Wanting to put KEYPAD on 00 XLS

[tuffenuf83]

I am wanting to put a KEYPAD on my 00 explorer XLS. Its freezing up here in Manitoba. I start my truck and take off the remote key fob to unlock it after it is wamred up. But wouldnt you know it the key fib doesnt work when the truck is running.

So the real question here is can I install one of those ones on ebay that go on with adhesive tape? Has anyone ever tried this before??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=8040459884&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT


Thanks

 

[gijoecam]

Nope. The stick-on keypads are essentially an elaborate remote transmitter. The hard-wired ones are connected directly into the RAP module and remain active with the key on.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

-Joe

 

[tuffenuf83]

So I cant buy the ones on Ebay, evn if I have a remote that unlocks and locks the truck?

I dont see why it would work, here is a better one that I found that I thought would work...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=8038617302&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

[celly]

I can't imagine why they wouldn't work. Sorry, I can't answer with certainty but given that they're OEM I can't imagine why one couldn't be wired into your Explorer. The actual security module is a white box and it should be in your Explorer already. You can view the box through your jack storage area. There will be a 5 digit security code located on it (you'll need this to know what your code is and also to set a custom code). I would venture to guess the keypad would just wire into the module and you'd get all the functionality that us fortunate ones that have it factory installed enjoy.

On that note, it is a VERY handy feature. With the cold snap we had in Calgary last week, I used it more than once.

 

[tuffenuf83]

I dont have one (keypad) on my truck already. I want to put one on. Is this what you meant? I thought they say that no wiring is needed. Just adhesive tape and it works though radio signals?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The stick on remote will work. However, it is just like your key fob in that it uses an internal battery, not powered by your truck. It can fail just like your fob due to a dead battery.

I would say there are two solutions-

1. Buy and install the stick on pad, then you will have effectively two remotes and the chances of them both being dead are slim.

2. Get a key made to unlock your door without the transponder. You should be able to find a blank that will work without the chip. You could carry that in you wallet so if your fob fails you can unlock the door.

BTW- the keypad is very handy. There have been many times I can't carry my keys and I put them in the console and lock it up. Or I just need to get something out and dont want to hunt down my remote. I have had the key on two vehicles now and I would say it is a must have for me from now on.

 

[briwayjones]

Since you have a wireless key fob already the wireless keypad that sticks on should work fine. I haven't heard of them not working.

 

[gijoecam]

Yes, the stick-on remote will work to unlock the doors with the key OFF, but, just like the remote fobs, it will NOT unlock the doors with the key on and engine running. Unless it's hard-wired into the RAP module like the OEM door pads, it will work just like the remote: i.e. it won't with the engine running.

Now, it's remotely possible that the doors are pre-wired for it. If so, it's just a matter of cutting the appropriate hole in the door and mounting it, then plugging it in. However, on the XLS, there's a very good possibility that you would have to run all the wires yourself, and getting them through the door hinge would be a challenge, to say the least. Possible? Yes. Easy? Nope.

My best suggestion: Keep a spare i.e. non-PATS key in your pocket to unlock the doors with. They're only a couple of bucks, and they don't need the chip in them for the PATS since they're only being used to open the door, not start the engine.

-Joe

 

[celly]

I dont have one (keypad) on my truck already. I want to put one on. Is this what you meant? I thought they say that no wiring is needed. Just adhesive tape and it works though radio signals?

I knew what you meant. Honestly, I don't have a clue whether my keypad is wired or wireless. Fact remains, you'll need to get the 5 digit code off your security box (that white box in the jack storage area). It's a PITA to get at the code and it's not visible without some manipulation. I actually loosened up the bolts holding it in place, then used a mirror to view the code. That code will be used to open the locks on your Ex and is also used to reprogram it to a custom code. Check your manual. They tell you how it's done (but are silent on the box itself).

I did this code search recently. I scored my Eddie in November. A few weeks later my family and I went off to Mexico. We left by Eddie in a parking lot and got back to quite frigid temps at 2AM. I started the car and then locked it by accident (with key in ignition of course). Had to take a cab home ($55 later), had my wife drive me back then we got back home after 3AM. I was quick to find out my code then programmed a custom code so it didn't happen again.

Good luck sorting it out. I've never heard about others putting in an OEM pad after the fact, but it's got to be doable. Might want to scour the archives (using search function).

EDIT: Keep in mind Joe probably knows a lot more than I do. I don't have a clue what he just said for the most part.

 

[tuffenuf83]

OK, All of this sounds great. EXCEPT for one thing, Why when the truck is started that I can't unlock it with the Key Fob? Can I disconnect something so that I can unlock my running truck with the fob?

And are you 100% sure, that if I buy a keypad for the truck, that it wont unlock it when its started. I thought that was the reason for buying one.

 

[celly]

My best suggestion: Keep a spare i.e. non-PATS key in your pocket to unlock the doors with. They're only a couple of bucks, and they don't need the chip in them for the PATS since they're only being used to open the door, not start the engine.

-Joe

That is a great suggestion too. Might also want to stash one in a hide-a-key just in case of emergencies (or if battery is dead). Those Explorer locks also get seized up if not used with a key now and again.

 

[gijoecam]

The stick-on key fobs work like a remote key-fob: After the appropriate code is entered, they broadcast the signal just like the remote. The 5-digit code for the stick-on key pad has absolutely nothing at all to do with the OEM code on the RAP module. You only need that code if you're adding an OEM pad.

-Joe

 

[celly]

The stick-on key fobs work like a remote key-fob: After the appropriate code is entered, they broadcast the signal just like the remote. The 5-digit code for the stick-on key pad has absolutely nothing at all to do with the OEM code on the RAP module. You only need that code if you're adding an OEM pad.

-Joe

Me bad. I didn't distinguish between the stick on wireless pad the good old OEM hardwired. (I just assumed it was the same as what's factory installed).

 

[DirtyDog]

I would look in the door first to see if the plug is there. It will be a green plug with 8 holes in the top of it. It's about 3/4" in diameter. If it's there, I got a set of button's I'll sell you.

 

[jp450]

Get a remote starter. It will allow you to start your car from inside your warm house and then unlock your doors while the the engine is running. I have the Ford Bronze remote starter and love it. It is probably easer than installing a keypad. It may cost more but worth it in the long run.

Jeff

 

[spta97]

I installed a Bulldog remote starter and tapped into the lock / unlock wires so I can unlock the doors while the engine is running. So it is possible as long as you are tapped into the right wires.

I have been happy with my bulldog (very happy) but it lacks OEM quality so if you get a Ford remote start you will be better off.

I have a lot of complaints about my Explorer and Ford in general, but they really hit a home run with the keypad. I use it all the time, at least twice a day. When I get to the train station I am able to put my keys in the breif case and lock the doors with it, when I get home I am able to get in and out of my car at will without going inside for my keys. I also never worry about locking the keys in the car.

Bravo to Ford for this ingenious device...too bad other cars don't have them as well.

 

[David in NC]

I've always thought a hidden button wired into the unlock switch would be a nice safety feature when keys get locked in the truck. Maybe one of waterproof kind.

 

[gijoecam]

I've always thought a hidden button wired into the unlock switch would be a nice safety feature when keys get locked in the truck. Maybe one of waterproof kind.

It would work, but would also set off the alarm anytime the truck had been parked for more than a couple minutes.

Gotta love the PATS system!

-Joe

 

[jp450]

I've always thought a hidden button wired into the unlock switch would be a nice safety feature when keys get locked in the truck. Maybe one of waterproof kind.

Many an ambulance i have worked in have this feature. It has saved my a$$ several times...