🔑 The Legendary Ford Square Remote (1998–2010): Full Guide, Compatible Models, and DIY Programming

Between 1998 and 2010, Ford produced one of the most durable and iconic remotes in the automotive industry — the square key fob, often called the Ford Keyless Entry Remote.

This compact controller became famous because it could be programmed manually, without any special scanner or diagnostic equipment.

Even today, the original square remote remains one of the easiest Ford key fobs to reprogram — and it’s still widely available in OEM and aftermarket versions.

🧩 Technical Specifications

• Design: Square or slightly rectangular with soft rubber buttons

• Buttons: 3 or 4 (Lock, Unlock, Trunk, Panic)

• Frequency: 315 MHz (most US and Puerto Rico models) or 433 MHz (exports)

• FCC IDs:

  
  

  • CWTWB1U212

  • CWTWB1U331

  • CWTWB1U345

• 
  

• Battery: CR2032 lithium coin cell

• Programming: Manual — no scanner required

• Maximum remotes: Up to 4 per vehicle

Ford’s Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system was also used by Lincoln and Mercury, making this remote one of the most versatile of its era.

🚘 Ford Models Using the Square Remote

Below is the full list of vehicles compatible with the square remote control used between 1998 and 2010.

🔹 Ford

• F-150 (1998–2010)

• F-250 / F-350 Super Duty (1999–2007)

• Explorer (1998–2010)

• Expedition (1998–2010)

• Mustang (1999–2009)

• Taurus (1999–2007)

• Escape (2001–2007)

• Ranger (1998–2009)

• Focus (2000–2010)

• Five Hundred (2005–2007)

• Freestar (2004–2007)

• Freestyle (2005–2007)

• Fusion (2006–2009)

• Edge (2007–2010)

• Explorer Sport Trac (2001–2009)

• Windstar (1998–2003)

• Crown Victoria (1998–2011)

🔹 Lincoln

• Navigator (1998–2006)

• LS (2000–2006)

• Town Car (1998–2009)

• Aviator (2003–2005)

• Zephyr (2006)

🔹 Mercury

• Mountaineer (1998–2010)

• Sable (1999–2005)

• Grand Marquis (1998–2009)

• Mariner (2005–2007)

• Milan (2006–2009)

🔧 How to Program the Ford Square Remote (DIY Method)

This classic Ford procedure works for most vehicles from 1998 through 2010.

🔹 Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sit inside the vehicle and close all doors.

2. Insert the ignition key.

3. Turn the key from OFF to RUN (without starting the engine) 8 times within 10 seconds.

4. On the 8th cycle, the power locks will automatically lock and unlock — indicating programming mode.

5. Press any button on the new remote.

   
   

   The locks will cycle again to confirm programming.

6. Repeat for each additional remote (up to four).

7. Turn the ignition OFF to exit programming mode.

✅ If the locks don’t respond, check that all doors are properly closed and that the remote battery is fresh.

⚙️ Common Programming Issues

1. Doors not fully closed: prevents entering programming mode.

2. Weak or dead remote battery: LED may light, but no signal is sent.

3. Wrong frequency or FCC ID: use only matching models.

4. Replaced or faulty RKE module: professional diagnostic required.

🧠 Pro Tips from a Locksmith Expert

• Always match the FCC ID and frequency exactly.

• Replace the CR2032 battery once a year.

• Avoid buying damaged used remotes — internal circuits may be locked.

• If your vehicle lost all remotes, professional reprogramming may be required to reset the RKE memory.

• After programming, your factory alarm automatically synchronizes with the new remote.

📍 Professional Ford Key Services in Puerto Rico

At Locksmith 24 Hours / Locksmith, LLC, we specialize in Ford key and remote services island-wide:

• Keyless remote programming

• RKE and PATS module diagnostics

• Key duplication and chip programming

• Lost-key reprogramming and recovery

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Ford Square Remotes

1. How do I know if my Ford uses this remote?

If your vehicle was built between 1998 and 2010 and has factory power locks, it most likely uses a square remote with FCC CWTWB1U212, 331, or 345.

2. Can I program it myself?

Yes. The manual 8-cycle ignition procedure works for most models up to 2010.

3. How many remotes can I program?

Up to four per vehicle. All must be programmed during the same session.

4. Can I reuse a remote from another Ford?

Yes, if it shares the same FCC ID and frequency. Simply reprogram it following the steps above.

5. What if programming mode doesn’t start?

Check door latches, fuses, and the remote’s battery. If it still fails, professional tools like IDS or Forscan are required.

🏁 Conclusion: The Legacy of the Ford Square Remote

The classic Ford square remote represents an era of smart, reliable design — when drivers could program their own remotes without expensive diagnostic tools.

Its strength, simplicity, and wide compatibility made it one of Ford’s most successful systems from 1998 through 2010.

Even in today’s world of smart keys and push-start systems, this remote remains popular among classic Ford owners who value reliability and simplicity.

At Locksmith 24 Hours / Locksmith, LLC, we specialize in Ford key systems of all generations — from the vintage square remote to the latest proximity smart keys — always ensuring factory-level programming and security.

📞 Call (787) 664-5557 and let our certified locksmiths bring your Ford remote back to life — quickly, safely, and professionally.