Ford Escort Red Key - what is it for???

[Otrere]

I've just bought a 1998 S Reg Ford Escort Finesse. It has come with 2 black keys and 1 red key.

Can someone please explain exactly what the red key is for, when I would need to use it, and how I would use it?

Thanks.

[twazerk]

All the keys will work on your car but, you can only electronicaly clone the red key, so if you need a spare key your supposed to use the red one, although most good key cutters now have a device that will clone a key from the black ones.

Hope this helps

[BillyBB]

If you loose the red key and want a brand new one, it will cost lots more than a black key.

[Hymie]

The red key is used to program additional keys for the car. The handbook will explain in detail how this is done.

Most (if not all) key-cutters will not cut a blank from the standard back keys to your car, they will only accept the red key.

Once you have the new black key cut, there is a sequence of inserting the red key in the ignition and turning to various positions � and then doing the same with the new black key you want to program.

If you only need two keys for your car � just keep the red one safe, for when you loose one and need another one cut.

[chas2008]

the red key is they master key, carries the code for recoding new keys, although you can only do that so many times..its amazing on an S reg vehicle you got the red key so many get used or lost

[Otrere]

OK - thanks folks!! Yes amazing that I still got the red key. And even more amazing that it's only done 40K miles!

[SAMMSAMM]

I think it is for unlocking your ford car!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCEQtN7h5eQ