"Dumb" key to leave in ignition

[Hot Runr Guy]

OK, I'm probably too cheap to order a Lariat-level just to get push to start, and I don't mind having the fob in my pocket, but is it feasible/possible to have a key blank cut and leave it in the ignition switch? If the fob controls all the electronics, and all the key does is allow the tumbler to turn, it might be a workable compromise.

HRG

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[jewc75]

You probably could but why would you? Key fobs can be hacked now and it would make it easier for a thief to steal.

 

[Eagle11]

Well, grasshopper the keyfob in the lower level only locks and unlocks the door, it doesn't have any control if the vehicle can start or not.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Well, grasshopper the keyfob in the lower level only locks and unlocks the door, it doesn't have any control if the vehicle can start or not.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if an XL/XLT would be able to start if the fob wasn't present.

HRG

 

[commadorebob]

Engine immobilizers are standard on all Mavericks, XL on up. But don't do that. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Providing token resistance (such as not leaving a key in the ignition) helps.

 

[paneubert]

* Your insurance agent has entered the chat *

 

[rlhdweman]

Even if you could find a sidecut key that didn't have the remote electronics, you would still have to turn it when you enter the vehicle with your remote.

 

[Eagle11]

Even if you could find a sidecut key that didn't have the remote electronics, you would still have to turn it when you enter the vehicle with your remote.

To make sure we are all on the same page Unless your Maverick has push start, there are no electronics in the Key fob.

 

[Darnon]

To make sure we are all on the same page Unless your Maverick has push start, there are no electronics in the Key fob.

It should still have a PATS RFID authentication.

So the real question for OPs idea of keeping a fully functional key fob in their pocket is what range does the PATS transceiver in the steering column have and is it sufficient to activate/read a key in the pocket?

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

It should still have a PATS RFID authentication.

So the real question for OPs idea of keeping a fully functional key fob in their pocket is what range does the PATS transceiver in the steering column have and is it sufficient to activate/read a key in the pocket?

So, I took the battery out of my 2nd fob, and the vehicle would still start with a (fairly) dumb key. Not sure if the vehicle is still sensing something within the (un-powered) fob? I haven't yet removed the roll pin to release the key itself from the fob, may try that some other time.

HRG

 

[paneubert]

So, I took the battery out of my 2nd fob, and the vehicle would still start with a (fairly) dumb key. Not sure if the vehicle is still sensing something within the (un-powered) fob? I haven't yet removed the roll pin to release the key itself from the fob, may try that some other time.

HRG

I think the chip literally INSIDE the metal portion of the key does not require it's own power source within the key or fob. It is most likely powered by the ignition somehow. How do I know? I have bought "dumb" key blanks that do not have a battery at all. The battery in the fob is for the fob buttons to lock and unlock, not to power the anti-theft chip in the key.

Especially if @Darnon 's mention of RFID is accurate. RFID transmitters do not have their own power source. Receiver/reader provides the power via induction to the antenna in the un-powered chip/card/user held item, etc.....

 

[jsus]

So, I took the battery out of my 2nd fob, and the vehicle would still start with a (fairly) dumb key. Not sure if the vehicle is still sensing something within the (un-powered) fob? I haven't yet removed the roll pin to release the key itself from the fob, may try that some other time.

HRG

The key's battery is for the remote functionality (lock/unlock/alarm/remote start if applicable). SecuriLock, Ford's PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) system, relies on an RFID chip inside the plastic housing of the key. That RFID chip does not require a battery. Even if the key battery dies, the vehicle can still be started.

Back before they integrated the remote fob into the key, they had a black plastic head on the key that included just this basic RFID functionality, and no battery. Would've looked similar to this:

All of this remains true on a Lariat with push-button start - there is a backup location to place the key to start the vehicle in case of a dead fob battery. Of course, that fob usually uses the battery to enable you to keep the fob in a pocket/purse/wherever, but the backup relies on similar tech that does not require battery power in the key.

 

[Eagle11]

So, I took the battery out of my 2nd fob, and the vehicle would still start with a (fairly) dumb key. Not sure if the vehicle is still sensing something within the (un-powered) fob? I haven't yet removed the roll pin to release the key itself from the fob, may try that some other time.

HRG

As I wrote, in the XL and XLT without push start the Key Fob hasn't helped to start it. Why do you want to leave a dummy key in the ignition?

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

As I wrote, in the XL and XLT without push start the Key Fob hasn't helped to start it. Why do you want to leave a dummy key in the ignition?

In my pea-brain, being able to leave the fob in my pocket, and just turn a key left in the steering column is as close to a push to start button as I can get, without paying for a Lariat.

HRG

 

[Ranch]

In my pea-brain, being able to leave the fob in my pocket, and just turn a key left in the steering column is as close to a push to start button as I can get, without paying for a Lariat.

HRG

I think I understand your goal now.

You want to know if you could have a "plain" no button key that you could leave in the lock cylinder/switch and do a "twist to start" instead of a "push to start" with the Fob in your pocket.

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