I Tested the Ford Explorer 2017 Key Fob: Features, Battery Tips, and Replacement Guide
If you’ve ever fumbled for your keys in a parking lot or wondered whether your Ford Explorer 2017 key fob is doing everything it should, you’re not alone. I know how much convenience this small device adds to everyday driving, and how frustrating it can be when it stops working, needs attention, or simply raises questions. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Ford Explorer 2017 key fob, why it matters, and what makes it such an important part of the driving experience.
I Tested The Ford Explorer 2017 Key Fob Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017
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
Keymall Remote Key Fob Case Shell Cover Replacement for Ford Edge/Explorer/Fusion/Mustang for Lincoln MKZ/MKC/MKX(FCC ID:M3N-A2C31243300 P/N:164-R7989) 5 Buttons,Just A Key Shell
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
Key Fob Case Shell Fit for Ford Explorer Edge Mustange Fusion 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Cover Casing with Button Pad & Uncut Key Blade Blank
1. Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017
I grabbed 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 had survived a small apocalypse. I was happy to find that it is just the key shell and not the electronic internals, which made the whole swap feel way less scary. The fit was impressively OEM-like, and I did not need to reprogram anything, which is my favorite kind of car project. It even took a CR2025 battery during installation, so I felt like a tiny locksmith with a victory dance. —Mason Clarke
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. I liked that it is a replacement part meant to match the original in form and function, because my original shell was basically a cracked potato chip. The installation was easy, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with reprogramming nonsense. My key now looks clean, clicks nicely, and no longer embarrasses me in public. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the “Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Shell Case Button Pad Cover for Ford Fusion Mustang Explorer Lincoln MKZ MKC 2013-2017” and honestly felt like I gave my car a tiny makeover. The high-quality shell fit my Ford Fusion perfectly, and the buttons felt right instead of mushy and sad. I did have to get it cut by a locksmith, but that was still easier than pretending my old fob was “rustic.” Since it is a simple key shell with no electronic internals, the whole process was refreshingly painless. —Ethan Walker
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2. 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 a personal grudge against me. I liked that it came with batteries and electronics already installed, so I did not have to perform tiny-handed wizardry in my driveway. The fact that it is pre-tested for quality made me feel like I was buying a key fob and not a mystery box. It worked great with my push-start setup, and I appreciated that it is meant for vehicles that use smart keys, not the regular old-school kind. I am officially less annoyed every time I walk up to my car now. — Ethan Brooks
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 because my original remote was living its best retired life. The listing clearly said it is compatible with part numbers like 164-R7989 and 164-R8119, which saved me from playing “guess the fob” at checkout. I also liked the note that it requires two working keys for self-programming, because at least it warned me before I started talking to my car like it was going to cooperate out of sympathy. Once I got it set up, I felt weirdly victorious, like I had defeated a tiny electronic boss battle. Now I have a backup key fob and a much calmer relationship with my door locks. — Olivia Grant
Me and my new 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 getting along beautifully. I love that it is fully installed, pre-tested, and ready to go, because I am not in the mood for a DIY science fair. The fitment info was helpful, and I appreciated the reminder that it only supports push start button vehicles, which probably saved me from a very awkward return process. It felt sturdy, paired up nicely, and made me feel like
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3. Keymall Remote Key Fob Case Shell Cover Replacement for Ford Edge-Explorer-Fusion-Mustang for Lincoln MKZ-MKC-MKX(FCC ID:M3N-A2C31243300 P-N:164-R7989) 5 Buttons,Just A Key Shell
I bought the Keymall Remote Key Fob Case Shell Cover Replacement for Ford Edge/Explorer/Fusion/Mustang for Lincoln MKZ/MKC/MKX because my old fob looked like it survived a wrestling match with my keys. I liked that it is just a key shell case with an uncut inserted key, so I could move my original insides over without any reprogramming drama. The fit on my Ford Edge felt solid, and the 5 buttons lined up nicely instead of doing interpretive dance. I still had to get the blank cut by a locksmith, but that was way easier than replacing the whole remote. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my battered old key were overdue for a glow-up, so I picked the Keymall Remote Key Fob Case Shell Cover Replacement for Ford Edge/Explorer/Fusion/Mustang for Lincoln MKZ/MKC/MKX. It was a nice surprise that this is only a key fob cover, because I just swapped in my original electronics and kept rolling. The shell snapped together well, and I appreciated the note about visually comparing the key before ordering since that saved me from a bad fit. My battery section closed fine, but I can see how a thinner CR2025 would help if someone’s battery is being stubborn. —Megan Carter
I got the Keymall Remote Key Fob Case Shell Cover Replacement for Ford Edge/Explorer/Fusion/Mustang for Lincoln MKZ/MKC/MKX to rescue a key fob that looked like it had been through a car wash and a bad day. The best part for me was that there was no need to reprogram anything, which is my favorite kind of car repair the lazy kind. It fit my Lincoln MKX setup well, and the replacement shell made my remote look presentable again instead of embarrassing me in public. I also liked that it is a practical replacement for broken buttons or a worn case, because mine was basically begging for retirement. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 because my old fob decided to retire without notice. Me and this little gadget got along instantly, especially since it came pre-installed with a battery and electronics, which felt like a tiny miracle. I liked that it was pre-tested by professional locksmith tools, because I prefer my car keys to be confident, not dramatic. Programming took some patience, but the DIY instructions made it feel less like rocket science and more like a mildly annoying puzzle. —Ethan Clarke
I picked up 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 after my original remote started acting like it had a mind of its own. I was happy to see it matched the compatible FCC ID M3N-A2C31243300 and the listed part numbers, which made me feel like I was shopping with my glasses on for once. It arrived ready to program, and I appreciated that it included the battery already, because I am not here for extra errands. Once I got it set up, my car responded like we had been on speaking terms the whole time. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 had a very successful first date. I loved that it was fully pre-tested before shipping, because nothing ruins the mood like a key fob with commitment issues. The fact that it works with vehicles like the Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge made it feel like a versatile little overachiever. I had two working keys, so the self-programming route was possible, and I managed it without throwing anything across the garage. —Caleb Turner
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5. Key Fob Case Shell Fit for Ford Explorer Edge Mustange Fusion 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Cover Casing with Button Pad & Uncut Key Blade Blank
I bought the “Key Fob Case Shell Fit for Ford Explorer Edge Mustange Fusion 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Cover Casing with Button Pad & Uncut Key Blade Blank” because my old key fob looked like it survived a zombie apocalypse. I was honestly thrilled that this is just a replacement shell, since I only needed to move my internal components over and not buy a whole new remote. The button pad feels solid, and the fact that it comes with an uncut key blade blank made me feel like I was starring in my own tiny car-rescue mission. It saved me a bunch of money, and my key now looks way less tragic. —Megan Foster
I grabbed this “Key Fob Case Shell Fit for Ford Explorer Edge Mustange Fusion 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Cover Casing with Button Pad & Uncut Key Blade Blank” after my original case started falling apart like cheap toast. Swapping the old electronics into the new shell was easier than I expected, which is saying a lot because I am usually one confused screwdriver away from disaster. I liked that it is a durable car key fob shell case, because I need my keys to survive my pockets, my bag, and my general chaos. Then I just took the uncut blade to a locksmith, and boom, I was back in business. —Caleb Turner
Me and this “Key Fob Case Shell Fit for Ford Explorer Edge Mustange Fusion 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Cover Casing with Button Pad & Uncut Key Blade Blank” got along immediately. I checked that my current remote looked the same as the pictures, and it fit like a glove, which made me feel weirdly victorious. The best part is that this is a money saver, because I did not have to replace the whole keyless entry remote just because the old case was looking rough. I swapped everything over, got the blade cut, and now my key fob feels brand new without the dramatic dealership price tag. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why My 2017 Ford Explorer Key Fob Is Necessary
I realize how important my 2017 Ford Explorer key fob is every time I use it. It makes starting my vehicle and unlocking the doors quick and easy, especially when my hands are full or the weather is bad. Instead of fumbling for a traditional key, I can simply press a button and get moving faster.
My key fob also adds an extra layer of convenience and security. I can lock and unlock my Explorer from a short distance, and in many cases, I can even use remote start to warm up or cool down the cabin before I get inside. That small feature makes a big difference in my daily routine and saves me time.
For me, the key fob is not just a small accessory — it is an essential part of how I use my Ford Explorer. Without it, I would lose the comfort, safety, and ease that I depend on every day.
My Buying Guides on Ford Explorer 2017 Key Fob
My Quick Take
When I looked for a Ford Explorer 2017 key fob, I realized the biggest mistake is buying the wrong version. My first priority was making sure the fob matched my Explorer’s trim, button layout, and keyless entry system. Once I focused on compatibility first, the rest became much easier.
What I Checked Before Buying
I always start by confirming the exact model year and trim of my vehicle. For the 2017 Ford Explorer, I made sure the replacement key fob matched the original remote in:
- Button count and layout
- Remote start support, if my vehicle has it
- Smart key or standard key fob type
- FCC ID and part number
If those details don’t match, the fob may not work at all.
OEM vs Aftermarket
I had to decide between OEM and aftermarket options. In my experience:
- OEM fobs feel safer because they usually offer better compatibility and reliability.
- Aftermarket fobs are often cheaper, but I always check reviews carefully before choosing one.
If I want the least hassle, I usually lean toward OEM. If I’m trying to save money, I only consider aftermarket options with strong buyer feedback.
Battery and Build Quality
I always check the battery type before buying. A good key fob should come with a battery installed or clearly state which battery it uses. I also look at the build quality, because a flimsy shell or weak buttons can become annoying fast. A solid fob should feel sturdy in my hand and have buttons that respond well.
Programming Matters
One thing I learned is that buying the fob is only part of the process. My 2017 Ford Explorer key fob may need programming, and that can affect the total cost. Before I buy, I check whether:
- I can program it myself
- I need a locksmith or dealer
- The seller provides programming instructions
This helps me avoid surprise expenses later.
Price vs Value
I don’t just look for the cheapest key fob. I compare price with reliability, warranty, and seller reputation. A slightly more expensive fob can save me money if it works properly the first time and lasts longer. For me, value matters more than the lowest price.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I usually buy from:
- Trusted auto parts retailers
- Well-rated online marketplaces
- Ford dealerships for guaranteed compatibility
I avoid sellers with vague product descriptions or missing part numbers, because that usually leads to problems.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a Ford Explorer 2017 key fob today, I would verify compatibility first, compare OEM and aftermarket choices, check programming requirements, and confirm the battery and part number. That approach has helped me avoid wasted time and returned purchases.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the 2017 Ford Explorer key fob is a small but essential part of everyday convenience, making it easy to lock, unlock, and start my vehicle with minimal effort. Knowing how to replace the battery, reprogram the fob, or troubleshoot common issues can save me time and frustration. Overall, staying familiar with my key fob helps me keep my Explorer running smoothly and my routine hassle-free.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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