3rd party key doesn't always start engine
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 140
Likes: 8
3rd party key doesn't always start engine
Hi, all.
One of the buttons died on my Ford key, so I called a locksmith and got some extra keys made. The keys are slightly different than my Ford key -- they have 4 buttons (mine has only 3) and they resemble the original Lincoln key we have for my wife's 2010 Navigator.
Anyway, sometimes the new key won't start the engine on the first try -- I turn it and the engine doesn't respond. Usually turning the key back to "off" and then trying to start again gets it on the 2nd or 3rd time. Rarely, but sometimes, it takes more times than this.
I called the locksmith back, and he said something about a Ford TSB and said that I need to have a new firmware flashed into my truck. He said that many systems have to interoperate correctly for the key to start the engine, and this I totally buy. He said that it's unusual for a key to work "sometimes" -- either they don't work, or they always work. Sounds a little fishy, like he's trying to feed me a line, but I dunno, this could be legit.
Anybody ever heard of this? I tried some searches on the forum here but didn't come up with anything.
One of the buttons died on my Ford key, so I called a locksmith and got some extra keys made. The keys are slightly different than my Ford key -- they have 4 buttons (mine has only 3) and they resemble the original Lincoln key we have for my wife's 2010 Navigator.
Anyway, sometimes the new key won't start the engine on the first try -- I turn it and the engine doesn't respond. Usually turning the key back to "off" and then trying to start again gets it on the 2nd or 3rd time. Rarely, but sometimes, it takes more times than this.
I called the locksmith back, and he said something about a Ford TSB and said that I need to have a new firmware flashed into my truck. He said that many systems have to interoperate correctly for the key to start the engine, and this I totally buy. He said that it's unusual for a key to work "sometimes" -- either they don't work, or they always work. Sounds a little fishy, like he's trying to feed me a line, but I dunno, this could be legit.
Anybody ever heard of this? I tried some searches on the forum here but didn't come up with anything.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7,128
Likes: 1,945
From: Sportsman's Paradise
Aftermarket keys are hit or miss, mostly miss. Common issue and the best course of action is to replace with oem keys. Then have them programmed to the truck not cloned which is what locksmiths do.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
^ ^ ^ What he said. I've toyed with aftermarket keys because they're generally so much cheaper. But when it takes 3 or 4 cycles to get one that you're happy with you've spent as much money and wasted a lot of time.
4wd Low
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: North Georgia
I'm dealing with the same issue right now. I bought my 2012 XL from a used car dealer a couple of weeks ago. When I did a test drive I had one key, not Ford branded, that worked fine driving to the mechanic to get it checked out. When I bought the truck I got another key also not branded. I didnt think anything of it really. they are just keys, or so I thought. no key fob, just an old fashioned key.
I quickly noticed that I was having problems starting the truck. I took it back to the mechanic to replace the battery (which he had previously said needed to be done). got it back home then it wouldnt start the next day.
Then I noticed the keys were different. both will unlock the doors, but only one would start the truck. I called the local ford dealer and they told me that the keys were likely not programmed. $55 per key to cut the keys. $180 for both to get them programmed.
Since then I've discovered that neither key will lock or unlock the tailgate.......
The shady car dealer said that he gave me the only keys he has......so at some point I'll just get new keys made at the dealer.
I quickly noticed that I was having problems starting the truck. I took it back to the mechanic to replace the battery (which he had previously said needed to be done). got it back home then it wouldnt start the next day.
Then I noticed the keys were different. both will unlock the doors, but only one would start the truck. I called the local ford dealer and they told me that the keys were likely not programmed. $55 per key to cut the keys. $180 for both to get them programmed.
Since then I've discovered that neither key will lock or unlock the tailgate.......
The shady car dealer said that he gave me the only keys he has......so at some point I'll just get new keys made at the dealer.
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Mike_Young
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