No key detected

I have a 2018 where it is randomly, but frequently, reporting no key detected on the dash and not starting. This happens in multiple locations that are unpredictable. If it is started already, it will sometimes not allow me to shift out of park. This is happening with both keys and both have had batteries replaced.

The fix is to turn the car off and press the lock then unlock buttons on the keys. The car will respond by locking, then unlocking and will then happily start.

The only thing I’ve noticed is that it seems to happen sometimes if the car is in park and one of the kids slams the door too hard. The car stops recognizing the key and I have to do the turn off, lock, unlock trick. I can’t recreate this though.

Remote start works, liftgate, etc. all from far away.

Any ideas?

Are the keys original to the expedition?

When was the last time you changed the batteries?

Edit: I just realized you changed the batteries.

Could be interference with something going on nearby.

I know you changed the batteries, but mine used to do that every once in a while. I changed the batteries in both fobs and haven't seen it since. Perhaps the replacement batteries are weak?

Thanks for the replies. I thought interference, but it doesn’t seem to be happening in the same locations and is too frequent to be normal. I tried changing the batteries twice, but it was from the same four pack. I’ll try getting a fully fresh set to see if that helps.

Sandmanuva said:

Thanks for the replies. I thought interference, but it doesn’t seem to be happening in the same locations and is too frequent to be normal. I tried changing the batteries twice, but it was from the same four pack. I’ll try getting a fully fresh set to see if that helps.

Click to expand...

Get a good name brand. No dollar store cheap things

I have same problem. I even bought a replacement key fob and it happened. I can lock truck from inside my house but it doesn't detect key when it is inside truck. WTF, over...

which module deals with this function? may reload that module with forscan?

For others following I got around to replacing the key battery (again) with a freshly purchased Duracell brand last week. I am waiting to see if that is a long term fix.

Could it be the location of the key? I have had proximity keys not unlock doors before when they were close to other proximity keys.

Sandmanuva said:

I have a 2018 where it is randomly, but frequently, reporting no key detected on the dash and not starting. This happens in multiple locations that are unpredictable. If it is started already, it will sometimes not allow me to shift out of park. This is happening with both keys and both have had batteries replaced.

The fix is to turn the car off and press the lock then unlock buttons on the keys. The car will respond by locking, then unlocking and will then happily start.

The only thing I’ve noticed is that it seems to happen sometimes if the car is in park and one of the kids slams the door too hard. The car stops recognizing the key and I have to do the turn off, lock, unlock trick. I can’t recreate this though.

Remote start works, liftgate, etc. all from far away.

Any ideas?

Click to expand...

I don’t have an answer - but a similar problem.

I ordered and purchased a new 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 with the push-button start.

Since new, intermittently the vehicle will display the “no key detected” message after I enter the vehicle with the key in my pocket and start the engine by pushing the button.

The message displays AFTER the vehicle starts. Sometimes, a second message appears (trailer wiring fault) - other times, it is just the no key detected warning.

When new, I took it to my selling Ford dealer twice for the issues. I was told since there was no trouble codes stored, there were no repairs warranted.

Several times I replaced the batteries in both fobs with new ones - with an expiration date years-out. It made no difference.

To this day, I randomly and intermittent receive the warning messages. I have never towed or even connected anything to the receiver, or the two different trailer electrical pin connectors.

I’ve given up on trying to figure out the problem. The vehicle has never not started, but displays the message AFTER the engine starts. I always have the fob in my left front pants’ pocket.

I’ve tried removing the fob when the message appears and moving it around with my hand - very close to the dash and push-button start switch. The engine continues to run and the message remains until I clear it (or shut the engine off).