It’s a frustrating situation every driver dreads: you’re ready to go, but your Ford Flex key fob is dead. You press the buttons, but nothing happens. Does this mean you’re stranded? Fortunately, Ford has equipped your Flex with a backup solution to get you on your way even with a completely dead key fob battery.
The Dead Key Fob Dilemma
Modern key fobs rely on battery power to communicate with your Ford Flex. When that battery dies, the remote functions – locking, unlocking, and starting the engine – become unavailable. While a dead Ford Flex Key Fob Battery might seem like a major problem, it’s actually a common issue with a straightforward solution. Before you panic or call for roadside assistance, understand that your Ford Flex is designed with a method to start even when your key fob seems unresponsive due to a low or dead battery.
The Ford Flex Emergency Start Solution
Your Ford Flex has a hidden feature that allows you to start the vehicle even if your key fob battery is completely drained. This involves using a designated spot inside your vehicle to communicate directly with the car’s system. Here’s how to start your Ford Flex with a dead key fob battery:
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Locate the Center Console Pocket: Refer to your Ford Flex owner’s manual for the exact location, but typically, there’s a designated pocket or indentation in the center console, often near the cupholders or gear shift. This spot is specifically designed to communicate with the key fob in emergency situations.
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Place the Key Fob in the Designated Pocket: Insert your Ford Flex key fob into this designated slot. Ensure it’s placed correctly, as indicated in your owner’s manual. The purpose of this pocket is to allow the car to detect the key fob’s presence despite the dead battery, utilizing a passive RFID system.
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Start Your Ford Flex: With the key fob in the designated pocket, press the brake pedal and push the start button as you normally would. The vehicle should now recognize the key fob and start.
Once your Ford Flex is running, it’s crucial to address the dead key fob battery. While this emergency start method is a lifesaver, it’s not a permanent solution.
This image from the Ford Flex owner’s manual illustrates the keyless starting procedure, highlighting the placement of the key fob for starting the vehicle when the key fob battery is dead.
Replacing Your Ford Flex Key Fob Battery
To avoid future key fob frustrations, replacing the battery is a simple DIY task. Here’s what you’ll generally need to do:
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Identify the Battery Type: Most Ford Flex key fobs use a CR2032 battery. Confirm this by checking your owner’s manual or by opening the key fob (instructions usually in the manual as well).
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Open the Key Fob: Carefully open your Ford Flex key fob. This usually involves releasing a small latch or screw, depending on your specific fob design.
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Replace the Battery: Remove the old battery and insert the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the polarity (+ and – sides) is correct.
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Close the Key Fob: Reassemble the key fob securely.
After replacing the battery, your Ford Flex key fob should function normally again. It’s a good idea to keep a spare CR2032 battery on hand in your glove compartment to prevent being caught off guard by a dead key fob battery in the future. Regularly checking your key fob battery can also help avoid unexpected issues and ensure you’re never stuck unable to start your Ford Flex.
