Does anyone use the door code instead of key to access vehicle?

[Retiredusps]

We have used it on all 4 fords we have had, It was very handy when a the shore Kids went back to get drinks , towels, chairs etc. also great when kids get bored and want to get out of the sun. Also great when shopping split up at different stores and don't want to drag packages thru stores.

 

[rd618]

it’s great when you’re outside and need to get something in the vehicle without going back in to unlock it.
I also don’t carry keys, only the fob to drive. If they had an option to call the vehicle instead of my cell phone I’d leave that home too.

 

[GixxerJasen]

it’s great when you’re outside and need to get something in the vehicle without going back in to unlock it.

My first vehicle with this and I really need to remember this. I can't count how many times I've gone back inside to get the key to get something out. Always forget about the keypad.

 

[Mako825]

I bought my 2003 Ford Expedition new and selected it off the Dealers lot (i.e. I didn’t order it). I recall seeing the keypad and turning to my wife and saying “I like the one we picked out, but I am afraid we just paid for a feature / option that we’ll never use”. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

We have been football season ticket holders for the past 20 years and love that we can lock the keys in the car when at games. Because the Expedition can accommodate so many passengers, we use it for every home game and always offer rides to our friends and fellow season ticket holders. Just because we ride together doesn’t mean we sat together. So, you have people in your party all over the stadium - hot weather, cold weather, rain, etc. We give everyone the code and they let themselves in whenever they get back to the car.

We’re on a trip as we speak and the Expedition is parked at our home airport with the keys locked up in it so we don’t have to worry about keeping up with them on our trip.

So, for us, I initially didn’t think I would ever use it. Now, we have become so accustomed to it, that I will look for it on my next vehicle.

 

[chuck s]

Wonderful feature. My 3d Ford SUV in the past 20 years and I've set the keypad to the same combination in all of them. Very handy for family and those "Aw poop" moments when I'm not carrying a key -- like in my bathrobe taking out the trash. (Try to block any visualization of that... ) When I handed down my Explorer to my daughter when she went off to college I could access it when we visited just like she could access the Expedition. I use it very often to lock the truck.

-- Chuck

 

[Tuebor]

I use it all summer long when I go kayaking. I don't have to worry about losing the key or having it get soaked. Meanwhile, my friends that go kayaking with me are always looking for creative spots to hide their keys while they are on the water.

 

[Broncoholic]

I love this feature. I used all the time on my F150 when I would need to get something out of the truck quick as I put my keys on a key hook away from the front door. I also like using the 7-9 buttons to lock the doors even if I don't have the key near by to use the touch sensors on the handle. I just purchased my Expedition and unfortunately the key code card did not come with the vehicle and I only have one key so I can't find the code until I get an additional key.

I love the 7-9 lock feature as well. When I'm in the driveway, I can quickly confirm my 2003 Expy is locked, as well as my wife's 2016 Expy, and my parent's 2011 Navi when they visit. Too many door handle checkers in Central Florida going through unlocked autos.

 

[Mike2020]

Ford has had the door keypad forever. My 2001 Excursion had one. I don't know why other mfg's don't have it too (Ford patent maybe?). It's an awesome feature!! I use it all the time. Don't need to grab the key if all I want to do is get something out of the vehicle. And as others have said, you can lock your key in the veh so you don't have to carry it with you.

I have multiple Ford vehicles and a neat thing you can do is make the keypad codes the same for each.

My 1996 Explorer U35 (V8AWD) had it and I used it often.

I have locked the keys in my 2020 Expedition accidentally a couple times and used the code to get back in to reclaim the key fob.

Lately my keyless entry hasn't been working that great because I have to keep a phone in the same pocket as the key fob. Instead of reaching in my pocket to do the ke6 fob I just use the code to lock/unlock when keyless doesn't work.

 

[Benoit]

I use it on my Expedition and Fusion when i am outside my house without my keys and want to open my car or the trank.

Also very usefull to open the garage door with factory remote when you dont have your keys ;-)

 

[Bill Schell]

No, I have never used it. I could see it being real handy for families with children though.

 

[D Hook]

I use mine all the time for the same reasons above; that quick trip to retrieve something or put something in without having to go into the house for the keys. Have it on my '98 Lincoln LSC too. Very handy. Not sure I would leave the car running though. Too much temptation for thieves these days.

 

[giraffenut]

I bought my 2003 Ford Expedition new and selected it off the Dealers lot (i.e. I didn’t order it). I recall seeing the keypad and turning to my wife and saying “I like the one we picked out, but I am afraid we just paid for a feature / option that we’ll never use”. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

We have been football season ticket holders for the past 20 years and love that we can lock the keys in the car when at games. Because the Expedition can accommodate so many passengers, we use it for every home game and always offer rides to our friends and fellow season ticket holders. Just because we ride together doesn’t mean we sat together. So, you have people in your party all over the stadium - hot weather, cold weather, rain, etc. We give everyone the code and they let themselves in whenever they get back to the car.

We’re on a trip as we speak and the Expedition is parked at our home airport with the keys locked up in it so we don’t have to worry about keeping up with them on our trip.

So, for us, I initially didn’t think I would ever use it. Now, we have become so accustomed to it, that I will look for it on my next vehicle.

 

[giraffenut]

I use mine all the time for the same reasons above; that quick trip to retrieve something or put something in without having to go into the house for the keys. Have it on my '98 Lincoln LSC too. Very handy. Not sure I would leave the car running though. Too much temptation for thieves these days.

When I try to leave key in the car and leave after locking, it honks at me and unlocks. How do you keep it from doing that?

 

[giraffenut]

I use it too, when backcountry camping or canoeing, because I don't need the headache of losing my keys that far from help! I put the fob in a "RF-proof" thing I found on Amazon, and hide it in the vehicle, so unless they tear it apart they won't be able to drive anywhere. Definitely a good idea to ensure it isn't available to thieves...

What RFID proof holder do you use from Amazon?

 

[purevw]

I use the door codes every time, since at any time there can be someone with a code grabber nearby. I use it to unlock, and also to lock all doors when I exit. I also installed my own code, rather than use the default code installed. I would never buy a vehicle without access keys on the door. For those that lock the key inside and leave it running, even if the door is locked, many insurance companies would consider that "owner assisted theft" and you may have a very hard time getting paid if your vehicle is stolen. Replacing a shattered window is a very cheap repair for a car thief.

 

[airbrush]

I have for many years (think decades) left my key in the center console and used the keypad for entry and lock. Works well for me.

 

[WCGator]

Having an access code is a neat feature, but I am trying to find a good use case for it. If I ever need something from the car quickly, I just grab my key which is usually on me or near me. If my wife needs something, she tells me to grab it!

Am I missing something about these door access codes that makes them better than using a key? I married into a family of loyal Ford buyers, and I don't know anyone who uses it

 

[WCGator]

I keep tin foil in the car for my RF-proof container.

Access codes are an asset to the point that you locked the keys in the car and no hidden key available. After that it up to you and your comfort in its use.

 

[The Cruise Guy]

Coded door is one of the best options to get. We have bought 2 vehicles new. And waited until bought 2004 Eddy Baur to find this out the hard way. I do remember them in late 60's, Make acces any time w/o keys. Saves lots of time once you get used to having it. And ours is very fast to unlock as some of the buttons you can hit twice if you program it that way.
Last month I left my 2000 F250 truck key at our cabin. So down one key. And no coded lock. And during that time I pulled into my driveway and locked door by hand and not thinking closed the door with the engine still running. Ouch! Had to call tow truck and wait for it for him to "Jimmy" the door. Cost $100 and all the gas while engine idling.

 

[Jttama]

I use it all the time. Whenever I leave the car I use it to lock everything since my key is already in my pocket. When I go to the gym, I leave my key in the card and use the keypad to get back into the car. In the winter when it's freezing, I don't turn the car off if I go into a store so I use the keypad then. I love it. I think it was a great idea.