Experiencing issues with your 2014 Ford F-150 key fob remote start after programming new keys? It’s a common frustration for F-150 owners, especially after adding refurbished or aftermarket key fobs. Let’s break down the potential causes and how to troubleshoot this problem effectively.
There are generally two separate programming processes involved when dealing with your F-150 key fob. The first step is programming the key to the vehicle’s immobilizer system, which allows the key to physically start the engine when inserted into the ignition. The second, often overlooked, step involves programming the button functions on the key fob itself, including lock, unlock, and crucially, remote start.
It appears you’ve successfully completed the first programming stage, as your refurbished 4-button keys are able to lock and unlock your truck’s doors and even start the engine. However, the remote start function remains stubbornly inactive on these new keys. This points towards a few potential culprits.
One likely reason is key fob compatibility. Even if a key fob looks identical and has the correct number of buttons, it might not be configured to support the remote start feature for your specific 2014 F-150. It’s possible the refurbished keys you acquired, while functional for basic locking/unlocking and ignition, are not equipped or programmed to activate the remote start system on your vehicle.
Another possibility is a missed programming step, although less likely if you used a tool like Forscan, which generally handles both key and button programming. However, it’s worth double-checking your Forscan procedure to ensure all necessary steps for remote start functionality were correctly executed for each new key fob.
To effectively troubleshoot, consider these steps:
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Verify Key Fob Part Numbers: If possible, compare the part number of your original, working key fob (the one with the 3 buttons that works perfectly) to the part numbers of the refurbished 4-button keys. Ensure compatibility, specifically checking if the refurbished keys are indeed designed to support remote start for your 2014 F-150 model year and trim. Suppliers of refurbished keys should be able to provide this information.
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Re-examine Forscan Programming: Review your Forscan programming logs and procedures. Consult online forums and Forscan documentation specific to 2014 F-150 key fob programming, paying close attention to any steps related to remote start activation. It’s possible a specific module or setting needs adjustment for the remote start to recognize the new keys.
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Consider Key Fob Source: Where did you purchase the refurbished keys? Keys from reputable suppliers specializing in automotive electronics are more likely to be correctly configured and compatible. Keys from less reliable sources might have underlying issues or incorrect programming that prevents full functionality, including remote start.
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Test Original Remote Start Key (if available): If you have an original 4-button key that came with the remote start system, test its remote start functionality. If it works, this further points towards a compatibility or programming issue with the refurbished keys. If even the original remote start key fails, the problem might lie with the truck’s remote start system itself, not just the key fobs.
By systematically checking these points, you can narrow down the cause of your 2014 F-150 key fob remote start problem and hopefully find a solution to get all your key fob functions working as expected.
