Lishi Tools for Ford: HU101, FO38, FORD2021 and HU198
Short version: for Ford, buy HU101 first. It covers most Ford and Jaguar ignition, door and trunk locks. Then add FO38 for older Fords, FORD2021 for New Transit/Century, and HU198/FORD2017 for the 2018+ Focus. The keyway code decides, not the model year.
1. Why Ford needs four tools, not one
Ford changes keyways by platform, and it changes them inside the same nameplate. A 2017 Focus and a 2018 Focus do not share a blade.
That is why "the Ford tool" does not exist. There is the Ford tool you use most, and three exceptions that cover specific years and locks.
2. HU101: the default
10-cut, ignition, door and trunk, Ford and Jaguar. At $38.89 it is the tool most working locksmiths reach for first on a Ford job.
If you only stock one Ford profile, stock this one.
3. The three exceptions
FO38 β 8-cut, older Ford and Lincoln ignition and door locks. Cheap enough to keep as a backup.
FORD2021 β 8-cut door profile for New Century, New Transit and Leopard CS10.
HU198 / FORD2017 β 10-cut, 2018+ New Focus, ignition, door and trunk.
If the blade is 8-cut, FORD2021 or FO38. If it is 10-cut, HU101 or HU198. That single check prevents most wrong orders.
4. Ford keyway table
| Keyway | Cut | Application | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|
| HU101 | 10 | Ford, Jaguar β ignition, door, trunk | AQLW0003 |
| FO38 | 8 | Ford, Lincoln β ignition and door | AQLP0022 |
| FORD2021 | 8 | New Century, New Transit, Leopard CS10 β door | AQLN0034 |
| HU198 / FORD2017 | 10 | 2018+ New Focus β ignition, door, trunk | AQLP0084 |
| ICF03 | 10 | Ford β ignition and door | AQLN0025 |
5. What these tools won't do
They won't decode a different keyway, and they won't program an immobiliser. A 2-in-1 tool picks and reads depths; programming is a separate job.
They also won't compensate for a worn cylinder. If the lock is damaged, the decoded depths may not match the original key.
6. FAQ
Does HU101 open every Ford?
No. It covers a large share, but FO38, FORD2021 and HU198/FORD2017 exist for keyways HU101 cannot read.
Is FO38 still worth buying?
If you see older Fords and Lincolns, yes. If you only work on late models, HU101 and HU198 cover more ground.
Can I use a 10-cut tool on an 8-cut lock?
No. The cut count must match the lock.
Related reading
- Lishi tools for GM: HU100, B111, GM39 and CH1
- Lishi tools for American cars: the overview
- How to check Lishi compatibility before buying
7. Where to start
Start with HU101, add HU198/FORD2017 when 2018+ Focus work shows up, then fill the gaps. The full range is in the American Vehicle collection.
Reviewed against current product data on 2 November 2026. Keyway codes and cut counts come from the Original Lishi Tools catalogue.
