Is your Ford key fob triggering your car alarm or popping the trunk unexpectedly? You’re not alone. Many Ford owners experience overly sensitive key fobs, leading to accidental button presses while the fob is in their pocket. This issue can be frustrating, but thankfully, there’s a simple DIY Key Fob Fix you can perform at home. This guide will walk you through how to resolve the sensitivity issue in your Ford key fob, saving you time and potential dealership costs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Sensitive Key Fob
This key fob fix focuses on addressing the common problem of overly sensitive buttons. By making a small modification inside your key fob, you can regain control and prevent those annoying accidental activations.
1. Open Your Ford Key Fob
Start by removing the valet key from your fob. You’ll find a small switch to release it. Once the valet key is removed, use it or a small screwdriver to gently pry open the two halves of the key fob casing. It should split open relatively easily.
2. Identify the Metal Discs and Rubber Button Pad
Carefully separate the internal components from the casing. You’ll see a rubber button pad. On the back of this pad, you should find small metal discs that make contact with the circuit board when you press a button. The problem often arises when the adhesive holding these discs weakens, causing them to become loose. In some cases, like in the original example, some discs may have already detached and are floating around inside the fob. This explains the erratic and overly sensitive behavior.
3. Remove Discs and Clip the Center Nubs
Remove all the small metal discs from the rubber button pad. Using nail clippers, carefully clip off the small center nub that protrudes from the center of each button on the rubber pad. These nubs are where the metal discs were originally glued. Cleaning off any old glue residue from both the rubber buttons and the metal discs is recommended for better adhesion later.
4. Re-glue the Metal Discs (Optional Button Disabling)
Using a repair adhesive like Loctite repair adhesive, carefully glue the small metal discs back onto the rubber buttons. Consider which buttons you use most frequently. If you, like the original author, rarely use the panic or remote start buttons, you can choose not to re-glue the metal discs to those specific buttons. This effectively disables those buttons, further reducing accidental presses. For essential functions like lock, unlock, and trunk, ensure the metal discs are securely glued back in place.
5. Battery Replacement (Optional) and Reassembly
While you have your key fob open, it’s a good opportunity to replace the battery, especially if it’s been a while. This key fob uses a CR-2032 battery. Once you’ve completed the repairs and battery replacement (if desired), carefully reassemble the key fob, ensuring all components fit snugly back into the casing.
6. Test Your Key Fob Fix
After reassembly, test all the buttons on your key fob. They should now require a deliberate press to activate, resolving the overly sensitive issue. The buttons you chose to disable (by not re-gluing the metal discs) should no longer function.
Applicable Ford Models
This key fob fix is reported to work with Ford Smart Key remotes, FCC ID M3N5WY8609 (OE part number 164-R8091). This type of remote is commonly found in models such as:
- Ford Escape (2011-2018)
- Ford C-Max (2011-2018)
- Ford Focus (2011-2018)
- Ford Flex (2011-2018)
- Ford Explorer (2011-2018)
- Ford Expedition (2011-2018)
- Ford Taurus (2011-2018)
While this guide is based on these models, the general principle of loose metal discs causing sensitivity issues might apply to other key fobs as well.
Conclusion: Regain Control of Your Key Fob
By following these simple steps, you can effectively perform a key fob fix and eliminate the frustration of an overly sensitive Ford key fob. This DIY approach is a cost-effective solution that puts you back in control of your car’s keyless entry system.
