Experiencing issues with your 2019 Ford F-150 key fob can be frustrating. As a certified automotive technician at keyfobx.com, I understand the inconvenience this can cause. Let’s diagnose some common problems and potential solutions to get your key fob working smoothly again.
Understanding Your 2019 F150 Key Fob System
The key fob system in your 2019 F-150 is more complex than just a simple remote. It interacts with several vehicle modules, including the Radio Transceiver Module (RTM), keyless entry antennae (KEA), and Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) antennae. These components work together to ensure seamless keyless entry, remote start (if equipped), and vehicle operation.
Radio Transceiver Module (RTM)
The RTM is crucial as it receives signals from your key fob for various functions like locking/unlocking doors and potentially remote start. If you suspect a problem with the RTM, a diagnostic scan using FORScan or a similar tool is recommended to check for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). While RTM failures are not very common, testing it is a good step in diagnosing key fob issues.
Keyless Entry Antennae (KEA)
Your 2019 F-150 utilizes keyless entry antennae to detect your key fob’s proximity, enabling features like touch-to-unlock on the door handles and hands-free tailgate operation. There are KEAs located in each front door handle and potentially in the tailgate. If these antennae are malfunctioning, you might find that touching the door handle sensor or pressing the tailgate button doesn’t respond, even when the key fob is nearby.
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Antennae
The PATS antennae are essential for vehicle start-up. They communicate with the transponder chip in your key fob to verify vehicle authorization. These antennae are typically located around the steering column, near the backup key slot, and possibly in the rear of the cab. If the PATS antennae fail to recognize your key fob, your 2019 F-150 may not start.
Common 2019 F150 Key Fob Problems and Solutions
Based on the symptoms you might be experiencing, here are a few troubleshooting steps:
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Check Key Fob Batteries: While it’s less likely that both key fobs would have battery issues simultaneously, it’s a simple first step to rule out. Replace the batteries in your 2019 F150 Key Fob with new ones and test again.
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Attempt Vehicle Start: Did the truck start when you tried? If your vehicle doesn’t start, or if remote start is not functioning, this could indicate a problem with the PATS antennae not recognizing the key fob.
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Test Remote Functions: Does the door lock/unlock function work using the key fob buttons? If these functions are working, it suggests the RTM is likely functioning correctly, as it handles these signals. However, if other keyless features like door handle touch unlock or tailgate release are not working, the issue might lie with the KEAs or the BCM controlling them.
Diagnostic Steps
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, a professional diagnostic scan is advisable. A scan tool can read DTCs from the Body Control Module (BCM) and other relevant modules, which might pinpoint the source of the problem, whether it’s related to the antennae or other components in your 2019 F-150 key fob system.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your 2019 F150 key fob requires a systematic approach. By understanding the key components like the RTM, KEAs, and PATS antennae, and performing basic checks, you can narrow down potential issues. If problems persist, professional diagnostics will be necessary to identify and resolve the root cause, ensuring your key fob functions as expected.
