Key fob issue

[Fiesta91522]

All right so this isn't a fiesta issue however it is in explorer and I figure it's probably the same or similar process. My sister has a 2021 explorer with the push button start. It has one original key and a third party key that I programmed with forscan.

When I first programmed the key it worked fine, unlocked, locked, remote start all that. As this was a spare key it sat in the closet and didn't get used however now that she tried to use it it no longer unlocks locks or remote starts and just flashes three red lights. The key itself will still start the car if it's inside the vehicle. The original factory key works fine both has a remote control and as a key to start the vehicle.

Doe anyone have any ideas on why the key or car would "forget" it's programing for the third party key?

In past Ford's I could program just the remote access function independent of the PATS key chip. Normally I am able to do it with the old series of turning the car to run x number of times in y number of seconds and pushing the buttons however each vehicle generation always had some specific criteria about stuff like doors being open or the car being locked etc.

Thanks in advance

 

[SteveS]

If the key will start the car it is still programmed to the car. If it won't operate the locks it may just have a low/dead battery.

 

[Zormecteon]

I just had the "beep beep beep" alert and a dash message, "LOW BATTERY in FOB". .. Easy to change. I keep 2025s and 2032s on hand at all times...

Speaking of fobs. I decided to try to access my physical key inside the fob. No dice. So I tried the one that came with the car I keep in the drawer. No dice. So I tried the other original key. (the one that went thru the washer drier a couple of times, and kept shorting batteries until it dried out a year later, now its fine. When that one went bad I got a replacement from the dealer [an ordeal in itself because of the MP 215 tune] but I digress) So, three fobs, no access to physical key. hmmm... Thought about it and decided it had to be user error. They ALL couldn't have failed. Got out my regular one this morning and changed WHERE I was pressing the button for the release. BINGO. .. D'oh.

I was going to start a thread on this seeking information on HOW to get to that metal key, but found the answer myself AND this thread.

TLDR. Replace the battery in a fob that's been in a drawer for over a year if it isn't working as expected.

 

[Fiesta91522]

If the key will start the car it is still programmed to the car. If it won't operate the locks it may just have a low/dead battery.

TLDR. Replace the battery in a fob that's been in a drawer for over a year if it isn't working as expected.

Sorry. That was the first thing we tried. Two different new batteries, still same thing

The car also doesn't give any low battery warnings for the key.

I ran forscan on it and it didn't have any kind of relevant error codes