2019 Ranger Won't Start w/ Key - Does Start w/ App (Satellite)

[Dan Root]

Completely random, but I walked out to start the truck and noticed it wouldn't unlock. I had both keys on me, tried both. Absolutely zero sign of anything. Used key to open driver door, turned key in ignition (mine is not a push-start) and nothing. Not a light, noise, or anything. Was COMPLETELY non-responsive. I sat thinking what the issue was, because I didn't leave any lights on and I had only been inside for about 30 minutes before coming back out - so I tried opening the Fordpass app on my phone and used the start button in the app. It started fine. Then I put the key in and it acknowledged me and is fine now.

Does anyone have any idea what the heck just happened and have pointers for me to prevent this down the road?

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[CB750F]

Holy crap!
I work in IT & I really hate/dislike this tech shit.
Where's my ox & plow?

 

[BS67]

Definitely a gremlin got in there for a moment!

 

[Dan Root]

Been working fine since I posted. Used the key to unlock / start it a dozen or so times since I posted without issue. My only concern is this happening when I park in the garage because the Satellite signal won’t get the truck started in there so I will be screwed if that’s where it happens.

??‍

 

[Jason B]

I don't think it is a satellite signal, but a cell phone signal thru AT&T. If you can get cell service there, the app should work.

 

[Dan Root]

Interesting. Is there any confirmation on this? That would make sense. I have tried it when it was in the garage with the door open and still did not have luck. Never had any issue when it was in the driveway. I have AT&T cell service on my iPhone and it works fine in my area. ??‍

 

[Dan Root]

On another note.. I got this today. Lovely.

 

[Jason B]

Wild guess but have your battery and charging system checked out.
At 4 years old, you are reaching the battery's lifetime.

 

[got3fords]

You just need an internet connection via wifi or cell service for the app start vehicle, lock doors etc to work.

 

[MrBirdman330]

Electrical issue, most likely dying battery, possible Alternator may not be sufficiently charging and or you have a parasite draw.

 

[Gazmic]

I have a pushbutton start so this may or may not apply to your situation. If my key is near a bluetooth device, the key is not recognized until i put some space between the device and my key. I believe this has been brought up in previous threads but worth a thought.

 

[ppfd]

LoL
Happened to me last night. Tried to start with the key, no go.
Will start with the key fob. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to run, truck just dies.
Nothing.
Start with the fob, put the key in, turn to run.
Dead again.

 

[HDA]

Change the stock battery, it's given many members on here troubles. Maybe it will fix this issue? Although that would be so weird, since it does start via the app.

The dealership will change it free of charge if it's under 60k miles I believe. Mine had 29k.

Have you tried both key fobs? They stock key's have computer chips in them.
All this electrical crap is a pain in the ass.

 

[ryday]

Had that happen once last year, luckily I was in the driveway. I didn't even think of trying the app. I pulled the battery thinking it the most likely, took it to be tested and it was fine, charge was there so we knew the battery was fine. Went home and hooked it back up and everything was fine till today.

Today was a bit different. I had just filled up and got in to leave the station. Lights on, dashboard on, put the key in the ignition and everything goes dark. No lights no bing of the key in the ignition, turn the key and nothing. Doesn't respond to the fob and again didn't think about the app but I wondered about a reset by unplugging the battery kinda like last time. I do keep some tools in the truck so I dug out my socket set and popped the hood. Disconnect both sides and let it sit for a minute before reconnecting. Once the positive touched I saw the headlight flash and heard that whir/click that the rangers do and I was good to go.

Definitely plan on asking Ford about it next time I'm in.

 

[Synfulz]

Had same issue on our Everest. Randomly just dead, 10 minutes later start right up. So put new battery and zero issues. That has been almost a year now since battery change.

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