Ford F-150 & Keys: 12 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

Known for its powerful engine, tough frame and class-leading reliability the F-150 is the most popular truck in the F-Series and the best-selling truck in the United States.

This article explains everything you need to know about the F-150 smart key fob.

Ford F-150 Key fob Buttons, Functions and Tricks

A standard F-150 key fob has a lock, unlock, remote start and trunk button.

The keyless entry system allows you to unlock and start your car with your key fob. You can do this with your unlock and remote start buttons on the key fob.

You can unlock your F-150 without touching your key fob, although your key fob will have to be on you. This feature allows you to unlock your car simply by pulling on the door handle.

Of course, the technology makes use of proximity sensors.

The F-150 is one of those trucks that has a Push-Button start. This replaces the key hole in newer model years.

As the name implies, simply push the engine start button and your baby springs up to life.

It is important to know that for the Push-Button to work, you’d need to have your key fob on you, just as you would, while unlocking your car by proximity.

With these factors in mind, you can unlock and start your car without ever touching your key fob.

How Much Does an Extra Key Cost?

An extra key can cost from $30 to $370.

Any F-150 key you get directly from a Ford dealership would be programmed.

A locksmith can make you a key of the same quality, as long as you can provide the required credentials to prove ownership of the car.

My F-150 Car Key Is Not Detected

One reason why your key is not detected is a weak or dead battery. So, you might want to check for that before anything else.

Another reason this might happen could be an obstruction of your key fob or transponder key signal. This can be through a third party device or based on your geographical location.

Try moving your key fob around the car to get a clear signal. Once you’re mobile, see a specialist.

Sometimes, you might be using the wrong key. Check that the key you are holding actually belongs to your F-150 truck.

Please also read our article about the F-150 in snow and winter driving.

Which Batteries Do Ford F-150 Keys Use?

The latest F-150 key fobs make use of the CR2450 3-volt lithium coin cell battery. Older model years use the CR2032 3-volt lithium coin cell battery.

Both batteries should not be difficult to find. Any car parts store should have them. They are also very affordable as 4 or 8 pieces usually cost below $10.

Check here for quality Ford F-150 key batteries. 

Can You Change the Key Battery Yourself?

You most definitely can; it can be as easy as changing your TV remote batteries.

Changing your key battery is a simple process as long as you’re careful. How you open your key fob depends on the type you use.

Some fobs require pressing a release button. Others would have to be unscrewed to get to the battery. A third type would need to be snapped open.

No matter the type of fob you use, you can no doubt change the battery yourself. Once the fob is opened, use a screwdriver or any clean object available to get the battery out.

The old battery should be disposed of properly, while the new one is placed in the same spot.

Be sure to note the terminals and place the battery correctly as that’s one thing people overlook. After that, close the fob the same way you opened it.

What to Do When Key Is Stuck in the Ignition?

Your first step should be to turn the steering wheel left and right while trying to pull out your key. Your steering wheel might be locked.

Also, be sure there are no objects around or in your ignition. No matter how tiny they are, they can cause a great deal of damage to your ignition.

Popular Key Fob Covers

No matter how careful you are, extra protection is always invaluable. That’s why getting a key fob cover is never a bad idea. These are great examples of key fob covers you should consider.

The Horande 5 Buttons Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Smart Key Fob Case Fit is a great fit for most F-150s.

It’s simple yet classic appearance makes it perfect when looking for a fob cover.

Alegender’s Black TPU Key Fob Cover Case Remote Holder Skin Glove is another popular choice. It is available in different colors like blue, silver, red, and pink.

What’s more, it’s one of the most affordable fob covers you’d find out there.

The DOBREV 4 Buttons Genuine Leather Smart Key Case Cover Skin Fob Holder comes highly recommended. It features metal end hooks combined with leather, a precise cutout to reveal the vehicle logo, and double layer pressed leather.

Click here for the best prices of Ford F-150 key fob covers on Amazon.

How to Find Key Codes for Lost Keys

The key code is often mistaken for the keyless entry code.

The keyless entry code means something entirely different; it is the factory override code set by Ford. It can be used to unlock your F-150 through the keypad in case you forget your code.

The key code shows what key would open a lock. It is usually simple and contains less than 10 digits; the code is mostly alpha-numeric.

Most people don’t even realize it exists until they need to replace a lost key.

You can find your key code in your user manual. You can also get it from your closest car dealership.

However, you have to provide your VIN and prove that you are the owner of the car. They’ll run it through their database and you’ll have your key code in no time.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the F-150 lasts.

What to Do If the Key Won’t Turn?

Here are reasons your key may not turn in the ignition:

A dead car battery may likely cause a key not to turn. Recharging the battery should rectify this problem.

A faulty ignition cylinder can also prevent your key from turning. In that case, you will need to repair or replace the cylinder.

A locked steering may also prevent your key from turning.

A crooked or damaged key will also have problem turning in the ignition.

My Key Won’t Go in the Ignition

There are several reasons why your key won’t go in the ignition.

Dirt is the major cause of a car key not going into the ignition. It could be dirt on the key or dirt on the spring pins in your ignition cylinder.

Dirt on your key would require that you simply clean it and try again. Whereas accumulated dirt in your ignition cylinder may need to be checked by a specialist.

A first aid option would be to try putting your key in and out, deeper every time until it fits in completely.

Also, check that your key is not worn, bent, or damaged as these can also prevent it from going into the ignition.

Also read our article about Ford F-150 statistics you should know.

What to Do If Keys Are Locked Inside a Ford F-150?

There are several ways to gain access to your truck if the keys are locked inside.

The F-150 keypad is a feature that always comes in handy. You can use it to open your car door if your key is locked inside, which is usually deliberate anyway.

Drivers may not want to walk around with keys and may choose to leave them in the car.

It isn’t very common for a modern F-150 key to be locked in a vehicle. Recent model years have been equipped with features to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

Modern F-150s shouldn’t lock if the key fob is still in the car or the engine is still running.

However, if you do not have these options, you’re better off calling a specialist for a new key.

Ford F-150 MyKey Explained

The Mykey feature is present in the F-150 along with other Ford models. It allows you to modify your car’s settings to suit the required driving habits of a family member.

This can be done by limiting their own keys while you hold the administrative key.

The administrative key can be thought of as a master key which knows no bounds. With it you can experience the maximum potential of your car.

You can even determine the distance that your F-150 has traveled with a MyKey.

If your F-150 uses a push start button, it would always recognize an administrator’s key fob over a MyKey.

A MyKey would be limited to a maximum speed limit, low fuel alert, and radio restrictions on adult content.

You can manually include:

• a maximum volume on audio,
• emergency assist,
• and traction control.

Creating a MyKey would require a little bit of rookie programming, which you can do yourself.

Simply insert the key and switch on the ignition, then go to settings on your display screen. There you’ll find the MyKey option, select it and create one.

Any additional step would be self-explanatory like confirming the settings. You can clear your MyKey settings at any point in time.

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