Is your car key fob acting up, triggering the panic alarm or popping the trunk with the slightest touch? Many car owners, especially those with Ford models like Escape, C-Max, Focus, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, and Taurus from the 2011-2018 range, have experienced the frustration of an overly sensitive key fob. If you’re tired of your key fob’s unpredictable behavior, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a simple DIY fix to restore your key fob’s proper function and eliminate those accidental button presses.
Understanding the Sensitive Key Fob Issue
The culprit behind an overly sensitive key fob often lies within its button mechanism. Inside your key fob, small metal discs are adhered to the back of each button on a rubber piece. Over time, the adhesive holding these discs can weaken, causing them to become loose or even detach. When these discs move around or are no longer properly positioned, they can create unintended contact, leading to your key fob activating buttons with minimal pressure. This explains why your key fob might unlock your car, pop the trunk, or set off the panic alarm seemingly at random, even when just in your pocket.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Key Fob Sensitivity
Fortunately, resolving this sensitivity issue is a straightforward process that you can do at home with a few simple tools. Here’s how to fix your overly sensitive car key fob:
Step 1: Open the Key Fob Casing
First, you’ll need to access the internal components of your key fob. Locate the valet key switch – typically a small button or latch – and remove the valet key. Once removed, use the valet key or a small screwdriver to carefully pry open the key fob casing. Gently insert the tool into the seam and twist or lever to separate the two halves of the fob.
Step 2: Access the Button Mechanism
With the key fob open, carefully take out the internal pieces. You’ll see a rubber button section. Remove this rubber piece to expose the buttons and the back of them. Pay attention to how the components fit together; it’s usually a simple assembly that only goes back together one way.
Step 3: Modify the Buttons and Metal Discs
Examine the rubber button piece. You should see small metal discs on the back of each button. Identify if any of these discs are loose or missing. In many cases of overly sensitive fobs, these discs will be detached and floating around inside the casing.
Remove all the metal discs from the rubber button piece. Using fingernail clippers, carefully clip off the small center nub that protrudes from the back of each button. This nub is where the metal discs were originally glued. Clean off any old adhesive residue from both the rubber buttons and the metal discs.
If you wish to disable certain buttons, such as the panic or remote start buttons (as in the original example), you can choose not to re-glue the metal discs onto those specific buttons. For the buttons you want to keep active, use a small amount of Loctite repair adhesive or similar glue to reattach the metal discs to the back of the buttons.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test Your Key Fob
Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, reassemble the rubber button piece, the circuit board, and the key fob casing in reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all components are properly aligned before snapping the casing back together.
This is also an opportune time to replace the battery if you have a replacement CR-2032 battery on hand.
After reassembly, test your key fob. The buttons should now require a deliberate press to activate, eliminating the overly sensitive response. The buttons you chose to disable (by not reattaching the metal discs) should no longer function.
Additional Information and Compatibility
This fix is reported to be effective for Ford Smart Key remotes with FCC ID M3N5WY8609 and OE part number 164-R8091. This type of remote is commonly found in Ford Escape, C-Max, Focus, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, and Taurus models manufactured between 2011 and 2018. The circuit board may be stamped with “Continental 1408-2” and “94V-0”.
By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of an overly sensitive car key fob, saving yourself from accidental button presses and restoring reliable keyless entry functionality.
