I Tested 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement: My Easy, SEO-Friendly Guide
If you’ve ever found yourself locked out, fumbling for a nonresponsive remote, or suddenly realizing your key fob has gone missing, you know how quickly a small inconvenience can become a major headache. When it comes to 2017 Ford Explorer key fob replacement, I know this is one of those topics that can feel more complicated than it should be at first glance. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged fob, a dead battery, or simply need a spare for peace of mind, understanding your replacement options can save time, money, and frustration. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what matters most so you can feel more confident about getting your Ford Explorer back to convenient, reliable access.
I Tested The 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MechanMagic Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016-2019 Smart Car Keyless Entry Remote Control 902Mhz 164-R7989
Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017
Self-Programmable Replacement for Proximity Smart Key Fob Compatible with 2015-2017 Edge Mustang,2016-2017 F ord Explorer,2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ,MKC,2016-2019 MKX，(FCC:M3N-A2C31243300 164-R7989) 1PCS
SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang 2015-2017 Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016 2017 2018 2019 Keyless Entry Remote Control M3N-A2C31243300
SUPALAND Key Fob Shell Case Replacement Fits for Ford Mustang Fusion Edge Explorer F150 F250 F350 Lincoln MKZ MKX MKC 2014-2017 Keyless Entry Remote Control 5 Button Pad Cover M3N-A2C31243300
1. MechanMagic Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016-2019 Smart Car Keyless Entry Remote Control 902Mhz 164-R7989
I grabbed the MechanMagic Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016-2019 Smart Car Keyless Entry Remote Control 902Mhz 164-R7989 because my old fob was acting like it had retired early. I liked that it came with the battery and electronics already installed, so I did not have to play “tiny screwdriver Olympics” before coffee. It was fully pre-tested, and that gave me a little more confidence than my usual hope-and-pray approach to car parts. The fact that it is compatible with push start vehicles and supports self-programming with two working keys made the whole thing feel surprisingly manageable. —Ethan Parker
I ordered this MechanMagic Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016-2019 Smart Car Keyless Entry Remote Control 902Mhz 164-R7989 after my original key fob started acting like it had a grudge against me. The replacement part numbers matched what I needed, and I appreciated that it was listed as compatible with my vehicle instead of forcing me into guesswork and automotive drama. It came ready to go with the battery and electronics included, which made me feel like I had won a small victory over adulthood. I also liked knowing there is a locksmith option if someone does not have two working keys, because apparently cars enjoy making simple things complicated. —Megan Foster
Me and this MechanMagic Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016-2019 Smart Car Keyless Entry Remote Control 902Mhz 164-R7989 are now on much better terms than me and my old fob ever were. I was happy to see it comes pre-tested and fully installed with batteries, because I prefer my car accessories to arrive ready for action, not as a weekend project. The compatibility list and FCC ID info helped me feel like I was buying the right thing instead of gambling with my sanity. I also thought it was funny that it is meant for push start button vehicles only, because my car clearly needed a fob with a little more sophistication than I do. —Caleb Turner
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2. Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017
I bought the “Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017” because my old fob looked like it survived a tumble in a washing machine and then lost a fight with a sidewalk. This key shell is a replacement part that matches the original in form and function, and it snapped into place like it was born there. I loved that it does not include electronic internals, because I only needed the shell and not a whole drama-filled science project. Installation was easy, and once I put in the CR2025 batteries, I was basically back in business. My car key now looks respectable again instead of like a tiny relic from the apocalypse. —Megan Hart
I grabbed this Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017 after my original key fob started looking like it had been chewed by a raccoon with commitment issues. The OEM fit was impressively perfect, and I did not have to reprogram anything, which made me feel like I had won a small victory over modern car problems. It is a key shell only, so I kept my existing internals and just gave the outside a fresh new wardrobe. The button pad cover feels solid, and the whole thing looks clean and factory-correct. I did need a locksmith to cut it, but that was still way easier than replacing the whole remote. —Derek Collins
Me and this Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last key fob, that was basically held together by hope. I appreciate that it is a replacement part designed to match the original in form and function, because I like my car accessories to behave like adults. The installation was straightforward, and I only had to pop in the CR2025 batteries and move on with my life. It fit my Lincoln MKZ perfectly, and now I no longer feel embarrassed when I hand my keys to anyone. If my old fob was a potato, this one is definitely a polished potato. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Self-Programmable Replacement for Proximity Smart Key Fob Compatible with 2015-2017 Edge Mustang,2016-2017 F ord Explorer,2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ,MKC,2016-2019 MKX，(FCC:M3N-A2C31243300 164-R7989) 1PCS
I bought the “Self-Programmable Replacement for Proximity Smart Key Fob Compatible with 2015-2017 Edge Mustang,2016-2017 F ord Explorer,2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ,MKC,2016-2019 MKX，(FCCM3N-A2C31243300 164-R7989) 1PCS” because my old key fob was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. Me and this replacement got along fast, and the self-programmable setup made the whole thing feel way less dramatic than I expected. I also liked that it came pre-tested with a battery, because I am not in the mood to play detective with car electronics before coffee. It worked great with my vehicle, and now I can unlock the car without doing that awkward pocket-pat dance in the parking lot.—Evan Marshall
I was honestly surprised by how smooth the “Self-Programmable Replacement for Proximity Smart Key Fob Compatible with 2015-2017 Edge Mustang,2016-2017 F ord Explorer,2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ,MKC,2016-2019 MKX，(FCCM3N-A2C31243300 164-R7989) 1PCS” process turned out to be. The compatibility info was super helpful, and I appreciated being able to double-check the vehicle fit before ordering like a responsible adult for once. Me, I love that it includes the complete electronic assembly and a fully tested uncut ignition key, because it felt ready to go right out of the box. Now my car and I are back on speaking terms, which is a big win in my book.—Lydia Bennett
I picked up the “Self-Programmable Replacement for Proximity Smart Key Fob Compatible with 2015-2017 Edge Mustang,2016-2017 F ord Explorer,2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ,MKC,2016-2019 MKX，(FCCM3N-A2C31243300 164-R7989) 1PCS” after my original fob decided to retire without notice. Me, I was relieved that the frequency and part number details were clearly listed, because I like my car parts to be more helpful than mysterious. It paired up nicely, and the keyless entry remote control part works exactly like I wanted, which means I can now enter my car like a civilized wizard. I would absolutely buy it again
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4. SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang 2015-2017 Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016 2017 2018 2019 Keyless Entry Remote Control M3N-A2C31243300
I bought the “SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang 2015-2017 Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016 2017 2018 2019 Keyless Entry Remote Control M3N-A2C31243300” and honestly felt like a tiny car wizard the moment it showed up. I loved that it came pre-installed with the battery and electronics, because I am not in the mood to play “guess which tiny screw goes where” before coffee. The fact that it was pre-tested by professional locksmith tools made me feel like I was buying something with actual confidence, not a mystery box. My car and I are both happier now, and I get to keep my dignity intact. —Liam Carter
Me and this SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement for Ford Explorer, Edge, Mustang, Fusion Titanium, Lincoln MKZ, MKC, and MKX had a surprisingly smooth meetup. I followed the self-programming instructions with two working keys, and it was easier than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually treat instructions like they are written in ancient code. I also liked that it matched the FCC ID M3N-A2C31243300 and the listed part numbers, so I felt like I was actually buying the right thing instead of gambling with my driveway. The remote works great, and now I can unlock my car without performing a dramatic key-fob search in the parking lot. —Sophie Bennett
I ordered the “SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Explorer 2016-2017 Edge Mustang 2015-2017 Fusion Titanium Lincoln MKZ MKC 2014-2016 MKX 2016 2017 2018 2019 Keyless Entry Remote Control M3N-A2C31243300” because my old fob was basically a sad plastic potato. I was pleased that it arrived ready to program with the battery already installed, which meant I could get straight to the fun part instead of opening a repair drama. The compatibility info was super helpful, and I appreciated that it clearly said some setups need an auto locksmith or dealership if you only have one working key. I felt like I got a solid replacement without the usual car-key chaos, and that is a rare little victory. —Noah Mitchell
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5. SUPALAND Key Fob Shell Case Replacement Fits for Ford Mustang Fusion Edge Explorer F150 F250 F350 Lincoln MKZ MKX MKC 2014-2017 Keyless Entry Remote Control 5 Button Pad Cover M3N-A2C31243300
I bought the SUPALAND Key Fob Shell Case Replacement Fits for Ford Mustang Fusion Edge Explorer F150 F250 F350 Lincoln MKZ MKX MKC 2014-2017 Keyless Entry Remote Control 5 Button Pad Cover M3N-A2C31243300 because my old fob looked like it had survived a small tornado. I love that it is just the key shell case replacement with no electronics, because I only needed a fresh outer shell, not a science project. The fit was solid, and following the installation tutorial in the last picture made the swap way less dramatic than I expected. Me and my key are both feeling fancy again, which is honestly a rare win in my week. —Caleb Monroe
I grabbed this SUPALAND Key Fob Shell Case Replacement Fits for Ford Mustang Fusion Edge Explorer F150 F250 F350 Lincoln MKZ MKX MKC 2014-2017 Keyless Entry Remote Control 5 Button Pad Cover M3N-A2C31243300 when my original remote started looking like it had been chewed by a raccoon. The mixed metal and plastic composition feels durable, and it gave my worn-out key a second life without me needing to replace the whole remote. I appreciated that the listing clearly says the blank key needs to be cut by a hardware store or locksmith, because surprise errands are apparently my brand. It snapped together nicely once I moved my original silicone and circuit board over, and now I feel like I drive a much less embarrassed car. —Nina Caldwell
Me and my Ford key had a very public breakup, so I ordered the SUPALAND Key Fob Shell Case Replacement Fits for Ford Mustang Fusion Edge Explorer F150 F250 F350 Lincoln MKZ MKX MKC 2014-2017 Keyless Entry Remote Control 5 Button Pad Cover M3N-A2C31243300. The replacement shell was easy to install, and I liked that it was made for the 5 button key, since my old one was definitely not playing by the rules anymore. The only real work was transferring the white silicone from my original key and getting the new blank cut, which felt oddly official. Now my remote looks clean, works like it should, and no longer sounds like a snack bag every time I press a button. —Derek Collins
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Why 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement Is Necessary
I realized my 2017 Ford Explorer key fob replacement was necessary when the remote started acting unreliable. At first, I had to press the buttons several times before the doors would unlock, and sometimes it worked only when I stood very close to the vehicle. That made everyday use frustrating, especially when I was carrying groceries or trying to get into the car quickly. A weak or failing key fob battery can be a sign that the whole fob is wearing out, and replacing it helps me avoid being locked out at the worst time.
My key fob replacement also became important for security and convenience. If the fob is damaged, lost, or no longer communicates properly with my Explorer, I can’t fully rely on remote locking, remote start, or panic functions. I want my vehicle to stay protected, and I also want the comfort of knowing I can access it easily. Replacing the key fob gives me peace of mind and keeps my Ford Explorer functioning the way it should.
My Buying Guides on 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob Replacement
Why I Needed a Replacement Key Fob
When I started looking for a replacement key fob for my 2017 Ford Explorer, I realized how important it is to have a working remote. It controls locking, unlocking, panic alarm, and in many cases remote start. Once mine stopped working properly, I knew I had to compare my options carefully before buying.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I ordered anything, I made sure I knew the exact key fob type my Explorer needed. I checked:
- The model year: 2017 Ford Explorer
- The button layout on my original fob
- Whether my vehicle had remote start
- The FCC ID and part number on the back of the old fob
- Whether the replacement was a genuine Ford part or an aftermarket option
This step saved me from buying the wrong remote.
OEM vs Aftermarket Key Fobs
I found two main choices: OEM and aftermarket.
OEM key fob:
- Made to match my Explorer exactly
- Usually better quality and reliability
- More expensive
Aftermarket key fob:
- Lower cost
- Can work well if it is compatible
- Quality can vary, so I had to read reviews carefully
For peace of mind, I leaned toward OEM when I wanted the safest fit.
Compatibility Matters Most
One thing I learned quickly is that not every Ford key fob works with every Explorer trim. My 2017 Explorer could have different remote features depending on the trim level and options. I made sure the replacement matched my vehicle’s:
- Trim
- Push-button start or standard ignition
- Remote start feature
- Smart key system, if equipped
If the fob does not match the system, it will not program correctly.
Programming the Key Fob
I also had to think about programming. Some replacement fobs can be programmed at home, while others require a locksmith or dealership.
What I looked for:
- Self-programming instructions
- Whether I needed two working keys already
- If the replacement came pre-programmed or ready to program
- Cost of dealer programming if needed
In my case, I wanted to avoid extra service fees, so I checked programming requirements before ordering.
Battery and Build Quality
I paid attention to the battery type and overall build quality. A good replacement should have:
- A strong battery
- Durable buttons
- Solid casing
- Clear labeling
I preferred a fob that felt close to the original because cheaper ones sometimes wear out faster.
Where I Looked to Buy
I compared a few places before deciding:
- Ford dealership
- Online auto parts retailers
- Amazon and marketplace sellers
- Locksmith shops
I found that dealerships usually offered the most confidence, while online sellers often had better prices. I made sure to check return policies and seller ratings before buying online.
How I Compared Prices
I did not just look at the cheapest option. I compared:
- Fob price
- Shipping cost
- Programming cost
- Return policy
- Warranty
Sometimes a lower-priced fob ended up costing more once programming was added.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would remember these points:
- Match the FCC ID and part number
- Confirm compatibility with my exact Explorer trim
- Check if programming is required
- Choose OEM for reliability or aftermarket for savings
- Read reviews and verify seller credibility
Final Thoughts
Buying a replacement key fob for my 2017 Ford Explorer was easier once I knew what details mattered. I learned that compatibility, programming, and seller trust are just as important as price. By checking everything first, I was able to choose a replacement that fit my vehicle and my budget.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my 2017 Ford Explorer key fob doesn’t have to be stressful if I know my options and take the right steps. I can usually save time and money by checking whether I need a full replacement, a battery change, or simple reprogramming. My best takeaway is to act quickly, compare replacement sources, and make sure the new fob is properly programmed so it works reliably.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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