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Weird small metal "key" in sealed envelope

deej

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Can anyone help identify this? I found it in a sealed envelope in the glovebox of my new Maverick Lariat Ecoboost, and so far have not been successful finding information in the manual or online.

Ford Maverick Weird small metal "key" in sealed envelope 1678391589326
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Flight Test

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Too bad that key is not flattened at the end, you could open a can of sardines with it.
 

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JohnHartshorn

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I remember someone posting about it awhile back. Something to do with emergency towing as I recall. Locks the transmission in neutral and or keeps the brakes off.

Found this video. I think it's Russian, but it does have to do with locking neutral.

 
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paneubert

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I remember someone posting about it awhile back. Something to do with emergency towing as I recall. Locks the transmission in neutral and or keeps the brakes off.
Yep, pretty much like it says on the envelope. I think you bust open the panel below the 12v outlet in the dash (the flat area where you could lay down your cell phone) and there is a hole to stick that key to lock it into Neutral.

I think on the Hybrid, they claim there is a little cloth rip-cord you pull on to do the same thing. But on the Ecoboost it takes a little metal paper clip ;)

This is all from memory, so some of what I said might be slightly off.
 
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deej

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Yep, pretty much like it says on the envelope. I think you bust open the panel below the 12v outlet in the dash (the flat area where you could lay down your cell phone) and there is a hole to stick that key to lock it into Neutral.

I think on the Hybrid, they claim there is a little cloth rip-cord you pull on to do the same thing. But on the Ecoboost it takes a little metal paper clip ;)

This is all from memory, so some of what I said might be slightly off.
Nothing in there on mine:

Ford Maverick Weird small metal "key" in sealed envelope 1678393834813


Ford Maverick Weird small metal "key" in sealed envelope 1678393847681
 

paneubert

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Nothing in there on mine:

1678393834813.webp


1678393847681.webp
Whats the large black fabric looking thing poking out near the top left? Is it just a sheathing for those wires?

Maybe you have the fabric pull strap version.

Or Ford expects you to take the little metal paperclip and just start stabbing at your undercarriage. Who knows.

I am also sort of recalling that there might be something in the bottom of the center console storage. Between your seats. But that might be for dealing with the "MyKey" features where you can stick a key in a slot in there and......do things.
 
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deej

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Whats the large black fabric looking thing poking out near the top left? Is it just a sheathing for those wires?
Yes, it is just a wiring harness.


I am also sort of recalling that there might be something in the bottom of the center console storage. Between your seats. But that might be for dealing with the "MyKey" features where you can stick a key in a slot in there and......do things.
There is an indentation there for programming/reprogramming more FOBs.
 
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paneubert

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Tiger Dude

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The compartment is for releasing the parking brake ("if equipped").

The key isn't mentioned in the owner's manual at all in conjunction with the word "neutral." Maybe it's in the service manual.

Edited to add: Well duh it says see the service manual.
 

Rivers90

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Should all Mavericks get one of these key things? I don't think I got one. Is it Lariat only?
 
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deej

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Edited to add: Well duh it says see the service manual.
It does indeed, which of course I don't have. :) Hopefully someone on here has one and can let us know what the thing is and how to use it. Does seem weird to have this in the vehicle with no mention in the Owner's manual as to what it is. I might even stop by the dealer to ask if no one here knows.
 

GPSMan

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You stick that in the front bumper to attach the tow rope to. 😉

Seriously, my Honda Insight came with a larger version exactly for that!
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