Having trouble with your 1996 Lincoln Town Car keyless entry remote? Don’t worry, programming or reprogramming your key fob is a straightforward process you can do yourself. This guide provides comprehensive 1996 Lincoln Town Car Keyless Entry Remote Fob Programming Instructions, ensuring you regain convenient access to your vehicle without a costly trip to the dealership.
Before you begin, you’ll need to locate your vehicle’s permanent 5-digit entry code. This code is crucial for initiating the programming sequence. Typically, you can find this code in one of three locations:
- Owner’s Manual Package: Check for a credit card-sized card within your owner’s manual packet. This card should have your 5-digit code printed on it.
- Trunk Label: Inspect the inside of your trunk, usually on the right-side lift support arm. A computer-printed label might be affixed there, displaying the code.
- Keyless Entry Control Module: Located inside the driver’s side door, the control module (part number F6AB-13C791-AA) itself may have the code on it. This is the least accessible option.
Once you have located your 5-digit permanent code, follow these simple steps to program your 1996 Lincoln Town Car keyless entry remote fob:
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Enter the Permanent Code: Go to the driver’s side door and locate the keyless entry keypad. Carefully and accurately press the 5 digits of your permanent code on the keypad.
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Initiate Programming Mode: After entering the code, press the “1-2” button on the keypad.
Upon pressing “1-2”, the door locks should cycle – locking and then unlocking. This lock cycling indicates that your Lincoln Town Car has successfully entered the key fob programming mode and is ready to learn the signal from your remote transmitter.
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Program the First Remote Fob: Within 7 seconds of the door locks cycling, take your first remote key fob and press any button on it.
If the programming is successful, you will see the door locks cycle again (lock/unlock). This confirms that the car has recognized and stored the signal from your key fob. If the locks do not cycle, ensure you have fresh batteries in your remote (CR1616 type, installed with the ‘+’ side facing down) and repeat this step.
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Program Additional Remote Fobs (Optional): If you have another remote fob to program, you can do so immediately. Within 7 seconds of the last lock cycle, press any button on the second remote transmitter. The door locks will cycle again to confirm successful programming. You can repeat this step for up to a total of 4 remote fobs per vehicle.
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Exit Programming Mode: To finalize the programming process and exit the programming mode, you can either simultaneously press the “7-8” and “9-0” buttons on the door keypad, or simply wait for more than 7 seconds. The system will automatically time out and exit programming mode.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Battery Issues: The most common reason for programming failure is weak or improperly installed batteries in the remote fob. Ensure you are using CR1616 batteries and that they are installed correctly with the positive (+) side down against the plastic.
- Timing: The 7-second window between steps is crucial. If you exceed this time, the system will exit programming mode, and you’ll need to start over from step 1.
- Incorrect Code: Double-check that you are entering the correct 5-digit permanent code. If you are unsure of the code or cannot locate it, contacting a Lincoln dealership might be necessary to retrieve it.
- Keyless Entry Module Malfunction: In rare cases, if you are still unable to program your remote after following these instructions and ensuring good batteries, there might be an issue with the keyless entry control module itself. While the original forum post mentioned module replacement, this is usually a last resort. Diagnostic tools can help determine if the module is functioning correctly.
By following these 1996 Lincoln Town Car keyless entry remote fob programming instructions, you should be able to quickly and easily program your remote fobs and regain the convenience of keyless entry. This DIY approach saves you time and money compared to dealership programming services.
