No key detected

[Sandmanuva]

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?

 

[SyndicateZ]

Are the keys original to the expedition?

 

[Deep8174]

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.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

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?

 

[Sandmanuva]

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.

 

[SyndicateZ]

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.

Get a good name brand. No dollar store cheap things

 

[gergnamenorg]

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?

 

[Sandmanuva]

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.

 

[wakeboarder]

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.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

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?

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).

 

[Sandmanuva]

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.

Hadn’t thought about. I do often have the fob on the same chain as our other car fob, but not always. Might be a contributor, but not the only cause.

 

[Sandmanuva]

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).

Sounds very similar. Car will sometimes start and about 5 sec later show the no key detected message. Hasn’t happened again since replacing the battery a couple weeks ago. Fingers crossed. Did a Duracell.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Sounds very similar. Car will sometimes start and about 5 sec later show the no key detected message. Hasn’t happened again since replacing the battery a couple weeks ago. Fingers crossed. Did a Duracell.

This month I have had my Expedition for nine years. Since its purchase, it displays the “no key detected” message randomly.

It has to be some type of defect with the vehicle and/or its computer code system.

I’ve given up on trying to figure it out. I just chalked it up to poor Ford quality with the Ford dealer unable to troubleshoot without a trouble code.

 

[gergnamenorg]

after looking i found several sources that indicated LED lights could be causing interference with the remote. in addition to key not detected i was also having issue with door lock but only when lights were on after exiting truck... so i decided to start removing any LED's i had installed. and after taking out the license plate lights ... BAM! the door lock issue stopped and I have not had a key not detected since. i will follow up after a few days to confirm.

 

[gergnamenorg]

I am going to call this SOLVED. if you are having any issues with remote and have aftermarket LEDs I suggest you find the offender and trash it. I still have LED's inside and in backup & brake/turn so some are OK and some are no bueno. hope this helps someone!

 

[Sandmanuva]

Thanks for sharing this. I hadn’t heard of LED interference. Good thing to check. I don’t have any aftermarket LEDs, but I can confirm the problem has not come up again after switching to a fresh Duracell battery in the key.