Key Not Found - Intermediate Issue

[Mscdman]

I just replaced the battery in my key fob with a brand new Duracell 2450 and I’m getting Key Not Found occasionally. What could cause this? Faulty battery (even though it’s new)?

Does the key need to be reset?


Defective key FOB?

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[Mlarv]

LED Lights can cause this issue. Are you at the same place when this happens? If you have any after market LEDS on when this happens? LED lights in your garage?

 

[Mscdman]

No LED lights. Reading that an unplugged rear antenna can cause this. I WAS in the rear and this problem just started after my sub/amp install but I’m 100% certain I plugged in that antenna. I heard it click in. I also have crystal clear radio reception.

Logic would say it’s the antenna but it’s intermittent and I don’t want to rip apart this rear panel again if I don’t have to…

 

[Mscdman]

No LED lights. Reading that an unplugged rear antenna can cause this. I WAS in the rear and this problem just started after my sub/amp install but I’m 100% certain I plugged in that antenna. I heard it click in. I also have crystal clear radio reception.

Logic would say it’s the antenna but it’s intermittent and I don’t want to rip apart this rear panel again if I don’t have to…

I did get it started by tapping the FOB on the ground…

 

[Mscdman]

I dynamatted during my sub install. Is the key detected related to a signal that needs to come from the rear panel?

 

[Brags]

I just started getting this as well and haven't done anything to the Bronco recently. I'm thinking software bug...

 

[Mscdman]

I just started getting this as well and haven't done anything to the Bronco recently. I'm thinking software bug...

Might be - but very odd coincidence that it started right after my sub install where that rear panel antenna was disconnected.

what I don’t understand is that I am CERTAIN I’ve reattached the antenna. I distinctly heard it clip. I suppose it could have fallen off but then wouldn’t it always give key not detected?

 

[Mscdman]

I’ve read several threads on this topic and some point to a SW issue and some point to an antenna issue.

Anyone have any conclusive answers?

Mine is a 23 OBX

 

[Ducati1098]

Might be - but very odd coincidence that it started right after my sub install where that rear panel antenna was disconnected.

what I don’t understand is that I am CERTAIN I’ve reattached the antenna. I distinctly heard it clip. I suppose it could have fallen off but then wouldn’t my radio reception also be poor?

Radio reception has nothing to do with the rear PATS antenna. Those are 2 completely different antennas.

Also the fact that you tapped the fob on the ground and then it magically worked, kind of makes it seem like a fob or battery issue.

 

[Mscdman]

Radio reception has nothing to do with the rear PATS antenna. Those are 2 completely different antennas.

Also the fact that you tapped the fob on the ground and then it magically worked, kind of makes it seem like a fob or battery issue.

Thanks for clarifying re: PATS. Agree on the odd tapping pointing towards a FOB (it’s not a battery - it’s brand new). But if the PATS connector came loose wouldn’t it always say key not detected? Why would it be intermittent?

I mean crap does this mean the PATS connection can never be disconnected/reconnected?

I put the darn cable back when I reassembled and was careful as can be.

 

[Ducati1098]

Thanks for clarifying re: PATS. Agree on the odd tapping pointing towards a FOB (it’s not a battery - it’s brand new). But if the PATS connector came loose wouldn’t it always say key not detected? Why would it be intermittent?

I mean crap does this mean the PATS connection can never be disconnected/reconnected?

I put the darn cable back when I reassembled and was careful as can be.

It’s unlikely it has anything to do with the rear PATS antenna. There are 5 PATS antennas within the vehicle.
Why did you replace the battery to begin with? Was it having the same issue with the old battery?

 

[Mscdman]

It’s unlikely it has anything to do with the rear PATS antenna. There are 5 PATS antennas within the vehicle.
Why did you replace the battery to begin with? Was it having the same issue with the old battery?

Replaced the FOB battery because even before this key not detected and before the amp sub install the keyless entry was not unlocking the door when approaching it…

 

[Mscdman]

It’s unlikely it has anything to do with the rear PATS antenna. There are 5 PATS antennas within the vehicle.
Why did you replace the battery to begin with? Was it having the same issue with the old battery?

Do all PATS antennas need to be functional for the key fob to be recognized?

 

[Mscdman]

Replaced the FOB battery because even before this key not detected and before the amp sub install the keyless entry was not unlocking the door when approaching it…

Also made sure main car battery was fully charged.

 

[Ducati1098]

Do all PATS antennas need to be functional for the key fob to be recognized?

I can’t remember off hand, but I think only 1 of the antennas needs to be able to pick up the fob signal.

If you didn’t have the “key not detected” message before changing the battery, I would maybe change it again. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen one of those batteries bad even when new.

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