It’s a frustrating scenario for any Ford Focus ST owner: you approach your car, reach for the door handle, and nothing happens. Your key fob is unresponsive. A dead key fob battery can leave you locked out or unable to start your vehicle. But don’t worry, Ford has incorporated backup systems into your Focus ST’s intelligent access key to ensure you’re not stranded. This guide will walk you through accessing your car and starting your engine when your Ford Focus St Key Fob Battery is dead.
First, let’s address gaining entry to your Focus ST when the key fob remote is not working due to a dead battery. Your Ford Focus ST key fob contains a mechanical backup key blade. To access this, locate the release tabs on the back of your key fob. These are small, ridged tabs positioned on both sides, near where the keyring attaches.
By pinching or depressing these tabs while simultaneously lifting the back cover adorned with the “Ford” logo, you can release the cover and reveal the hidden key blade.
Once you have removed the backup key blade from the Ford Focus ST key fob, you can use it to manually unlock the driver’s side door. This is the only door with a physical lock cylinder. Insert the key blade into the lock cylinder located on the driver’s door handle to unlock the car.
For locking the other doors manually, Ford Focus ST provides an emergency lock slot. On the edge of each door, above the latch mechanism, you will find a small slot. Use the key blade to turn this slot to manually lock the doors that do not have external lock cylinders.
Now, let’s address starting your Ford Focus ST when the key fob battery is dead but the car’s battery is functional. Ford Focus ST models with keyless ignition do not have a traditional ignition switch on the steering column. Instead, they utilize a passive RFID chip within the key fob for backup starting. In the event of a dead key fob battery, you need to use inductive coupling to activate this chip.
Locate the steering column cover. Behind this cover is a transmitter designed to power the RFID chip in your Ford Focus ST key fob when the battery is dead.
While it might work by simply holding the key fob very close to the steering column cover, for optimal performance, it is recommended to remove the cover. The cover is designed to be easily removed, often by gently pulling or using a small prying tool in designated slots.
Behind the cover, you’ll find a designated slot or area. Place your Ford Focus ST key fob into this slot. This positioning ensures the key fob’s passive RFID chip is close enough to the transmitter for the system to recognize the key and allow you to start your vehicle.
Once the key fob is in the designated location, you should be able to start your Ford Focus ST by pressing the start/stop button as you normally would. This bypasses the need for the key fob battery and allows you to operate your vehicle until you can replace the dead key fob battery.
While some might be concerned about the absence of a physical ignition switch, modern keyless ignition systems in vehicles like the Ford Focus ST rely on sophisticated electronic security. Even with traditional keys, immobilizer systems and electronic controls are essential for starting the engine. The keyless system design in the Focus ST streamlines the process and, by omitting a physical backup switch, potentially contributes to a more cost-effective and modern vehicle. Understanding these backup procedures ensures you’re never truly stranded by a dead Ford Focus ST key fob battery.
