2015 Escape key fob replacement… Batteries Plus or other options?

The original 4-function key fob for my 2015 Escape finally gave out after I replaced the battery. It stopped working entirely, and when I removed the old battery, it was tacky, and a little string of gunk came out with it.

I’m considering getting it replaced at Batteries Plus for about $180—they have the equipment and technician ready. I also read about Car Keys Express, which offers a replacement for $174 with their ‘snap key,’ including cutting, an easy pairing tool, and a 3-year warranty.

Does anyone have experience with these options or know of any other good alternatives? I only have this one key fob, and it’s making me nervous. Thanks!

I ordered a flip-style key from AliExpress, got it cut at a local key shop, and programmed it myself. The catch was that I needed two fully functioning keys to do it. All in, I spent under $60 CAD.

Blayne said:
I ordered a flip-style key from AliExpress, got it cut at a local key shop, and programmed it myself. The catch was that I needed two fully functioning keys to do it. All in, I spent under $60 CAD.

That’s a pretty great setup!

If you’ve got a local key shop nearby, they can often cut and program a new key for under $50, assuming you have at least one working key. That’s how it is where I live. Good luck :crossed_fingers:

Toni said:
If you’ve got a local key shop nearby, they can often cut and program a new key for under $50, assuming you have at least one working key. That’s how it is where I live. Good luck :crossed_fingers:

Thanks! I think I’m leaning toward having Batteries Plus handle it. If I had another working key, I’d try to do it myself for sure. For fun, I called the Ford dealership—they quoted $100 to program the key and $220 for the key itself.

I’ve had success using Northcoast Keyless, a laptop, and a paid version of Forscan. If your broken key can still start the car, you might be able to use the two-key method to program a third key yourself. It’s worth a try since you don’t have much to lose.

@Farley
Interesting. I work in tech, but I don’t think of myself as super technical, if that makes sense. It does seem like something in the key must still work, though—when I open the door manually, I have to jump in and put the key in the ignition quickly to stop the alarm.

Would I be able to program a second key with just this one, or do I need two working keys? Ideally, I’d like to have two for safety.

@Tate
If you have two working keys, you can program a third key without needing any tools. Instructions are likely in the owner’s manual or on YouTube. Since your current key still starts the car (even if the battery is dead), you might be able to use it to program a second key.

Honestly, just take it to Ford if you want it done right. These cars can be finicky, and messing with the keys yourself might cause other issues down the line.