All you need to know about Ford’s Key Features

09 July 2021

Did you know that Ford offer so many functions for their Ford car keys? Learn about the hidden Ford Key Features and how to make the most of your Ford Key.

Sales person handing car key to customer

Hidden Ford Key Features

Remote keyless entry into your car is among the greatest inventions of the twenty-first century. For a long time, if you owned a car-only the wealthiest people did-you had to hire a physical guard for your automobile. Moreover, the physical car keys you had were like door keys, and thieves could replicate them at any time.

Car keys are no longer just used just to lock and unlock cars. The key fobs by Ford offer so many other functions to its users. So, you may be asking yourself, what can my Ford key do? 

If you are still skeptical, here are a few facts to drive the point home:

  • By 2021, Ford sold 900,000 F-150s annually; this means they sell at least 1.7cars a minute.
  • Keys can transmit an instruction to your car at a distance of up to 20metres from your vehicle.
  • The latest key fobs cost an average of $ 250 and $75 to replace.
  • Security features like rolling code and encryption prevent the replay of the unlock feature by your car key replica-commonly used by thieves.

It is essential to understand the secrets features your key fab has-they might come in handy when you need them most. For instance, you do not want to be a guy that accidentally rolls down his sunroof while it's snowing.

Ford Ranger Key Features

Of course, the primary function of a key is to lock and unlock the door, and the Ford key has those functions as well. However, like many smart keys, you can lock and unlock your car from 20 meters away for someone else-like a child or any other family member. If anyone tries to enter the vehicle forcefully, they will automatically trip an alarm, alerting someone near the automobile or the parking security guards.

Aside from the primary function of locking and unlocking the door for keyless entry, the ford key can also open the tailgate and the sunroof. If you are always scared to press the 2X button or ask yourself what does the 2X button do? You can start and stop the car engine with that button. These features are the only ones most drivers know almost immediately they get the car.

A metal key is also attached to the key fob. Depending on your car model, you might need to press a button to release the key, or it will automatically come off when you pull the tag. This metal key is an alternative whenever your remote key is low on its battery. The keyhole is usually next to the door handle, or you will have to move a flap to access it.

Ford Key Secret Features

Unfortunately, there are several cool things you can do with your Ford ranger key that you might not know. These improved and necessary functions make the key fobs more useful than ever. Although you will need a little insight to use this feature, they are not complex.

Probably you have spent years asking yourself, what can you do with the ford key? Unfortunately, the answer is sometimes too good to be true. Firstly, the common question among Ford users is,' can I roll down my windows using the Ford key? The answer is yes. You can lower your windows and open the sunroof. All you need to do is press the unlock button once, release it, and then press it down for 10 seconds, and your windows and sunroof will roll down. Fortunately, this functionally is universal among car manufacturers.

Secondly, you can fold in your side mirrors with the smart key. Luckily some cars automatically detect when you are packed in a narrow alley or squeezed in chaotic traffic and reel in the side mirrors. However, if you don't have such a car, your smart key can do the same. Therefore, press the lock button on your remote key for 10 seconds, and the side mirrors will fold onto the car.

Thirdly, you can extend the range of your key signal. When you hold the key against your head, you become part of the transmitter-a huge one at that. Therefore, the reach of your smart key increases significantly. This is a small trick you can use for fun to test out the features of a Ford smart key. 

Fourthly, even though your Ford key fab battery is dead, a sensor below the gears can detect the key and ignite the car. Long gone are the days of using key ignitions. However, the button ignition presented the challenge of inaccessibility whenever the key fab is unavailable. All you have to do is raise the cup holder covers next to the gears and place your key fab, even without its battery, and the car will start automatically.

Ford Smart Key

There have always been questions about the security of a key fab. The thieves were getting innovative with the replication of keys through transmitters. The whole idea of a frequency was flawed because any trained eye can replicate a similar frequency and open the cars. Therefore, the need to put the key to sleep mode was more than necessary. This way, a thief cannot have enough time to replicate your key when you sit in a café to have coffee.

Usually, after 40 seconds without using the key, it enters sleep mode. During this period, it emits zero frequency and is practically undetectable to anyone trying to replicate. However, as soon as you walk up to your car, the key transmitter is back on. Furthermore, as mentioned before, the detector under the gears is also a feature of smart keys.

This smart key can also connect to your smartphone. It is relatively easy to set up. You scan your Ford Range's information, and your car information will display on the screen. After that, you can set it up and even name it. The lock, unlock, and ignite icons will show on your phone screen.

Next, get into the car and reply to the prompt messages on the screen of your vehicle. After that successful setup, you can use the icons to control your vehicle. Moreover, your phone will indicate that whenever the car is unlocked, and you can lock it if necessary. If that is not enough, you can set your speed limit, automatic seat adjustment, and driver assistant using the Ford smart key.

How Do You Reset the Ford Key?

You may be wondering what happens if you lose your Ford key? And how do you get another Ford key? Key loss occurs more than you can imagine. Unfortunately, the first step for most people is to go back to the car dealer for replacement. Have you asked yourself, 'how much does it cost to replace a Ford key?' You will need a little more money for the replacement of a ford key than any other.

You might ask how much does it cost to replace a Ford key. It is not cheap because the dealerships sell at a high of up to $400, depending on the car model. The next possible and frugal option is to buy from a third party, like a locksmith. These businessmen specialize in replicating keys; sometimes, they have what you need. They will also charge a little less than a car dealership would. Therefore, the purpose is to save some money by sourcing your keys from mechanic shops.

Finally, who will reprogram the Ford key? After getting the key, you will need to reprogram it to suit your car's needs. The process is straightforward but needs to happen within a few seconds, or you will have to restart.

First, lock all your doors. Then press the unlock button for the driver seat door. Next, alternate between the ON and OFF keys for 10 seconds but end on the RUN key.. This process will automatically put the car in the programming mode. Therefore the door will lock and then unlock; this is called a door cycle.

Afterward, use the same procedure for any other key fob function for 8 seconds, and the doors will cycle at the end. If you happen to have more than one key, this is the time to reprogram it. If you make any delays during the programming, the process is void, and you have to redo it.

In the end, turn the ignition off, and expect the doors to cycle again. Please note that if the door doesn't unlock as expected, try turning the key faster. If this also does not work, then you might not have the keyless function. Therefore, the new key isn't functional.

Final Thoughts

It is not uncommon to have multiple questions about the Ford keys. After all, the keyless remote entry into Ford cars was relatively fast. As a regular Ford services user, you might want all the possible information you can get to remain loyal and enjoy Ford machines more.

We highly anticipate future improvements for the Ford keyless functions in the coming year. It will reduce phone use; discourage poor habits for its users. However, you will have to wait and see for yourself.

Having trouble with your key reprogramming, set up an appointment with us at Hartwell. Your key and maintenance needs for older or new cars get handled with professionalism and expertise.