Hi guys,

Just a quick one regarding keys for my 2017 C-Max I bought without keys. Is there a definite way through which I can find the key code needed for cutting replacement keys? Some guy (locksmith) at the auction yard managed to get me one electronic key but I would like to have the 'metal' one as well, for which I am told a 'code' is needed. With hindsight, I should have asked the locksmith at the auction! Some internet articles suggest the code will be on the lock barrel but would the C-Max 2017 have the barrel. Other articles talk of asking main dealers (but those seem to be predominantly US articles). Thanks.

24 minutes ago, Kilimanjaro said:

Is there a definite way through which I can find the key code needed for cutting replacement keys?

No would be the most probable answer.

There will be an emergency door lock barrel on the drivers door, which if removed will possibly have the code stamped on it.

Having bought a vehicle through an auction with no keys, I'd be have the vehicle straight round to a Ford main dealer for two new keys. At least then the missing keys will be deleted from the vehicles memory and should anyone ever try to use them they'd be of no use.

Take your logbook to Ford, they will find the key code

7 hours ago, unofix said:

No would be the most probable answer.

There will be an emergency door lock barrel on the drivers door, which if removed will possibly have the code stamped on it.

Having bought a vehicle through an auction with no keys, I'd be have the vehicle straight round to a Ford main dealer for two new keys. At least then the missing keys will be deleted from the vehicles memory and should anyone ever try to use them they'd be of no use.

Thank you so much. It never really occurred to me buit someone could indeed  have the original keys and, therefore, access to the car! I shall take the car to our local Ford garage once I get it to run.

7 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Take your logbook to Ford, they will find the key code

I have already done that and the code could not be found. I was referred to a locksmith who is contracted to the garage (our local one that seems to specialise in Fords. Maybe I could try a different dealership.

Ford can't find key codes as they aren't linked to the VIN number.  They effectively just fit a 'random' lockset to each vehicle.

In the past the key code was provided in the handbook pack, but I haven't seen one for any car made after about 2010.

While we're on the subject of key codes, worth checking whether the locking wheel nut key is in the car.  If not, you'll need to sort that as well.

Since a 2017 C-Max only has a single lock barrel (driver door to open it in case of emergency) I suggest to just buy a new lock barrel and a set of pre-cut keyblades.


The Ford keys use a 10 digit code with 5 possible numbers for each digit.

You can order the keys with any code you want.

The lock barrel comes as a kit that needs to be assembled based on the actual key code of the keys.


By installing a new lock barrel that matches the new keys you make sure that the original keys that are not in your possession can no longer be used to open the car manually. 

15 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Ford can't find key codes as they aren't linked to the VIN number.  They effectively just fit a 'random' lockset to each vehicle.

In the past the key code was provided in the handbook pack, but I haven't seen one for any car made after about 2010.

While we're on the subject of key codes, worth checking whether the locking wheel nut key is in the car.  If not, you'll need to sort that as well.

Thanks. The wheel nut key was in the glovebox! (the first positive so far).

On 9/26/2025 at 7:34 PM, TomsFocus said:

Ford can't find key codes as they aren't linked to the VIN number.  They effectively just fit a 'random' lockset to each vehicle.

In the past the key code was provided in the handbook pack, but I haven't seen one for any car made after about 2010.

While we're on the subject of key codes, worth checking whether the locking wheel nut key is in the car.  If not, you'll need to sort that as well.

That's not right, unless Ford have changed it, which I doubt.

Key set delivered lineside and entered into the vehicle during the VCATS download and configuration process, before drive off at end of line.

Same process as seat belt, air bags, engine, gearbox etc etc number registration.

The info is in the system, they just can't be bothered to look

3 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

That's not right, unless Ford have changed it, which I doubt.

Key set delivered lineside and entered into the vehicle during the VCATS download and configuration process, before drive off at end of line.

Same process as seat belt, air bags, engine, gearbox etc etc number registration.

The info is in the system, they just can't be bothered to look

What was the latest model you saw that process used with?  As I say, I haven't seen a linked code on anything newer than about 2010, and that wasn't even a Ford.

I needed a key cut for a Fiesta around 10 years ago and tried two different Ford dealers, one of which was generally useless, but the other one was generally decent, so I do believe they genuinely couldn't access it for those, but happy to be proved wrong.

All the (Jay El Are) models still work to that process and still use the Ford systems

Key set comes with a label for the code and a barcode to scan into system