Hi FTE. I got rid of the godawful Viper alarm/keyless entry system I've been struggling with for 18 months since I got my Ex and got some el cheapo Amazon (but highly rated) key fobs like Ford fobs. They programmed no problemo. Now if the truck sits a while, the fobs don't work. If I press any button on the keypad on the door, and then press the fob buttons, everything works. Almost like I had to wake the truck up from a nap. Once I do that, they keep workign for a while. I haven't figured out how long it takes before they quit working, but I'm sure every time i press a button it resets the time. Any thoughts on this?

 

I never had good luck with the ones found on Amazon, 3 different ford vehicles. Some quit working after a year or two, some had to get reprogrammed every 6 months, etc.

If you are fine with messing with them, than the cheap $2-$10 ones are great.

If it is driving you nuts, it is time to visit a Ford dealer and get new factory ones.

 

Roger that. I was afraid it could be the el cheapo aspect...

 

Sigh. I ordered another fob from another source online that claimed to be OEM electronics inside with a replacement case and buttons. It looks a lot less like chinesium inside for sure but it has the same problem. If the truck sits for 5 or 10 mins the keyfob wont work again until I press a button on the door keypad and "wake it up" then it will work fine until I go away for a while. I'm afraid it could be something with the truck itself now.

 

Since you removed an after market alarm, I didn't catch that first go around, I am going to hazard a guess it could be a wiring issue mess8ng with the stock Ford system.

Give everything a good look over, and try to make sure a quality solder joint and shrink tube has been put in at all splices.

Wiring can be a huge headache at times. I know it has given me a few over several vehicles and brands. It is normally an easy fix, just takes some leg work to find the problem.