2013 XLT Explorer Keyless entry issue
 

Hi folks,
Bought a new ford explorer last summer, 2013 XLT 4WD. Ever since I have had it there have been intermittent keyless entry issues with it. At times when I try to open the vehicle it won't unlock, if I press the button enough times it will usually eventually open, I mean like 20+ times not 2 or 3. Sometimes I cannot get it to open at all. I can open it via the keypad or just using the key to unlock the door. I notice that if I unlock the door, open the door so that I can see the dash power up I can then lock or unlock the door by the key fob no problems. I never have a problem locking the door after driving it, but if I let it sit without locking it and then try to lock it sometimes it won't lock. Most of the time keyless entry works fine, but it happens probably a couple times a week that it doesn't work.

Doesn't seem to be pattern, day, night, hot, cold, different locations. Both key fobs received with the vehicle, near the vehicle, further away, the issue just randomly shows up.

Been to the dealership 3 times now and they cannot find an issue and have not been able to fix this...and this is getting really annoying.

The dealership has seen videos I have take on my cellphone of the issue, but that does not help other than to confirm there is really an issue. They claim there have been no reports of similar issues and no service bulletins.


Wondering if anyone has any recommendations or advice?

The vehicle has been in for service a few times on mytouch issues as well. Overall, I am not very happy with this SUV and would love to get this resolved as it seems most of the issues I have had have now been fixed except for this keyless entry issue.

Sorry to hear of your issues - the wife's sport has had some mft snafu's but overall is a better vehicle than the 2011 Audi we traded in on the ExSport...

Have you tried another dealer ?!?

That would be my first suggestion (along with documenting EVERYTHING just in case)

while this is not a major issue, if you've given them enough tries at fixing it, notified the mfg with a certified letter, and given them a chance to fix it, you have a lemon law case.

Possible causes in red, be aware of green circle
 

same issue with my girlfriends 13 exploder....never does it when u bring it in tho

I have the same problem, mine is the 7-8 key. It sometimes work, other times doesn't. I told the dealership about it and they ordered a replacement. I'll have it replaced as soon as I can find some time to leave it there for a day.

I have similar problems. I too have tried to find a rhyme or reason for why it won't work.

I have been standing beside the vehicle on many occasions, and get no response. On other days, I can start from inside the office. There doesn't seem to be any correlation to temp, humidity, time of day, or any other factor that I can measure to reproduce the issue.

The only thing I have noticed on the rare occasion is that if I rotate the key 180-deg from where it wasn't working, it then works. I'm wondering if the battery has issues maintaining contact given the nature of its mount. I'm going to follow thru with this thinking and see if giving it a nudge will wake it up. If so, I might add some padding to the key to make sure the battery stays tight.

If anyone is having problems with an inoperative IKT system (key/transmitter combo) and your vehicle was built on 9/1/2011 through 12/1/2012, then there is an updated gasket available for the transmitter that helps the battery maintain pressure on the internal contacts. The TSB is 13-08-07 and the part number is DC3Z-15K601-AA. You will need one part for each of your keys. The gasket is easy to replace. Just follow the battery replacement instructions in the owner's manual.

Hi,

Did anyone find a working solution for this? My 2013 Explorer has started doing this as well. Is it the key fob or the receiver in the car?

Thanks everyone