Only one key works to start

[Cayman]

Hi,

I picked up a new to me 2017 Expedtion EL XLT a couple days a go. So far very pleased, but have an issue with one of the keys. 202A, factory remote start and all the lock / unlock buttons are on the key itself - no separate fob.

One of the keys works perfectly. On the other the remote start and door locks work, but when I put it in the ignition and turn it on it will not start. I disconnected the battery for over an hour, hooked it back up and the key worked once. I have also turned to on, put shifter from P to D and back to D - this sometimes works. Sometimes when I try to start it with the bad key the alarm is set off, which I turn off with the key fob. Occasionally I'll get "starting system fault" on upper left of dashboard.

Anyone have any tips? Still under warranty so I'll take it in I guess, I'm just wondering if there is an easy fix.

 

[East-TN]

Sounds like the bad key is not programmed to your Expy...or the battery in the key is going bad. Take it back to dealer and let them fix it.

 

[coolzzy]

Or the second key is an ebay special. They can be bought cheap and the key head programed like a regular fob instead of through the computer. The key has to be programmed by the dealer or a locksmith unless you have 2 working keys already in which case you can program your own easily once they have been cut. I believe Forscan can also be used to program the keys instead of going the dealer route ...

 

[iimagine]

If the non-working key doesn't have SA on the blade, it's after market.

 

[Cayman]

Thanks for the input... both keys have SA on blade. Swapped in a new fob battery - nothing. It’s weird that the remote start works, as soon as I put key in and turn it truck turns off, key won’t restart.

Headed to dealer tomorrow, I’ll give an update...

 

[Cayman]

Took it to the dealer, tried to demonstrate the problem and of course it worked perfectly. Guess I’ll see if the problem comes back...

 

[Flexpedition]

Of course, always happens that way.

Just FYI, the batteries are 100% for the remote function. You could remove the battery completely and the truck would still start with the key in the ignition cylinder. The keys each have a RFID chip for security which is read (energized then analyzed) by a device in the steering column.

In your first post you mentioned this troublesome second key has indeed started the truck. The "Starting System Fault" is where the trouble is. Too late now, but the truck should have had a stored code for this event for the dealer to read. Not all codes generate a check engine light. Make note of date and time you next see this and relay to the dealership.

 

[Black]

Would Any of the MyKey settings keep it from starting??
I haven’t fooled with MyKey so I don’t know what all can be limited.

 

[Cayman]

Update - as we were leaving the dealer the service manager asked to try starting one more time with bad key - didn’t work.

Service manager took it back and tried to reprogram key, didn’t work - said there’s something wrong with the key, will be replaced under warranty. I had to get going so will get it done soon...

Flexpedition - I will pull codes and see if anything shows up.

Black - from what I can tell it’s an Admin key - no restrictions.

Other than a bad key I love this beast!