Key fob wearing out?

[pboggini]

Has anyone had their key fob buttons stop working consistently? For my 2019, I’ve consistently used one and in the last few months it seems to take many presses for the unlock button to work. I checked the battery voltage and it’s 3.12 volts so the battery is fine. I pulled the contacts out some to make sure it’s making good contact but it still seems to not always respond to clicks.

Do these things just wear out? Never had a remote have this issue that wasn’t solved by a battery swap because the battery voltage was low. The other remote seems to work just fine all the time. Thinking I might need to purchase a new one. Adding a third is easier than adding a second.

Sponsored

 

[Motorpsychology]

Has anyone had their key fob buttons stop working consistently? For my 2019, I’ve consistently used one and in the last few months it seems to take many presses for the unlock button to work. I checked the battery voltage and it’s 3.12 volts so the battery is fine. I pulled the contacts out some to make sure it’s making good contact but it still seems to not always respond to clicks.

Do these things just wear out? Never had a remote have this issue that wasn’t solved by a battery swap because the battery voltage was low. The other remote seems to work just fine all the time. Thinking I might need to purchase a new one. Adding a third is easier than adding a second.

I'll defer to @airline tech or @ControlNode, but even if the fob battery is showing good, try replacing it with the other fob's battery and see if that helps. If it doesn't, then something in the fob is faulty. You say your other fob works fine so it isn't a problem with the truck.

 

[AzScorpion]

I've never had a problem with my '19 in the 4 years I had it. If you need a new fob you can get one reasonable from the link below. There's a link on their site that shows how to program it but I tried this (I have the second remote from my '19) with my '23 and it didn't work for me. Most dealers will do this for you too.

https://northcoastkeyless.com/produ...ob-remote-start-fcc-n5f-a08tda-p-n-164-r8134/

https://northcoastkeyless.com/2019-ford-ranger-keyless-entry-remote-fob-programming-instructions/

 

[pboggini]

I should have mentioned that I have replaced the battery too to no avail. Just hoping that maybe someone else has run into this with an inventive solution but fearing I need to get another. Thanks for the links on purchase. Will compare to what my parts friend can do.

 

[ControlNode]

I've not had an issue everywhere, but there are places that seem to have interference, and it doesn't work without holding the key right to the window. I suspect some illegal RF interference, one of the places is a theater.

Not much in the fob is really serviceable, other than battery and to just clean it and reassemble, I would test if the other fob when you are having the issues with one, just to rule out environmental interference.

 

[got3fords]

I would try to see if I could disassemble to where I can access the button side and try cleaning in and around the buttons/switches where they attach to the circuit board.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

As others have said, cleaning it might help. You might want to use some electronic contact cleaner on the internals.

 

[Radioman]

As others have said, cleaning it might help. You might want to use some electronic contact cleaner on the internals.

Also could use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. Remove battery first.

 

[Craig]

Has anyone had their key fob buttons stop working consistently? For my 2019, I’ve consistently used one and in the last few months it seems to take many presses for the unlock button to work. I checked the battery voltage and it’s 3.12 volts so the battery is fine. I pulled the contacts out some to make sure it’s making good contact but it still seems to not always respond to clicks.

Do these things just wear out? Never had a remote have this issue that wasn’t solved by a battery swap because the battery voltage was low. The other remote seems to work just fine all the time. Thinking I might need to purchase a new one. Adding a third is easier than adding a second.

If you need a new one the way to go is to get one on amazon then take it to a lock smith an have them program it, about half the price of the ealr

 

[JimJa]

A car alarm dealer once told me the main cause for a remote fault is moisture in your pocket. Over time your body moisture effects the remote's ability to function properly. I've never had the problem, it's always been the battery. If true, replacement might be the only fix.

As for distance, was to hold the remote up to your head when pressing a button. Thought for sure it was a, yeah, right, kind of thing, but it actually increases distance a measurable amount. My wife tells me it's my hollow head that does it. I know better than to argue with her.

 

[wickkid]

Also could use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. Remove battery first.

If you use isopropyl alcohol, make sure it's 91%. The balance is water, so the common 70% has too much water!

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

Many remote button problems (TV remotes included) are caused by dirty switch contacts. Clean with isopropyl on a q-tip.

Sponsored