Experiencing the dreaded “Key Not Detected” message in your Ford Focus Electric can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. It happened to us recently, leaving us puzzled and searching for answers. While your owner’s manual might leave you stranded in this situation, don’t worry, there’s a clever workaround that Ford surprisingly keeps under wraps.
Like many modern vehicles, the Ford Focus Electric relies on an Electric Key Fob for keyless entry and ignition. These fobs are incredibly convenient, until the battery dies. In our case, a chilly day seemed to exacerbate the issue, leading my wife to warm up the key fob in her hand just to get the car started – definitely not an ideal long-term solution!
Upon closer inspection back home, the culprit became clear: a leaking, old key fob battery. A common CR 2032 battery is all it takes to power these little devices, and battery replacement is a routine part of car ownership. However, the thought of being completely stranded by a dead key fob battery prompted a crucial question: is there a backup?
Fortunately, the answer is yes! Ford has incorporated a hidden feature that allows you to start your Focus Electric even with a completely dead electric key fob battery. This ingenious solution bypasses the need for a working fob battery in emergency situations. And incredibly, this vital piece of information is missing from the owner’s manual!
Here’s how to access this hidden key fob trick and start your Ford Focus Electric with a dead electric key fob:
-
Gaining Entry: If your doors are locked, don’t panic. Every Ford Focus Electric electric key fob contains a physical key blade. Simply locate the release button or latch on your fob to pop out the mechanical key. Use this key to manually unlock your driver’s side door, just like with a traditional key.
-
Accessing the Secret Key Fob Location: Once inside your vehicle, locate the center console storage bin, the compartment between the driver and passenger seats. Open it up and ensure the main section is clear of any items. You need a clear view of the very bottom of the storage bin.
-
The Magic Spot: This is the crucial step. Take your dead electric key fob and place it directly at the very bottom of the center console storage bin, with the button side facing upwards. It needs to be lying flat on the base of the bin.
-
Start Your Car: Now, with the dead electric key fob correctly positioned, press the brake pedal and push the main start button as you normally would. Your Ford Focus Electric should start right up!
It’s important to note that this hidden feature seems to be specifically designed for Ford Focus models manufactured between 2016 and 2018, encompassing both gasoline and electric versions. While it might also work on earlier 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric models, we haven’t been able to confirm this.
Interestingly, the owner’s manual does mention the bottom of the center console storage bin, but only in the context of programming a new electric key fob to your vehicle, within the “Security” section. It never reveals its secret function as a backup key fob reader!
The technical explanation behind this hidden trick is fascinating. Even with a dead battery, your electric key fob can still be detected by the car when placed in the center console. This suggests that the fob likely contains a passive RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag. Passive RFID technology doesn’t require a battery to transmit information; it’s activated by a radio frequency signal from the car. This allows for key detection and vehicle starting even when the fob battery is completely drained.
While this hidden trick is a lifesaver in emergencies, remember it’s not a permanent solution. Replace the dead battery in your electric key fob as soon as possible to restore full key fob functionality and avoid future “Key Not Detected” surprises. Keep a spare CR 2032 battery handy in your glove compartment for added peace of mind.
Knowing this hidden Ford Focus Electric electric key fob trick can save you from being stranded and get you back on the road quickly. Share this helpful tip with other Ford Focus Electric owners – they’ll thank you for it!
