Reconfiguring keyless entry module - swapping out keyfob button actions
 

Hi all. I have an 08 with power liftgate. And I have an after market flip key that has four buttons. The extra button only pops the rear glass open, and doesn't operate the power liftgate.

I have looked for another flip key option, but there doesn't seem to be one that will operate the power liftgate. It isn't a huge deal to have to carry the flip key, along with the OEM Ford keyfob. But I'd rather stick to just the flip key on my keychain to be more minimalistic. And having the ability to open the liftgate as I'm walking up to the vehicle is a big plus for me in my line of work, so I don't want to give that up.

So I can't find a flip key that will do what I want. I can't reflash the keyfob on the flip key to operate the liftgate (I'd probably having to program a completely new chip for the circuit board, and my computer engineering knowledge is no where near that level).

So since I can't do those things, I'm wondering how possible it would be to swap out the functions on the keyless entry control module inside of the vehicle. In a basic sense, say there's (amongst others) two plugs on the control module. One outputs the signal from the "glass open" button press, and the other outputs the signal from the "liftgate" button press. So swap out the wires that plug into those. So that when I press the button on the flip key (and the OEM keyfob) that corresponds to the "glass open" function, it instead outputs that signal to the wires that control the power liftgate.

It's probably not doable or risky at best. But I wanted to run it by you guys to see what you think. At the very least, can someone tell me where to locate that module in the vehicle?

Below is my keychain so you can see what I'm working with. Thanks!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../keychain3.jpg

just my observation here, but it appears using the original key and key fob solves all your problems. why not just ditch the flip key?

Well simply put, once you go with a flip key, you won't want to go back. There's definitely a cool factor to it, but it's also just a better design. You don't have a jabbing key sticking out all the time. Look at it-- do you not think that it looks nicer, more stylish and professional, and has better utility than the OEM keyfob plus key?

Besides that, going with the configuration in the picture-- the flip key and the OEM keyfob-- solves my problem. I've just taken kind of a minimalist utilitarian view of my every day carry lately. I put a deadbolt with a keypad on it on my house. So no more house key on my keychain (I keep the key in a pouch in my wallet, just in case, plus there's a lockbox with one outside of the house). And I'm coming from an F-150 with a toolbox, so that's one less key than I used to carry, too. So if I can go to just having the flip key (which is how I've been carrying up until a couple of days ago), it would be nice.

So like I said, it's not a big deal. Just something I'm trying to work out. I'm honestly just enjoying having a vehicle that I want to do little projects on, and that works so well for what I need from a vehicle. :)

I posted instructions on your other thread about the new flip key.

Mine works perfect. Even the back tail gate as original keys.

Key fob program instructions.

Instructions and Videos on programming Ford PATS Keys | fullerisford.com

The difference here is that wallz '11 came with tailgate release, and BT's '08 came with glass release. Somewhere between 08 and 10 they switched the function (my 10 has tailgate release).

i have factory remote start on my '07, so a flip key is of no use for me, unless they make one for a remote start application. but yes, they are cool.

Yeah, that's what I just realized in the other thread. So 2010 and up, if you have power liftgate, the keyless entry only operates the liftgate, and doesn't have the extra button to pop the glass open.