Keyless Entry Keypad
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,060
From: Central MO
Just make sure you have access to your code. I never carried my code with me, as I have a memory like an elephant. Well, turns out that after having locked all my gear and keys in my truck during a shooting competition (intentional), I had a brain fart at the end of the day. Took quite a bit of pacing back and forth, and several tries with muscle memory before I got the right combo. This was after owning the truck for about three years.
Long story short, keep your code with you, or program it into your phone or something. Don't rely on your memory..
Long story short, keep your code with you, or program it into your phone or something. Don't rely on your memory..
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,060
From: Central MO
I honestly don't know why others don't offer it, but I don't think it is because of a patent. I think Honda used to offer it on the Accord.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
My truck unlike most other trucks here sits at my work property unused for weeks at at time. The keypad is a great tool to allow others to take or remove items. Example, people call and ask if I have a certain tool or whatever, yep I do I will put it under the seat. Great, I'll grab it tonight after work, thank you. My truck is often an expensive portable lock box than a truck sometimes.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
The only other automaker I'm aware of to use a similar door keypad system was Nissan, on the Maxima, from about 1984. I believe they stopped offering the system by the introduction of the 4th generation Maxima in 1994.
Ford may have patented their design, but Nissan introduced their system after Ford introduced theirs...and patents only last 20 years anyway.
Nissan's system was different because it also allowed you to lower the windows or open the sunroof right from the keypad. It also allowed the code to be between 4 and 7 digits.
I'm very happy that Ford continues to offer the system. However...in my opinion the vertical orientation that Ford uses on all models today is inferior in both looks and function to the horizontal orientation that all the models previous had.
The hidden "touch" pad is also a dud. We have it on our Lincoln. The pad is completely touch with no buttons, and the numbers are hidden until you touch them...they light up in red. The problem is that they do not work well.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,060
From: Central MO
I'm very happy that Ford continues to offer the system. However...in my opinion the vertical orientation that Ford uses on all models today is inferior in both looks and function to the horizontal orientation that all the models previous had.
The hidden "touch" pad is also a dud. We have it on our Lincoln. The pad is completely touch with no buttons, and the numbers are hidden until you touch them...they light up in red. The problem is that they do not work well.
The hidden "touch" pad is also a dud. We have it on our Lincoln. The pad is completely touch with no buttons, and the numbers are hidden until you touch them...they light up in red. The problem is that they do not work well.
Our Flex is the same way as your Lincoln, and IIRC, it doesn't work with gloves on either.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
Interesting, Troverman. I didn't think much of the keypad on my wife's Lincoln, but I actually used it last night. It worked exactly as advertised, no issues. I definitely prefer the hidden touch pad, but only for aesthetic reasons.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 312
Likes: 50
Alarm
My only concern is that by leaving the transmitter in the truck and locking with the keypad that alarm is not activated, or if it is someone could just touch the handle to unlock. Like it unlocks when it's in my pocket. Does anyone know more about this than myself?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,060
From: Central MO
I don't know about the alarm system, but I do know that you cannot unlock (or lock for that matter) the truck by touching the handle with the fob inside. I just verified it.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
So, if you press lock on the remote and then toss your fob in the truck...as soon as you shut the door, the horn honks twice and the doors unlock. Likewise, if you place the fob inside your truck and then press the lock button on the door panel, as soon as you shut the door...the horn hons and the doors unlock. But pressing 7/8 + 9/0 on the keypad allows you to lock the truck with the fob inside. The alarm still arms, and touching the door handles or pressing the tailgate button will not open or unlock the truck. At this point, the only way to unlock the truck would be by entering the correct door code or using the other key fob.
So pretty cool, really. These fobs have near exacting position sensing as to whether they are inside or outside the vehicle, too.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
So, if you have to replace a battery and have forgotten your original entry code --
At least it was that way on the older ones so I just keep the factory code and the little credit card-sized dealio in my wallet with the code on it; in case I forget.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 2,060
From: Central MO
My understanding is that if you lose all power to your system, the keypad will default back to the factory-set code.
So, if you have to replace a battery and have forgotten your original entry code --
At least it was that way on the older ones so I just keep the factory code and the little credit card-sized dealio in my wallet with the code on it; in case I forget.
So, if you have to replace a battery and have forgotten your original entry code --
At least it was that way on the older ones so I just keep the factory code and the little credit card-sized dealio in my wallet with the code on it; in case I forget.
Now, that may not be the case on the older style 'stick-on' keypads that Ford used to (or maybe still does) offer. They had a separate battery since they weren't wired into the car battery.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: AL
I leave my spare fob hidden in the truck all the time, just in case I lose my main set of keys or something. I have push start, so I wrap the spare fob in heavy duty aluminum foil and hide it in the back. The aluminum foil blocks all signals from the fob, so the truck has no idea it's there until you unwrap it.