• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


Key Fob Question

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
978
Reactions
548
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#21
Ford actually designed the key fob to never leave the vehicle. That is why there is a place specifically meant for it in the center console. Leave it there and forget about it. I just removed it to replace the battery in it after 4 years.
The slot for the key fob in console is for when you're battery is dead, you can still start the engine. I don't think the owner's manual ever mentions leaving the fob in the vehicle at all times. That's a user preference of some Ford owners. Doesn't mean it's intended for permanent storage.
 

DaveG ST

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
389
Reactions
169
Points
37
Location
Hurlock, MD, USA
#22
I will never leave the fob in the vehicle unless I was swimming in the ocean and didn't want to leave the key on the sand. That's when I use the number pad on the door. Also, this vehicle has a known flaw that the touch pad on the door sometimes goes to sleep. If that happens and the other fob is no where to be found, you're not going anywhere without a locksmith.
Yes, the keypad will go to sleep after about a week of the vehicle not being started. I believe this would be a non issue for most of us. You may also start the vehicle with your phone from anywhere. Try it for a week, you will never look back.
 

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
978
Reactions
548
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#23
Yes, the keypad will go to sleep after about a week of the vehicle not being started. I believe this would be a non issue for most of us. You may also start the vehicle with your phone from anywhere. Try it for a week, you will never look back.
Yes, the keypad will go to sleep after about a week of the vehicle not being started. I believe this would be a non issue for most of us. You may also start the vehicle with your phone from anywhere. Try it for a week, you will never look back.
I carry my house and work keys with my vehicle remote with keyring so I have that routine of leaving the house with phone, wallet, keys. Every day for decades. Not starting a new routine of leaving my keys with my car. I live in a state with one of the highest carjacking and theft rates in the USA hence we officially have the highest average insurance premiums nationwide. No thanks! Also the FordPass app is so slow that I rarely use it to start my car anymore. I prefer remote starting my engine year-round from my front porch using the remote. It's so fast and easy! Sometimes the FordPass takes 30 seconds or more to remote start/lock/unlock.
 

Last edited:
OP
Suprawill1

Suprawill1

Active Member
Messages
573
Reactions
326
Points
82
Location
Maryland
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #24
I carry my house and work keys with my vehicle remote with keyring so I have that routine of leaving the house with phone, wallet, keys. Every day for decades. Not starting a new routine of leaving my keys with my car. I live in a state with one of the highest carjacking and theft rates in the USA hence we officially have the highest average insurance premiums nationwide. No thanks! Also the FordPass app is so slow that I rarely use it to start my car anymore. I prefer remote starting my engine year-round from my front porch using the remote. It's so fast and easy! Sometimes the FordPass takes 30 seconds or more to remote start/lock/unlock.
I agree with hbalek's stats. I live in the same town.
 

BrooseDaMoose

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,036
Reactions
589
Points
162
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#25
I never use the fob to unlock my doors. As soon as I grab the handle the doors automatically unlock. If the fob is in the vehicle, won't the same happen if someone tries to open the door? I haven't tried locking my fob in the vehicle to try this out though. I need to get the door code first in case it doesn't.
 

23 Explorer ST

Member
Firefighter/EMT
Messages
316
Reactions
179
Points
37
Location
NC
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
#26
Once you lock your fob inside, you have to use the key pad on the door to unlock.
Your doors wont unlock touching the handle unless your fob is literally right near the handle outside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DaveG ST

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
389
Reactions
169
Points
37
Location
Hurlock, MD, USA
#27
I never use the fob to unlock my doors. As soon as I grab the handle the doors automatically unlock. If the fob is in the vehicle, won't the same happen if someone tries to open the door? I haven't tried locking my fob in the vehicle to try this out though. I need to get the door code first in case it doesn't.
Nope, you unlock with the keypad or the FordPass app.
 



Top