Ford Ranger And Keys: 12 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The Ford Ranger has a reputation of being the smaller truck when compared to the Ford F-Series.

That’s why most truck enthusiasts who are on budgets would likely go for the Ranger.

Being a truck with no push button, this article covers all you need to know about the Ranger Key fob.

Ford Ranger Key Fob Buttons, Functions and Tricks

Most Ranger key fobs are equipped with Lock, Unlock, Panic and Go buttons.

However, there may be variations depending on when the key fob was made.

A popular feature among Ford Ranger owners is the remote start. It works when you hit the locks and press the 2X button twice.

Press the 2X button twice again to turn off your engine.

Your car lights should flash a couple of times. Some key fobs may even flash too.

Note that the Ford Ranger has long-range sensitivity. This means you can use your key fob while you’re many meters away.

How Much Does an Extra Key Cost?

The cost of getting a new Ford Ranger key ranges between $45 to $350, depending on several factors.

These factors include the type of key, model year, your location, and the particular dealer you go to.

It also depends on whether you use a remote key fob, transponder chip key, or a non-transponder chip key.

However, it is unlikely that you use a non-transponder chip key, since they went out of production in the mid-2000s.

The costs vary greatly because the keys would require different types of programming.

Key fobs made in recent years are more expensive than earlier models.

Most websites give guides on how to program your key fob yourself to cut cost. However, it is always better to consult professionals if you can afford it.

Please also make sure to read our article about the Ford Ranger in snow and winter driving. 

My Ranger Car Key Is Not Detected

More often than not, this arises because of a weak or dead battery.

If that’s the case, try using the actual key to unlock/start your car.

Luckily the Ford Ranger’s lack of a push-start button is an advantage in this situation. If that works, be sure to get your key fob checked immediately.

Other problems may include programming error (mostly in new keys), or frequency in a specific location, to mention a few.

If you’re unable to move your car with the manual key, calling a professional may be your best option.

Which Batteries Do Ford Ranger Keys Use?

Most Ford Ranger key fobs use a CR2032 3-volt Lithium Coin Cell Battery. 

Most key fobs of different car brands also use the CR2032 3-volt Lithium Coin Cell Battery.

That’s why with key fob batteries, the trick isn’t the type of battery. Rather it’s the quality of the battery you buy.

Click here for Ford Ranger key batteries on Amazon.

Can You Change the Key Battery Yourself?

You can change your key battery with a few simple tools.

With a round key fob, you only need to pop open the key fob at the intersection or joint.

You would need a miniature screwdriver to pop open the latch, while holding everything in place. Doing this ensures you don’t alter the physical composition of the key fob interior.

Use the screwdriver to pry out the old battery. After that, ensure you put the new one in the exact position of the old.

Then carefully place both sides of the key fob together and seal with a gentle press of your fingers.

With a rectangular key, a screw would have to be loosened instead. Follow a similar procedure as above, while handling the device with care.

This is because any slight damage may mean extra costs and even a change of key fob altogether.

A change of key fob means an additional cost of programming. If you feel you might not be up to the task, it is best you take your key fob to a specialist.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Ford Ranger lasts.

What to Do When Key Is Stuck in the Ignition?

Wiggling the steering wheel while trying to pull out your key is always the quickest solution. Most cases of stuck keys are because of a locked steering wheel.

Another reason could be a wrong gear. If your car has an automatic transmission, make sure the Ranger is in park or neutral before you attempt removing the key.

Other things to check are your car battery, as a dead battery may lock your key cylinder. This mostly happens when you have an electronic ignition.

Simply charge your car battery if it is weak. A damaged battery would require a replacement.

Please also read our article for more information and (solutions) to Ford Ranger transmission problems.

Popular Key fob Covers

One way to protect your key fob is by using a key fob cover. They increase the durability of your key fob by a great percentage.

These are a few examples of popular key fob covers on Amazon:

The ROYALFOX TM 2/3 Buttons Leather flip remote Key Fob case cover is a quality product. The shining appearance of this black key fob makes it one of the most popular choices among Ford Ranger owners.

Another stylish key fob cover is the M.JVisun Soft Silicone Rubber Carbon Fiber Texture Cover Protector. Although not as popular as the leather key fob, its unique appearance makes it popular. It also comes with a unique weave key chain.

The M.JVisun Soft TPU Case Cover Protector Flip Key is a favorite of young drivers. It comes in a variety of colors like glossy red, glossy blue, glossy pink and glossy silver.

Check here for affordable and stylish Ford Ranger key fob covers on Amazon.

How to Find Key Codes for Lost Keys

Some cars have their key codes written on the exterior of their locks.

Finding your Ranger key code could be a difficult or easy task. Your key code is required when replacing your remote key fob or transponder key.

Your Ranger key code should be located in your code card, which is in your owner’s manual. That would save you a great deal of stress and money.

However, it may not be in your manual if you misplaced your documents.

Your car dealer may have to remove the lock cylinder to view the key code.

Having your Vehicle Identification Number may also help them get your key code. However, be prepared to incur additional costs for any of these alternative methods.

What to Do If the Key Won’t Turn

A worn out ignition would prevent your ignition from turning. This could cause the cylinder pins to be unaligned.

Call a professional to repair the cylinder, as this requires a realignment of the cylinder pins.

A stuck key and a key that won’t turn are synonymous. This means some causes of a stuck key may also be the source of a key that won’t turn.

Examples of such causes are a locked steering wheel or a dead car battery.

In both situations listed above, the same remedy applied in a stuck ignition can also be applied.

My Key Won’t Go in the Ignition

Most people use their keys to do several things. Hence, dirt can accumulate on your Ranger’s key over time.

A key that won’t go into the ignition can easily be cleaned if the problem is because of dirt. After cleaning with a clean rag dipped in water, it should go in.

If that method doesn’t work, you may have to do a more thorough cleaning with alcohol-based cleaning agents. A spirit should do the trick.

Your key may be bent or deformed. Check that the key is not crooked if it doesn’t go into the ignition.

Some times, it is your ignition cylinder that is clogged with debris.

Also read our article about 11 Ford Ranger statistics you should know. 

What to Do If Keys Are Locked Inside a Ford Ranger?

Emerging technologies make it difficult for the Ranger key fob to get locked inside a car, especially if you use a smart key fob.

A smart key fob ensures the car doesn’t lock if the engine is still running or the key fob is in the car.

If your model is not equipped with this technology, an alternative is your smartphone.

Your smartphone can serve the same purpose as your key fob.

You only need to download the FordPass app and link it to your Ranger. You can use the app can to lock, unlock and start your Ranger.

Ford Ranger MyKey Explained

The Ford Ranger MyKey setting is a safety setting that helps encourage safer driving habits in drivers.

This feature can be used to set a specific maximum speed, seatbelt alerts, audio volume limit and much more.

You can use MyKey to set a limit speed and sound limits for yourself and other drivers who use your car regularly.

Company cars may also use the feature to make sure employees are on their best behavior. The technology works with a programmed key, which is recognized by the car’s ignition.

Once it is recognized, all prior settings you’ve made spring up to life. The only way to bypass the feature would be to use a key without the MyKey setting programmed in it.

The MyKey feature can inform a driver about a low fuel tank. It can also sort and block radio stations with inappropriate content.

Check your user manual to learn how to create a Ford Ranger MyKey.

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