Backup Starting

NOTE: There are certain areas within the vehicle where the passive key may not be detected and the message center displays No Key Detected. If the passive key is in the far outside edges of the interior (such as in a door map pocket or above a sun visor), it may not be detected. Move the passive key to a different location and try to turn the ignition on.

When the BCM does not detect a valid programmed passive key in the passenger compartment, the No Key Detected message displays in the message center when the START/STOP button is pressed.

In the event of one of these failures, place a programmed passive key in the backup location to allow the vehicle to start. When the START/STOP button is pressed, the center PATS antenna activates the passive key and the identification code is sent to the BCM. The passive key must be oriented correctly in the backup starting location.

Passive Key Backup Starting Location

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

No Key Detected Message

NOTE: Some brands/types of mobile phone or laptop computer chargers may cause interference that could lead to a PATS concern if the passive key is within close proximity of the charger. If a concern is observed, move the passive key away from the charger and attempt to turn the ignition on.

There are 2 scenarios in which the No Key Detected message displays in the message center.

The first is when the ignition is off, the START/STOP button is pressed and a programmed passive key is not detected inside the vehicle. If a component failure (such as a depleted passive key battery or RTM failure) is causing the No Key Detected message to display, the backup starting method can be used.

The second scenario is when the ignition is ON, the driver exits the vehicle with the programmed passive key and closes the door.

The BCM activates the center PATS antenna, the keyless entry rear antenna and both exterior door handle keyless entry antennas to search the inside of the vehicle for a passive key any time a door or the luggage compartment lid is opened and then closed with the vehicle running and the first times each drive cycle the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph). The No Key Detected message displays in the message center and the horn chirps twice when the ignition is on and a passive key is no longer detected inside the vehicle.

This strategy deters the passive key from being separated from a vehicle with the ignition ON. If a passive key is no longer in the vehicle, the ignition remains on and the vehicle continues to operate. When the START/STOP button is pressed to turn the ignition off, the ignition can be restarted without a passive key present inside the vehicle for approximately 20 seconds. After 20 seconds have elapsed, a passive key must be present to transition the ignition out of off.