Keyless entry sensors don't always work?

[JACKSMYDOG]

So at first I didn't really grasp how AWESOME this feature is. I would often reach for my key fob to unlock the doors as I approached my Ranger, sometimes with full hands and put items on the tonneau cover to get the fob from my pocket. Then I realized I just have to grab the handle in a natural fashion and voila, the doors unlock. I LOVE IT!!! What a great feature, very convenient. I'm also finding that it's not 100% though. Sometimes it just doesn't work at all. I'll grab the handle as normal and nothing. I'll adjust my grasp, switch hands, try a different door, still nothing. I've even then tried the lock function on the handle and can hear the solenoid engage the lock feature, switch to unlock and again, nothing?

I always lock the door the same way using the electronic lock button on the inside door panel when I am leaving the truck, I never use the fob or lock sensor on the outside handle, yet sometimes, the unlock feature seems to be deactivated?

What am I missing?

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[WV_Ranger]

Just spitballing here but mine seemed to do that when the fob battery was not long for this earth. But that may just be coincidence

 

[Loweredon33s]

Mine seems to dislike below freezing temperatures. Mine turned off for like a month last winter. I think it’s because the vehicle battery is weak and in the cold it turns off features to protect itself.

 

[AzScorpion]

Sounds like the trucks battery is on it's way out. Mine started that way with the intelligent access not working. Had the battery checked and sure enough that was it.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

Doesn't seem to be outside temp related. It worked last week parked outside at -19C over night at work, then didn't work in my garage today at +9C.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

If it's a weak battery in either the fob or truck, I would assume neither lock or unlock sensors would be active, but every time it's happened, the lock sensors work fine.

I've even used the fob to unlock it in those events. Then without opening the door tried the sensors again, and they both work fine with multiple lock/unlocks cycles. No hesitation at all.

 

[AzScorpion]

If it's a weak battery in either the fob or truck, I would assume neither lock or unlock sensors would be active, but every time it's happened, the lock sensors work fine.

I've even used the fob to unlock it in those events. Then without opening the door tried the sensors again, and they both work fine with multiple lock/unlocks cycles. No hesitation at all.

I'd still check with batteries because that seems to have been the culprit for myself and others.

Either that or yours is just possessed and needs an exorcism.

 

[AzScorpion]

Steve @IdahoRanger just replaced his fob battery here and has pics of the correct battery to replace it with.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I'd still check with batteries because that seems to have been the culprit for myself and others.

Either that or yours is just possessed and needs an exorcism.

I will indeed check the batteries, I have a brand new spare for the fob.

The truck battery is only 2 years old, and hasn't shown any of signs hesitation or degradation yet. I don't have a load tester available, but may schedule a dealer appointment to have it checked in a few months when my work contract is complete and I have more time.

 

[AzScorpion]

I will indeed check the batteries, I have a brand new spare for the fob.

The truck battery is only 2 years old, and hasn't shown any of signs hesitation or degradation yet. I don't have a load tester available, but may schedule a dealer appointment to have it checked in a few months when my work contract is complete and I have more time.

If you have an Autozone (or something similar) by you they can test them for you for free too. Better than trying to get an appointment and wasting half a day sitting around the dealership. Good Luck!

 

[mtsoxfan]

There have been a few times when I was too quick to open door. As in, pull handle to open like it was unlocked. Mine needs a splt second or so to recognize that I am unlocking door.

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