Key fob issues

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Aug 28, 2021 | 09:12 AM

Shovelheadrob

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Cambs, England

Key fob issues

A few weeks ago my truck wouldn't unlock with the fob, checked the battery retried & all good.
Fast forward to now & it's happened again, I have three fobs & non of them will lock or unlock the doors, they will activate the horn via the panic button & all have good batteries. I have tried a reset (as per FSM, programming mode) but nothing, the locks work fine via the internal door lock switches. Any ideas guys?
I'm thinking that there's a receiver or something that gets the signal has maybe died......

Aug 28, 2021 | 09:24 AM

Sous

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Joined: May 2014

Posts: 27,344

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From: Lake Hartwell, GA

Rob, I am sure you checked the battery? My key FOB batteries only last a couple of years where other manufacturers last many years.

When you reset or re-sync the FOB, are you using the sequence described by @brian42 a while back? Thanks again Brian.

The procedure is on page 3 of the document in the link below.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...3&d=1564431165

Aug 28, 2021 | 09:55 AM

Shovelheadrob

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 1,378

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From: Cambs, England

Yes got new good quality batteries in all remotes, I've used the procedure before to program the extra remotes. The only thing I noticed (which may or may not be relevant..) is that the truck goes into programming mode after just 4 cycles of the ignition, not 8. On the 4th cycle the locks lock & unlock.
I've tried several times & each time is just 4 cycles......
I also tried ignoring this & continuing for 8 cycles but it doesn't enter programming mode then.

Aug 28, 2021 | 08:34 PM

aawlberninf350

It's a Van Gogh

Joined: Feb 2010

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From: Elk Grove, CA

I think the key fob signals go to the VSM. But I'd get more opinions and diagnostics before tearing into it.

Here's a thread with the easy peasy repair of the VSM. *makes sign of the crucifix*

Aug 29, 2021 | 02:10 AM

Shovelheadrob

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Cambs, England

Quote:

Originally Posted by aawlberninf350

I think the key fob signals go to the VSM. But I'd get more opinions and diagnostics before tearing into it.

Here's a thread with the easy peasy repair of the VSM. *makes sign of the crucifix*

That is a handy bit of information, I'm pretty good with electrics, but once it becomes electronic it's beyond my pay grade & patience level unless it's something obvious like a loose plug in connector. I need to fix this before I put the truck up for sale, so I may just live with the issue until I have the 550 on the road & can leave the 350 in the workshop while I get it sorted.
Maybe the truck doesn't want to be sold....

Aug 30, 2021 | 02:15 PM

brian42

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 7,092

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From: San Diego, CA

Thanks for the written reps @Sous .

The VSM (Vehicle Security Module) didn't start until 2002 with the updated electrical system. Prior to that (up to 2001) it is the GEM (General Electronics Module).

The VSM is more difficult to access as it is up behind the dash on the firewall above the "hump" (near the radio location). The GEM is behind the fuse panel in the lower left of the dash. It never hurts to check the connector especially since the GEM is pretty easy to access with common tools and about 1/2 hour total to remove, inspect, and re-install.

Either way, though, the only way to fix/replace the unit is to go through a dealership as they have to program it to your truck.

Oct 2, 2021 | 08:16 AM

Shovelheadrob

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Cambs, England

I think that I have a solution, I'm going to try a universal aftermarket remote central locking system, maybe with integrated alarm, depending on what's available. I've just spoken to a friend who does this kinda stuff (not so much in recent years as everything comes with it all from the factories) & he reckons that as the locks work fine from the door switches, it should be possible. I'll update when I have some progress.

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Oct 23, 2021 | 01:42 PM

Shovelheadrob

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Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Cambs, England

Eureka! An update & closure (see what I did there...)

Picked up the truck from my auto electrical guy, he's fitted a "Toad" aftermarket remote locking module, I've lost separate driver door/both doors locking, which I'd already told him wouldn't be an issue for me. The system used is the RK30, which is hard to find as these things are pretty much obsolete nowadays as everything comes from the factory with remote central locking, but my guy was confident this was the system to use as it can emulate the reversing of the live & earth that Ford use to operate the locking motors & he managed to locate one.
I printed off the relevant wiring schematic from the FSM to make life easier for him......
Wired up so that the turn signals flash once for lock & twice for unlock, no panic button which I don't have a problem with either (I can't accidentally hit it at silly o'clock in the morning and wake up the neighbourhood!) All in all a great result that hasn't broken the buckzooka & means I have a saleable truck again.