2016 Explorer AKL smart key in stupid alarm mode (possibly due to dead battery). Followed the instructions, put unprogammed smart key into the pocket, closed all doors, opened driver door, sat and waited. In about 8-9 min car gave a double honk, tried to program keys right away, but it went back into alarm mode on 2nd minute of programming (repeated minimum 5 times). Tried to click the lock on driver door to imitate it being locked and disconnect the battery while Autel did something - no good on every battery reconnection alarm went on again (repeated minimum 5 times). Tried to go into diagnostics it read VIN fine but reported "VIN decoding error" - I guess due to alarm, no-go.  

Is there a way out on this nightmare?    

witsend - thanks! Yes I was trying to do everything on the booster.

After that put any smart key into the pocket, wait for 9 minutes for double honk and then add the keys?