it to the vehicle, including when all fobs are lost. The right fob and procedure depend on trim and VIN, so we confirm the correct key by VIN before ordering or cutting anything.

Exact key, chip and programming vary by trim and VIN — we confirm the right key for your car before cutting.

How we replace your key

  1. 1

    Call and describe the situation

    Call (323) 997-8867 and tell us the model year, trim, and whether you need a spare or have lost all keys. We are available 24/7.

  2. 2

    We come to your Explorer

    Our technician travels to the vehicle's location in Greater Los Angeles or Ventura County. There is no shop, so everything happens on site.

  3. 3

    Verify ownership and VIN

    We check your photo ID and proof of ownership, and read the VIN to confirm the correct key for your trim.

  4. 4

    Cut and program the key

    We cut the blade if your key uses one and program the key or fob to your Explorer. If all keys are lost, this is done without an original.

  5. 5

    Test everything

    We test locking, unlocking, remote functions and starting before we finish, so you know the new key works properly.

What to have ready

  • Proof of ownership, such as registration or title
  • Valid photo ID matching the ownership documents
  • The vehicle's VIN (visible at the base of the windshield or on the door jamb sticker)
  • Any existing keys or fobs, even if damaged or unreliable

What affects the price

  • Whether you need a spare key or all keys are lost
  • Key type for your model year and trim, such as transponder flip key versus proximity fob
  • Number of keys or fobs needed
  • Whether the vehicle is accessible or needs entry help first
  • Time of day and location of the vehicle

Need a Ford Explorer key?

Call (323) 997-8867 — we come to your vehicle 24/7.

Call (323) 997-8867

Find your year

Ford Explorer keys — FAQs

What if I lost all my Ford Explorer keys?
We can make a new key without an original. We come to the vehicle, verify ownership, confirm the correct key by VIN, then cut and program it. Call (323) 997-8867 any time.
Can you make a spare key if I still have one?
Yes. Having a working key makes the process simpler, and a spare is usually easier to arrange before you are stranded. We still confirm the correct key by VIN first.
I have no original key. Is that a problem?
No. We regularly handle all-keys-lost situations. You will need to show proof of ownership and photo ID, and we use the VIN to identify the right key.
What is the difference between a push-button fob and a bladed key?
Earlier Explorers typically use a PATS transponder key, often with remote buttons built in. Recent ones on most trims use a proximity fob with push-button start. Your trim and VIN determine which applies.
What do you need to get started?
Your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership. We also need the model year and trim so we can plan for the correct key.
Do I need to tow my Explorer to you?
No. We are fully mobile and come to your vehicle, so there is no shop and no tow needed for key replacement.
How long does it take?
It depends on the key type, your trim, and whether you have an original key. Once we verify the VIN and ownership, we work on site until the key is cut, programmed and tested.
DS

Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician

Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-12.

Call (323) 997-8867 · Open 24/7