Intelligent Key Access Error

[madrog]

I own a 2011 Explorer Limited with the Intelligent Key Access. Other than the ongoing issue of the remote start on these things being worthless (I have to be within a few feet and directly in front of the vehicle to use the remote start) I have not had any other issues until a couple of weeks ago.

Intermittently I receive a "No Key Detected" message in the dash display and the vehicle will not completely shut down. This also happens on entering the vehicle on an intermittent basis. I have been able to accomplish complete shutdown or start by pressing the lock button on the Fob and then pushing the start button.

I mentioned the issue to my Dealer service department but they had not heard of the issue. I saw that a TSB #10038944 was issued but can not locate any details about the TSB.

 

[peterk9]

I own a 2011 Explorer Limited with the Intelligent Key Access. Other than the ongoing issue of the remote start on these things being worthless (I have to be within a few feet and directly in front of the vehicle to use the remote start) I have not had any other issues until a couple of weeks ago.

Intermittently I receive a "No Key Detected" message in the dash display and the vehicle will not completely shut down. This also happens on entering the vehicle on an intermittent basis. I have been able to accomplish complete shutdown or start by pressing the lock button on the Fob and then pushing the start button.

I mentioned the issue to my Dealer service department but they had not heard of the issue. I saw that a TSB #10038944 was issued but can not locate any details about the TSB.

Welcome to the Forum madrog.:wavey:
You'll find that the OEM remote start works very well for most owners with reported ranges of 200 - 300'. Is the battery in your fob the original or have you changed it since you got the Explorer? Could be a weak battery if still the original. I don't see however why that would prevent the vehicle from shutting down since the key doesn't have to be anywhere near the vehicle for that as far as I know. The number you quoted is an 'item' number and seems to be for Ford F-550 series trucks. It is TSB 11-4-14 which states;
Ford: some vehicles do not unlock using the intelligence access key or the integrated keyhead transmitter.

Does the same thing happen when you use the 2nd fob?

Peter

 

[omar302]

TSB 11-4-14 explains similar symptoms:

http://pdfcast.org/pdf/tsb-11-4-14

 

[madrog]

I recently changed batteries in both fobs. The issue happens with either fob. My wife has a 2010 Escape with a dealer installed remote start which works very well. The way this behaves I wondered if it might be something in the onboard computer.

 

[peterk9]

I recently changed batteries in both fobs. The issue happens with either fob. My wife has a 2010 Escape with a dealer installed remote start which works very well. The way this behaves I wondered if it might be something in the onboard computer.

Although I'm not sure, the receiver may be in the center console since that is where you insert the fob when its battery is dead and you need to start the vehicle. I winder if something in the console could be interfering with the signal. Just sort of grabbing at straws here.

Peter

 

[madrog]

Latest Happenings

Shortly after the last post I began carrying both fobs with me and had absolutely no issue entering or starting the vehicle. After about 3 weeks of that I decided to try each fob separately again. One fob clearly would not let me access or start the vehicle without pressing alternate buttons on the fob to get a reaction from the push. Once a reaction was obtained, doors locked or unlocked, I could start the vehicle. The other fob worked flawlessly for a number of weeks. Three days ago the second fob began acting like the first. The only way I can access the vehicle at times is to use the door pillar keypad. It usually takes a number of attempts pushing fob buttons before I can get the fob to interact and be able to start the vehicle. I have only been given one option by the dealer, "try" a new fob at a cost of $150.00 and see if it works.

Any hints will be appreciated.

 

[peterk9]

Have you changed the batteries in the fobs?

Peter

 

[madrog]

Yes. Both batteries have been changed and the dealer checked and found they were both good.

I keep going back to TSB 11-4-14 because my vehicle action sounds much like the issue but the dealer says that the manufacture dates listed in the bulletin don't match my vehicle manufacture date.

I did unplug my power adapter in the cigarette lighter outlet in the console in an attempt to increase fob remote start range, no noticeable change. So the console issue should be out of the mix.

 

[madrog]

Issue has been resolved. As earlier stated I had changed the batteries in both fobs, actually a guy at Batteries + did it. Well, he was also "kind" enough to clean the contacts. Apparently "removing" the grease caused the problem because I finally decided to apply a very small amount of white lithium grease to the contacts in each fob. I have not had the error since doing that and my range for remote start has increased somewhat, to nearly 60'.

Thanks, Peter, for your input.

 

[peterk9]

Issue has been resolved. As earlier stated I had changed the batteries in both fobs, actually a guy at Batteries + did it. Well, he was also "kind" enough to clean the contacts. Apparently "removing" the grease caused the problem because I finally decided to apply a very small amount of white lithium grease to the contacts in each fob. I have not had the error since doing that and my range for remote start has increased somewhat, to nearly 60'.

Thanks, Peter, for your input.

You're welcome. The Owner's Guide actually mentions that the grease should be left in place. I didn't realize that it actually affected the operation of the fob to that degree. Thanks for posting that and it's another little item to file away for possible future use.

Intelligent access key (IA key)
1. Remove the backup key from the
transmitter, then twist a thin coin in
the slot hidden behind the backup
key slot to remove the battery
cover.
Note: Do not wipe off any grease on
the battery terminals or on the back
surface of the circuit board.