Truck did not start (didn't recognize fob) - too cold?

[CP0861]

I had my fob in the truck overnight. Come out this morning and the truck wouldn't start. It did not detect the fob even though it was literally on the dash (it was kept in the storage behind the shifter overnight). After 3 or 4 different attempts and just as I was about to go with plan b (my other car), it finally started.

We had a frost this morning....it was probably in the low 30's this morning, but nothing crazy. All of the windows were up.

The colder temp is the only thing I could possibly think of. But this has never happened before and this will be my 2nd fall/winter with the truck. I live in a secluded spot and keep my keys in my vehicles most of the time.

So was it the temp? Are they that sensitive? New batteries already?

If not, I just had transmission work done (23-2250 TSB valve body) 2 weeks ago....could it be related to anything they did?

Sponsored

 

[Sharky]

could be the fob battery

 

[bostonburner]

If you have the push to start key try placing it in the cup holder and see if the truck starts. This is detailed in the owners manual. If the truck starts then you have a dead battery in the FOB.

 

[CP0861]

Thanks bostonburner for mentioning "the owners manual"!!! Haha.

I just read this from the manual:

KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The system may not function if the
intelligent access key is close to metal
objects or electronic devices, for example
keys or a cell phone.

And then I realized that the key was probably under my metal wallet thingy. I have a metal clip with a rubber band that I use as a wallet. I think it might even have RFID blocking....so that's almost certainly the culprit. I'm just surprised it hasn't happened before. Interesting.

 

[bostonburner]

Thanks bostonburner for mentioning "the owners manual"!!! Haha.

I just read this from the manual:

KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The system may not function if the
intelligent access key is close to metal
objects or electronic devices, for example
keys or a cell phone.

And then I realized that the key was probably under my metal wallet thingy. I have a metal clip with a rubber band that I use as a wallet. I think it might even have RFID blocking....so that's almost certainly the culprit. I'm just surprised it hasn't happened before. Interesting.

Glad I could help! Hahaha Thats definitely a new one.
I've had a key not present warning with the key in my pocket and a semi low battery, you might need a battery in a few weeks/months.

 

[airline tech]

Might be this

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/mysterious-no-start-magically-starts-issue.26553/

 

[canyonslicker]

I had the same problem when it was cold. I had my metal coffee cup on top of the key fob sensor. It took a few minutes to figure out. It was the only once and when it was cold. It didn’t happen when warm with the cup in the same place.. very odd.

Sponsored