What frequency is Ford keyless entry?

Ford keyless-entry remotes primarily use RF frequencies that vary by region: 315 MHz in North America and 433.92 MHz in Europe.

This article explains which frequencies typically apply where, how to verify the correct band for your vehicle, and what to consider when replacing or programming a remote key fob. It also clarifies how these frequencies relate to the car’s immobilizer system and newer smartphone keys.

Regional frequencies

Ford designs its keyless-entry systems to comply with local radio regulations. The most common bands are 315 MHz for North America and 433.92 MHz for Europe; some model-year variations exist, so check your vehicle specifics.

• North America: 315 MHz remote frequency


• Europe and many other regions: 433.92 MHz remote frequency


• Occasional exceptions: a few markets or body styles may use a different band; confirm via VIN/part numbers

In practice, you will typically find your key fob labeled with a frequency on the back, or you can verify via the owner's manual or dealer records. Using a replacement remote not matched to your frequency can result in non-operation or failed programming.

Understanding the difference: remote vs immobilizer

Important to distinguish two systems: the remote keyless entry (RKE) frequency used to lock/unlock and start features via the fob, and the immobilizer transponder in the key that communicates using a different standard, typically around 125 kHz, to prevent theft. The two systems serve different purposes but are both essential for key operation.

Smart keys and digital keys

Ford's modern approach includes digital and smartphone keys in some markets. These use Bluetooth (and, in some implementations, NFC) to unlock and start the vehicle, and are separate from the traditional 315/433.92 MHz key fob radio. If you rely on a smartphone digital key, frequency considerations for the physical fob do not apply to the digital key function.

How to verify the correct frequency for your car

To ensure you have the right replacement or to pair a new fob, confirm the frequency that matches your specific vehicle by using one of these sources.

• Check the owner's manual or the key fob for a frequency label (if present).


• Look up the vehicle’s VIN with a Ford dealer or official service portal to pull the original part number and radio frequency for your market.


• Ask a Ford dealership or authorized locksmith about the correct frequency and programming requirements for your model year and region.

Having the right frequency is essential for successful programming and operation of a replacement fob. An incorrect frequency may require program reflash or a new fob that matches your vehicle's system.

Summary

Ford keyless-entry frequencies are region-dependent: 315 MHz in North America and 433.92 MHz in Europe, with occasional regional variations. The immobilizer in the key uses a separate 125 kHz transponder, and newer digital keys rely on Bluetooth/NFC rather than the traditional remote frequency. Always verify the exact frequency for your vehicle through the owner's manual, VIN-based dealer records, or a qualified locksmith to ensure proper replacement and programming.

How do I tell what frequency my key fob is?

You can find a key fob's frequency by checking for a sticker on the fob, using a dedicated RF frequency tester, or using an SDR (Software-Defined Radio) with spectrum analysis software. Another method involves measuring the antenna's physical length, though this provides a less precise estimate. 
1. Look for a sticker on the fob 

• Open the key fob by separating the case, which may require removing a small screw or prying the halves apart. 
• Look for a sticker inside with the frequency listed, typically in MHz (e.g., 433433433 MHz or 315315315 MHz). 

This video shows how to open a key fob to find a sticker: 54sSecurity in mindYouTube · Apr 10, 2024
2. Use an RF frequency tester 

• Purchase a remote key fob frequency tester, which can be found on sites like Amazon or through auto parts stores.
• Place the key fob near the tester and press a button.
• The tester's display will show the frequency in MHz. 

You can watch this video to see how a key fob frequency tester works: 59sAnthonyJ350YouTube · Jan 23, 2018
3. Use a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) 

• Connect an SDR dongle to your computer.
• Install and run SDR software like GQRX or SDR#.
• Press a button on the key fob while the software is monitoring the radio spectrum.
• Look for a brief spike or jump in the signal to find the frequency. You may need to manually scan up or down by a few megahertz to find the signal. 

This video demonstrates how to use SDR to find a key fob's frequency: 56sNoisy HackerYouTube · Apr 18, 2021
4. Measure the antenna (Less precise) 

• Disassemble the fob to expose the antenna, which is often a thin, flexible wire or a printed circuit on the inside. 
• Measure the total length of the antenna wire or trace, accounting for any bends or curves. 
• Use online calculators and formulas that relate antenna length to frequency (typically for a quarter-wave or half-wave antenna) to get an approximate frequency. 

What frequency does keyless entry use?

315 MHz
When a button is pushed, it sends a coded signal by radio waves to a receiver unit in the car, which locks or unlocks the door. Most RKEs operate at a frequency of 315 MHz for North America-made cars and at 433.92 MHz for European, Japanese and Asian cars.

Are key fobs RFID or NFC?

Key fobs can be either RFID or NFC, as both technologies are used for wireless access. RFID is the older and more general technology, while NFC is a newer subset of RFID that operates at a higher frequency and with more security features, including short-range, two-way communication. Many older key fobs are RFID, but newer ones, particularly those that can interact with smartphones, are often NFC-enabled.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the advantages of RFID key fobs: 53sRFIDCardYouTube · Jan 14, 2025
RFID

• Older technology: RFID is a more established technology for access control. 
• Range: Traditional RFID systems can have a longer read range. 
• Prevalence: Many existing commercial and apartment access systems still use RFID. 

NFC

• Subset of RFID: NFC is a more advanced version of RFID technology. 
• Security: NFC offers enhanced security features, such as bidirectional communication. 
• Range: It is designed to work at a very close distance (typically less than 4 cm) to ensure intentional use. 
• Modern use: It is increasingly used in newer systems, especially for interactions with smartphones. 

What frequency does the Ford key fob use?

Ford key fob frequencies vary by region, with North America primarily using 315 MHz and Europe using 433.92 MHz or 868 MHz. Newer models or specific vehicles, such as some 2024 Ford Lightning trucks, may use different frequencies, sometimes up to 434 MHz. To find your specific fob's frequency, you can check the FCC ID sticker on the fob itself.
 
Common frequencies by region

• North America and Japan: 315 MHz
• Europe: 433.92 MHz or 868 MHz 

This video demonstrates how to find the frequency of your key fob: 54sHakemonYouTube · Aug 4, 2017
How to determine your key fob's frequency

• Check the fob: Look for the FCC ID on a sticker on the key fob. You can use this ID to look up the exact specifications on the FCC website. 
• Consult vehicle documentation: Your vehicle's owner's manual should have information about the key fob system, including the frequency. 
• Contact a locksmith or dealer: An automotive locksmith or Ford dealership can confirm the correct frequency for your specific vehicle model and year. 
• Use an SDR device: If you have a Software Defined Radio (SDR), you can use it to scan for the frequency by pressing the buttons on your fob.