Start a Lincoln with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Lincoln with a Dead Key Fob

This page contains all of the emergency start or back-up start procedures needed for Lincoln vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob. To do so requires a slot for placement of the key fob.

Locating the back-up slot

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Lincoln vehicles employ far too many backup methods, with new variations added seemingly each year. For full- and mid-size vehicles, insert the Intelligent Access key in the backup slot, located in the glove box, the center console, or in or under the cup holders, depending on the model. On this page you will find what you need to start Aviator, Continental, Corsair, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX, MKZ, Nautilus, and Navigator models.

We have video help for most of the options here.

The backup slot for full- and mid-size vehicles is the same as that used for key programming. In all cases, the slots do not look at all obvious, except that they are the proper size for the Intelligent Access key.

After inserting the key into the backup slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should respond normally as long as the Intelligent Access key is in the slot.

Once the vehicle is started, the key fob can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish. But first, you will need to locate that slot.

MKS

The MKS is unique in using the glove box as the location for the backup slot. It is to the far right side under the glove box door, and may be difficult to reach. Slip the Intelligent Access key down into the slot with buttons facing out and with key ring up or out. See the image.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

Center console slots

The back-up start slot is located in or near the center console in Aviator, Corsair, MKC, MKT, MKX and Navigator models. The exact location will vary somewhat. Most consoles are filled with stuff, so you may need to dig a bit.

Navigator

In the Navigator, until 2018, the Intelligent Access key slot is to the rear or the side of the console and points up (right). The key fob is slipped in vertically or horizontally depending on the slot’s shape, with the buttons facing out, as in the image shown.

In 2018, the Navigator location is moved to the back wall inside the center console (far right). It should look like a pocket anchored to the back wall. Slip the key fob in vertically with the buttons facing forward.

And in 2025, the Navigator back-up start slot finds its way to front of the center console storage area (right). The fob should be placed in the pocket with the buttons facing the back of the vehicle.

Aviator

Aviator models use a similar pocket as the one shown in purple above right, but it is anchored to the front of the center console. Slip the Intelligent Access key fob in vertically with the buttons facing the back of the console.

In 2025, a new console arrangement is available in the Aviator and the back up slot is beneath the rear cup holder. Remove the bottom liner from the cup holder by pulling it up by the tab (see image to the right). The slot is then revealed. Drop the fob into the slot with the buttons facing the rear of the rear of the car.

Note that the older console style is still available in the 2025.

Corsair

The Corsair also uses a location at the front of the center console, but it is built into the front wall structure ( lower right). For this model, the key fob should be placed on its side with the buttons facing the back of the console.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. If it fails to start, turn the fob so that the buttons face back and try again. Once the vehicle is started, the key fob can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

You will find a video of the process here that will help.

MKT, MKZ and Continental

In MKT, MKZ Hybrid (2013) and new (2017) Continental models, the slot is found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports in the center console, like the one shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up (in one vehicle we tested, the vehicle started with the buttons facing either direction).

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

MKC, MKX, Nautilus

In the MKC and MKX (through 2015), the backup slot is to the front of center console, also found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports, as shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up. The slot is impossible to see and you may want to feel for the ribbing at the bottom of the slot.

In 2016, the back up slot in the MKX is moved to the bottom of the center console. The Nautilus, new in 2019, uses this location as well. There is a visible depression in the console’s floor the shape of the key fob. Place the fob in the depression with the buttons up and key ring end facing forward.

In 2024, the back up slot in the Nautilus is moved to the front of the center console (image right). Slip the fob in with the buttons facing the rear.

After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.

MKZ, MKZ Hybrid post 2014

New in the 2014 MKZ and MKZ Hybrid the backup slot is hidden under one of the cup holders.

A rubber mat at the bottom of the cup holders may need to be removed (A) to expose the slot (B), as shown. Of course any cups will have to come out too! Look for a tab towards the front or the side of the mat to grab and pull (gently!)*.

*Important: If you do not find a pull tab, do try removing the mat. Simply place the key fob in the rear cup holder and start the car as normal.

After inserting the key fob, buttons facing the back of the car, in the exposed slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the car is started, the Intelligent Access key can be removed and the mat, and any cups, replaced.

Note: If you have made an attempt to start any of these vehicles without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Models examined include Aviator, Continental, Corsair, MKC, MKT, MKZ, MKZ Hybrid, Nautilus, and Navigator. Model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

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