Door keypad for '24?

[MilesTeg]

I want a door keypad on my '24 Bronco. I've had a door keypad on every Ford I've owned (except my Mustang, which is reasonable) for 25 years, and am disappointed that Ford has stopped putting them on.

I know I can buy one to stick on, but I read that there is a "dealer installed" option that is actually hard wired rather than battery powered and has more functionality. Is that correct?

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[RagnarKon]

You are correct, on some vehicles you can get hard-wired keypads. The Bronco Sport, for example, has a hard-wired keypad option (link).

But on the Bronco it has always been stick-on (even the factory-installed keypad) simply because the doors are removable.

 

[Vandy]

I never thought I'd use my keypad but I'm glad I got it, I use it quite often! It's nice to have to run out to grab something only to realize you don't have the key with you.

 

[MilesTeg]

You are correct, on some vehicles you can get hard-wired keypads. The Bronco Sport, for example, has a hard-wired keypad option (link).

But on the Bronco it has always been stick-on (even the factory-installed keypad) simply because the doors are removable.

Bummer, stick on it is I guess.

 

[MilesTeg]

I never thought I'd use my keypad but I'm glad I got it, I use it quite often! It's nice to have to run out to grab something only to realize you don't have the key with you.

Yep, being able to access my car randomly just by having the code is nice. Before touch to lock, it was also nice to be able to lock the vehicle with the keypad.

I camp, hike and do water sports, and it's also very, very nice to be able to leave my key in the vehicle (hidden and in a separate lock box) instead of risking losing it when I dump myself in the lake, lol.

 

[RagnarKon]

Bummer, stick on it is I guess.

If you don't like the look, a lot of people have been sticking them behind the fuel door.

Here is a post from @BroncoSarge from a few years ago...

Mine is in the same place. I have a tiny bag that makes the key not work.

 

[Squatch]

You are correct, on some vehicles you can get hard-wired keypads. The Bronco Sport, for example, has a hard-wired keypad option (link).

But on the Bronco it has always been stick-on (even the factory-installed keypad) simply because the doors are removable.

It really is the weakest excuse since the doors have power windows and locks...

The reason is that Ford went cheap and it's pathetic.

 

[RagnarKon]

It really is the weakest excuse since the doors have power windows and locks...

The reason is that Ford went cheap and it's pathetic.

Yeah, I betcha it was a software limitation, and it didn't make sense to change it for a single vehicle, especially now that most people probably use the FordPass app instead of the keypads.

Also wouldn't be surprised if the security system freaks out if it's expecting a wired keypad to be connected and it's not. Or maybe the keypad becomes unpaired when it's disconnected. Who knows.

I do know it requires programming if you swap the wired keypads, it's not just a simple remote. So there is some brains behind it.

 

[Brian_B]

Yeah, I betcha it was a software limitation, and it didn't make sense to change it for a single vehicle, especially now that most people probably use the FordPass app instead of the keypads.

Also wouldn't be surprised if the security system freaks out if it's expecting a wired keypad to be connected and it's not. Or maybe the keypad becomes unpaired when it's disconnected. Who knows.

I do know it requires programming if you swap the wired keypads, it's not just a simple remote. So there is some brains behind it.

I’d be surprised if they aren’t the same as the wireless - just with a 12v supply instead of a button cell battery

Which makes no sense for a wired unit to use an RF signal — but perfect sense if you are a Ford engineer to just mimic your key fob…

 

[HoosierMan]

If you don't like the look, a lot of people have been sticking them behind the fuel door.

Here is a post from @BroncoSarge from a few years ago...

My current one is paint matched, so it looks decent, but will definitely move behind fuel door once my painted one quits working!

 

[Squatch]

Yeah, I betcha it was a software limitation, and it didn't make sense to change it for a single vehicle, especially now that most people probably use the FordPass app instead of the keypads.

Also wouldn't be surprised if the security system freaks out if it's expecting a wired keypad to be connected and it's not. Or maybe the keypad becomes unpaired when it's disconnected. Who knows.

I do know it requires programming if you swap the wired keypads, it's not just a simple remote. So there is some brains behind it.

It's a hardware limitation, probably, the F150s buttons are(were?) so slick and integrated with the door's B-pillar. Ford would practically have to have a much more expensive driver's door, compared to the passenger's, to make it look good.

I don't see why I'd use the FordPass app if I'm going surfing. I used the buttons to avoid getting my keys wet, so... definitely not taking my phone to get back into my vehicle.

I can take a door off an F150 and it'll still drive.... maybe? Either way, you don't need to use it to open or start an F150 if you have the keys.

Requiring programming is like any wireless device with decent security features like garage door openers, homelink, and the iffy WPS button.

At some point, Ford said "screw it" and it may even be due to the Bronco being built at MAP.

 

[Johnkn]

Mount it here today and you won't even notice it tomorrow...

.

 

[BrentC]

If you don't like the look, a lot of people have been sticking them behind the fuel door.

Here is a post from @BroncoSarge from a few years ago...

That’s where I put mine - no issues.

 

[BrentC]

Mount it here today and you won't even notice it tomorrow...

.

That’s also a good location! Well done.

 

[JohnnyX]

Sometimes I wonder if Ford uses the products they sell... this is an adventure vehicle. It goes over any terrain -- and hopefully to places where there is no cell phone coverage. It's nice to have a way to lock up when fishing, hunting, hiking or other adventure... when members of a party split up and there is only one keyfob.

...don't get me started on the Bronco Trail App.

Dealer comp'd me a keypad and programmed it for me for free. Put it on B pillar instead of door. The tailgate can be unlocked with doors removed... for convenience if you don't have key.

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