Key recognition problem, interior.

[Dan B.]

Howdy, everyone.
Last week I took my wife’s 2022 BD to the dealership for a state inspection sticker, trailer towing harness installation, and a recall for a software update involving the wiper motor.
Since then, I can no longer have the key fob in my pocket to start the truck, and my wife can no longer leave her key in her purse. The dash dings and says, “no key detected.” The keys must be removed and waved around before it recognizes them and you can push the start button.
If I return the key to my pocket and start driving, it will alert me again in a few seconds. If I stop and turn it off it will say “restart now or key is needed.” I took it back to the dealer Monday and they messed with this and that, but said they couldn’t do anything without both keys present.
I brought it back to the dealer today where they ran a key re-initialization on both keys and said it’s all good, sorry for the inconvenience.
Nope. Still no joy, but I didn’t know it at the time because I had one key fob out when I started it upon leaving the dealership.
I’ll be calling them again first thing in the morning.
Has anyone experienced this issue, and if so, what did the dealer do to resolve it?
Thanks very much, and thanks for a great forum!
Dan

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[Mako]

If you have had the doors off and not gotten the harness connector seated properly , this happens. I first noticed it a while back. Check your door harnesses, unplug them and re-seat them. This also applies to windows that don't seat fully. I have had this happen.

 

[flip]

Fob batteries would be the first suspect but we had one that would not start if the fob was in certain places. We threw several things at it but never cured the problem. Some are really fickle about where the fob is, some aren't. Not going to go into great detail but fob in the back seat, center, may or may not start, fob between front seats at or above shoulder level or sitting on top of dash, may or may not always start.

 

[helifino16]

I get that message when the fob is in the same pocket as my phone.

 

[PowerBronco]

Any chance something didn't get hooked back up correctly as part of the wiper motor update?

 

[Dan B.]

I get this every once and a while. Sometime even after the bronco is running and in park. I dismiss it as interference. Remember the sensor for the FOB is at the bottom of the center console. If the FOB battery is dead, you can place it in the FOB space hidden below the bottom liner of the center console.

This isn’t a “sometimes” thing. It happened immediately after the software flash for the recall. And there is no way I’m putting the key fob in the bottom of the console when I need to drive the rig. It stays in my pocket. Period. Otherwise, what’s the benefit of keyless proximity entry and starting? Please read OP for specifics.

If you have had the doors off and not gotten the harness connector seated properly , this happens. I first noticed it a while back. Check your door harnesses, unplug them and re-seat them. This also applies to windows that don't seat fully. I have had this happen.

I‘ve never removed the doors, but I’ll check the connector plugs anyway. Thanks!

Fob batteries would be the first suspect but we had one that would not start if the fob was in certain places. We threw several things at it but never cured the problem. Some are really fickle about where the fob is, some aren't. Not going to go into great detail but fob in the back seat, center, may or may not start, fob between front seats at or above shoulder level or sitting on top of dash, may or may not always start.

Batteries were replaced. It happens with both fobs. The truck has never been fickle about recognizing the keys. And for what it’s worth, when my wife takes it to work her key fob is clipped inside her purse, her purse is inside a leather backpack, and she puts the backpack in the backseat. Never an issue once with key recognition or failure to start. My fob stays in my pocket. Never an issue there either, except when my cell phone is in the same pocket. I learned that the day I got the truck two years ago and keep my phone in a different pocket. This has never been an issue before the dealer worked on the truck last week.

I get that message when the fob is in the same pocket as my phone.

Me too, and I actually told the service manager that. The only time there has ever been an issue is when my key fob was in the same pocket as my cell phone. It definitely is a thing.

Any chance something didn't get hooked back up correctly as part of the wiper motor update?

It was my understanding that the only thing the recall was was a software flash for the wiper motors.
Thanks for the replies. I’m still hoping someone else has had this issue crop up after dealer service and will chime in. And for the record, it’s getting worse and not better.

 

[PowerBronco]

It was my understanding that the only thing the recall was was a software flash for the wiper motors.

I know the update requires the wiring harness for the wiper motor to be disconnected during the update under the steering column cover. Given this came on suddenly after this update, that is where I would be looking first. It seems possible that something didn't get reconnected properly.

 

[flip]

This isn’t a “sometimes” thing. It happened immediately after the software flash for the recall. And there is no way I’m putting the key fob in the bottom of the console when I need to drive the rig. It stays in my pocket. Period. Otherwise, what’s the benefit of keyless proximity entry and starting? Please read OP for specifics.



I‘ve never removed the doors, but I’ll check the connector plugs anyway. Thanks!



Batteries were replaced. It happens with both fobs. The truck has never been fickle about recognizing the keys. And for what it’s worth, when my wife takes it to work her key fob is clipped inside her purse, her purse is inside a leather backpack, and she puts the backpack in the backseat. Never an issue once with key recognition or failure to start. My fob stays in my pocket. Never an issue there either, except when my cell phone is in the same pocket. I learned that the day I got the truck two years ago and keep my phone in a different pocket. This has never been an issue before the dealer worked on the truck last week.



Me too, and I actually told the service manager that. The only time there has ever been an issue is when my key fob was in the same pocket as my cell phone. It definitely is a thing.



It was my understanding that the only thing the recall was was a software flash for the wiper motors.
Thanks for the replies. I’m still hoping someone else has had this issue crop up after dealer service and will chime in. And for the record, it’s getting worse and not better.

Well, nothing surprises me anymore with software updates. If they run a test and don't come back with any codes, the manual basically says to try a new fob. The problem is the pin point test is structured for a doesn't work, not really for this type of situation.

I've tried to find a tester from a locksmith supply company that will test fob signal strength but even if that's acceptable compared to other fobs, it just means it's not the fobs. You have 5 receiver sensors in the vehicle, one near each tail light, one in the center console and one behind the "B" pillar trim/seat belt area.

We replaced the BCM assuming it was either not providing correct signal to or from one or more of those "antennas'. It didn't help. No way to test the individual antennas but we knew wiring to all of the sensors was good to the BCM.

I believe something happened but what what was done for the wiper recall didn't have any influence on the wireless start system. Now, did an OTA happen around the same time when it hit the dealer's wi-fi which messed with one of the modules? Possibly. I'd have to look at your VHR to see if there's anything obvious.

One thing to try is hold your fob near the seat belt about chest level. If it starts every time without fail, it tells me the issue you're having is similar to what we did and changing parts isn't going to help. It's likely a software issue. If you DM me your VIN I can look at the VHR and your module software to see if there are any updates for the BCM any of the door modules or something else. I'm going to be bugging out soon so it may be Monday before I get back with you. At least it may help you narrow down some things or give you some additional info to share with the dealer.

 

[Dan B.]

Well, nothing surprises me anymore with software updates. If they run a test and don't come back with any codes, the manual basically says to try a new fob. The problem is the pin point test is structured for a doesn't work, not really for this type of situation.

I've tried to find a tester from a locksmith supply company that will test fob signal strength but even if that's acceptable compared to other fobs, it just means it's not the fobs. You have 5 receiver sensors in the vehicle, one near each tail light, one in the center console and one behind the "B" pillar trim/seat belt area.

We replaced the BCM assuming it was either not providing correct signal to or from one or more of those "antennas'. It didn't help. No way to test the individual antennas but we knew wiring to all of the sensors was good to the BCM.

I believe something happened but what what was done for the wiper recall didn't have any influence on the wireless start system. Now, did an OTA happen around the same time when it hit the dealer's wi-fi which messed with one of the modules? Possibly. I'd have to look at your VHR to see if there's anything obvious.

One thing to try is hold your fob near the seat belt about chest level. If it starts every time without fail, it tells me the issue you're having is similar to what we did and changing parts isn't going to help. It's likely a software issue. If you DM me your VIN I can look at the VHR and your module software to see if there are any updates for the BCM any of the door modules or something else. I'm going to be bugging out soon so it may be Monday before I get back with you. At least it may help you narrow down some things or give you some additional info to share with the dealer.

Thanks very much, I really appreciate that. When I get back home tonight I’ll PM you the VIN. There is no rush, I appreciate you doing this. Especially in this busiest of seasons!
Thanks for your knowledge, you’ve clearly been around this track before.

 

[Dan B.]

I’d like to thank @flip again for the help. He pulled up my info and provided some great information that I’m confident will lead to a fix.
It is much appreciated, and forum members who take valuable time out of their day to help others is a beautiful thing. I hope karma smiles upon you, man.
The dealership booked me in for tomorrow afternoon. I’ll update this as I go. Fingers crossed!

 

[Dan B.]

The issue is finally resolved, and not to sound like a broken record but mad thanks to @flip for his help in solving this issue.
The key fob antenna behind the panel in the left rear cargo area (panel was removed to install a trailer towing harness) was unplugged. The dealer basically just kept re-initializing the keys over three visits and told me it was good. This last time, I took the service manager out to the truck and put my key fob in my pocket, where it failed to be recognized. I said, “nope, it’s still f’cked“ and then took him to the rear of the Bronco after locking it to show him that my key fob would not unlock the rear tailgate. I told him again, not too tactfully this time, to pull it back in and check the antenna harness behind the panel where they worked on the wiring. He said ok and came back about 20 minutes later and told me I was right, the harness was unplugged. The issue is resolved and everything works fine now.
So if you have a trailer towing harness installed and your keys aren’t recognized afterward, then this is probably going to be your fix.
Thanks again for everyone’s help and responses, especially @flip .

 

[Chrome_Pony]

Yeah, the modules are easy to forget, I've done it with a sub install. Really annoying for the week before I went back in to fix it.

 

[PowerBronco]

While this sounds like a frustrating issue, I'm glad it was just something that didn't get plugged back in correctly.

 

[Wathoff24]

Glad you figured it all out and it had nothing to do with your Fobs stuck up your liberal ass. Thanks for your f’in bullshit response to me when I was just trying to help…ass.

 

[orion]

The issue is finally resolved, and not to sound like a broken record but mad thanks to @flip for his help in solving this issue.
The key fob antenna behind the panel in the left rear cargo area (panel was removed to install a trailer towing harness) was unplugged. The dealer basically just kept re-initializing the keys over three visits and told me it was good. This last time, I took the service manager out to the truck and put my key fob in my pocket, where it failed to be recognized. I said, “nope, it’s still f’cked“ and then took him to the rear of the Bronco after locking it to show him that my key fob would not unlock the rear tailgate. I told him again, not too tactfully this time, to pull it back in and check the antenna harness behind the panel where they worked on the wiring. He said ok and came back about 20 minutes later and told me I was right, the harness was unplugged. The issue is resolved and everything works fine now.
So if you have a trailer towing harness installed and your keys aren’t recognized afterward, then this is probably going to be your fix.
Thanks again for everyone’s help and responses, especially @flip .

I wonder if this guy and the mechanics felt like dumbasses afterwards? Probably not in this day and age. They probably didn't give it two thoughts...

Customer service and pride in work are very, very rare these days.

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